Jesus was Transfigured

And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only. And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead. Matthew 17:1-9

Steps: 3, 11, 12

Jesus continues to prepare, and to prepare His disciples for His crucifixtion and resurrection. Jesus needs encouragement and His Father sends men who have experienced rejection, disappointment, and human censure. They encourage Jesus and then the Father Himself speaks to Jesus and to His disciples. The Father states that Jesus is His Son and tells the disciples that it is safe o listen to Him. Now all doubt should be removed because God Himself has spoken. In effect the disciples see a mini version of God’s kingdom. They see Jesus glorified, they hear the Father speak, and then they see Elijah – a type of all those who do not die before Jesus comes, and Moses who did die, and was resurrected, a symbol of all those who have died. Then Jesus tells the disciples to tell no one about this event until Jesus is resurrected from the dead. All of this to prepare Jesus and His disciples for the traumatic events of Calvary

Prayer for Today: God if the disciples needed all of this encouragement, we certainly need it as well. Help us to trust that You know our needs and that You are willing to help us with encouragement specially tailored to our needs. Help us to develop an experience with You so that no matter what it is that happens we will be in tune with You. Thank You for being willing to help us so often and so specifically for our needs and issues.