Son of Man
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
1 After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. 3 Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. 4 Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” (Matthew 17:1-5)
Prior to the transfiguration event described in Matthew 17, Jesus had important teaching moments with his disciples. He had warned them against the evil that was mixed into the teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees. He then called himself the Son of Man and asked his disciples who they believe he is. Peter was praised for understanding Jesus to be the Messiah, but they were all told to keep this information to themselves. However, quickly after receiving high praise from Jesus, Peter was rebuked for not understanding that Jesus must suffer and die before being raised to life again. Finally, Jesus told them that some of them would live to see the Son of Man come into his kingdom. It was six days after this declaration that Jesus took his three closest companions to a high place where God revealed his glory.
The disciples would have understood Jesus' references to the Son of Man as reminders of Daniel's prophecy.
13 “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.
(Daniel 7:13-14)
Surely, this contributed to Peter's desire to immediately erect tents - not just to capture the moment, but because he thought this must be Jesus coming into his never ending kingdom. Even more so when the voice of God declared Jesus as Son. It must have been so difficult to realize that this was just a glimpse, and that they could tell no one. This moment of revelation would have to strengthen them through the dark day of crucifixion, through the wait for resurrection and the wait for the Comforter. Likewise, our own mountaintop experiences, our glimpses of God's glory, can sustain us through dark days, fearful waiting and uncertainty. We can be encouraged knowing that God is bigger than it all, and God is with us through it all.
16 For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, "This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased." 18 We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain. 19 So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. (2 Peter 1:16-19)
Enjoy this original song by yours truly.
Beautiful rendition of the hymn!
Comments