Who is Jesus?

2 Peter 1:16-21

The Transfiguration has never had the prominence that Christmas or Easter has in our western church. Yet, it is what occurred on that
mountain in front of the witnesses, Peter, James and John, that addresses the question of Jesus’ identity. Ever since the beginning of Jesus’ ministry the question continued to arise: Who is this who heals the sick, restores dead back to life, controls the wind and the sea, and forgives sins? Who is this?

Daily, Peter, James and John walked dusty roads and ate meals with Jesus, and now his face is shining “like the sun” and his clothes are “dazzling white.” This would have been mind boggling. No, it’s not a vision. People don’t have the same vision exactly at the same time. What they saw was real, and Peter testifies to it in today’s Epistle reading. This is reality.

They had seen Jesus as the man, the man who could do great things, but this, the transfiguration is something totally different. Perhaps Peter’s very human offer to do something to preserve the moment is understandable. How frequently do we, like Peter, only see Christ as a moral gentle teacher and miss his transfigured image that reveals him as God’s beloved Son? God called them as he does you and me, to recognise Jesus Christ as God’s “Son the Beloved.” And what’s more, there is a command directly from God “listen to him!”

Prayer – Lord, forgive us when we reduce your Son to only a friendly human teacher. Keep us ever mindful of the revelation of Christ’s divine glory as your beloved Son and light to the world. Amen

Pastor Darryl

Photo by Vicky Sim on Unsplash