Today’s Reading: Matthew 17:1-13

Six days later, Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. — Matthew 17:1

What a privilege it was for these three disciples to journey up the mountain with Jesus. Scripture does not tell us why these three were chosen, or why the others were not invited to be a part of this moment. We only know that these three, who had been with Jesus since the beginning of his ministry, were with Jesus that day as he walked up the mountain. These three who had left their jobs and their families to follow Jesus were now about to experience something amazing.

THEY KEPT THEIR EYES ON JESUS AND EXPERIENCED GOD.

There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. – Matthew 17:2-3

WOW! What an experience for these three disciples. They were chosen by Jesus for this moment in history, and they watched intently, careful not to miss a moment. Right before their eyes, the appearance of Jesus was transformed so that his face shone like the sun and his clothes became as white as light.

As the appearance of Jesus transformed, I imagine the faith of these three men changed rapidly. If they had any doubt that Jesus was who he said he was, that doubt was now gone. If they were tempted to go back to their old way of life, that thought was no longer an option. They had seen the heavenly appearance of Jesus and they would never be the same.

THEY PAID ATTENTION AND THEY WERE TRANSFORMED.

Don’t you wonder what Elijah, Moses and Jesus were talking about? It was believed by the Jews that Elijah would return before the Messiah appeared, and here he was. Jesus had come to fulfill the law, and here was the prophet Moses who had brought the law down from the mountain on tablets of stone. The law, the prophets and Jesus standing in conversation with each other. What an incredible moment. Not knowing what else to say, Peter made this awkward yet sincere statement: “Lord, it’s wonderful for us to be here! If you want, I’ll make three shelters as memorials — one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

But even as he spoke, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to him.” — Matthew 17:4-5

The disciples were terrified and fell face down on the ground. But Jesus once again gave them the strength to get up and overcome their fear. He told them not to tell anyone what they had seen until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead, but they did not understand.

Pay attention. Listen. You have been chosen for this moment; you have a calling on your life. Open your eyes and see that Jesus is Lord; open your ears and listen to what he is saying. You may not understand everything that is happening in your life but trust the God who knows it all and has a plan in place. When he leads you to the mountain, follow him. When he invites you to spend time alone with him, pursue his invitation and you will experience God in a new way. When he asks you to wait for understanding, trust him.