Transfiguration
Exodus 24:12-18; Psalm 2; 2 Peter 1:16-21; Matthew 17:1-9
The location of the transfiguration passage, in the context of Matthew’s narrative about Jesus’ ministry, is interesting. Verse one opens with “six days later.” Well, six days before, Jesus told the disciples that “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me (Mt. 16:24; NRSV).” This declaration about the cost of discipleship comes after Peter correctly acknowledges that Jesus is the Messiah (16:16) but gets flustered after Jesus reveals the suffering, death, and resurrection to come(verse 21) – “God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you (verse 22).” What Peter hears in the next verse is uncomfortable, to say the least – “Get Behind me, Satan! “
Therefore, it is worth wondering why Jesus takes Peter, James, and John to the top of a mountain after this tense exchange. These are the same disciples – the first ones – that Jesus calls and says, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people (Matthew 4:19).” Back them, these disciples immediately followed Jesus without thinking twice. Is the transfiguration scene a way to quench any hesitation they may have felt after Jesus discloses his destiny?
The disciple’s willingness to endure and survive will be paramount to spreading the gospel after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension. In 2 Peter, the church’s first leader acknowledges the experience on the top of the mountain as the assurance of Christ’s glory and power that sends them into mission. It is also fair to wonder if the Exodus scripture’s memory depicting Moses’s sole encounter with God at Mount Sinai somewhat influenced how Peter, James, and John reacted to their own encounters.
“Happy are all who find refuge in the Lord (Psalm 2:12)!”
Bridging Faith 