A glimpse of glory

 A Glimpse of Glory

Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light.

MATTHEW 17:1-2

We saw his majestic splendour with our own eyes when he received honour and glory from God the Father. The voice from the majestic glory of God said to him, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” We ourselves heard that voice from heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain. Because of that experience, we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets.

2 PETER 1:16-19

Sometimes when we’re doing something scary, we lose our confidence. That’s why it helps to have someone stronger assure us, “You’ll be fine. I’m right here. I’ll catch you if you fall.”

Jesus told his disciples that he was going to Jerusalem, where he would be killed. That news must have been overwhelming and heartbreaking to the disciples — not at all what they’d had in mind when they left everything to follow Jesus. Six days later, Jesus took Peter, James, and John up on a high mountain. Perhaps Jesus knew they needed a confidence boost so they could accept this difficult message and the tough times that were coming.

So Jesus gave them a glimpse of his glory. It was as if he said, “Look at me,” knowing that seeing him in all his real glory was what they needed to face their fears. Jesus let them see the powerful, radiant glory that had been poured into his flesh when he came to earth as a baby. They could see him for who he really is, and it made them want to stay there with him and worship him. But instead they followed their Master down the mountain and toward the Cross. And years later they could say that this experience gave them greater confidence in the truth and power of the gospel.