Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. 3 Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.

A couple of the sports teams I follow have a “Ring of Honor” around the inside rim of their stadiums. Where hundreds, if not thousands, of athletes have donned the team’s uniform over the years, only a select few get their name and number hoisted up and displayed in this esteemed spot.

The story of The Transfiguration is a similar situation. First, a select group of disciples (Peter, James, and John) were taken up the mountain by Jesus to witness this incredible event. And then, these three saw Jesus not only change in appearance, but also be joined by Moses and Elijah. Their friend and Lord stood briefly alongside Moses, the giver of the Old Testament Law, and Elijah, the greatest Prophet. It seemed that Jesus had made it to elite company. Peter started talking about making three booths, so that Jesus could dwell forever with his spiritual peers. That is until God got a little more involved, and confirmed the identity of Jesus as THE Son of God. And Jesus then stood there alone for the disciples’ adoration.

The Law and the Prophets are important things for us to learn and master, but only as they point us to Jesus, the honorable Son of God.

Prayer

Dear Lord, help me to study Your word today to see how it will keep my sights keenly focused on the Word that give us life in Your Son Jesus, my Lord and Savior. Amen.