The Transfiguration
To go deeper on this topic with other believers, join us on Tuesday at 10:30am in Souers Hall for Bible Study! You may also download the lesson plan for this week at the link below, and watch yesterday's worship service at the video below. Reminder: We celebrate Ash Wednesday this week, so there will not be an adult study on Wednesday evening.
Happy Monday, CLP! Yesterday I preached on The Transfiguration of Jesus, and this week we will look for ways to apply the lesson in our personal, church, and family lives.
The Transfiguration is one of the most amazing and mysterious events in the life of Jesus. It is recorded in Matthew 17:1-13, Mark 9:2-13, and Luke 9:28-36. In this event, Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a high mountain, where he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Moses and Elijah, two of the greatest prophets in the Old Testament, appeared and talked with him. A bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!"
The Transfiguration was a glimpse of the glory of Jesus as the Son of God and the Messiah. It was a confirmation of his identity and mission, and a preview of his resurrection and second coming. It was also a revelation of the fulfillment of the law and the prophets, represented by Moses and Elijah, in Jesus. It was a powerful experience for the three disciples, who were amazed, terrified, and bewildered by what they saw and heard.
The Transfiguration is also a spiritual reality for us today. As followers of Jesus, we are called to listen to him, to behold his glory, and to be transformed by his grace. We are also called to share his glory with others, and to look forward to his coming again in power and majesty.
Each day this week, read the passages of Scripture, reflect on the questions, and do an activity either individually or as a family. We hope you grow in faith and love for Jesus this week!
Day 1:
Reflect: What do you think the disciples felt and thought when they saw Jesus transfigured?
Activity: Draw a picture of the Transfiguration scene, or find one online and print it out. Share your picture with your family and explain what you see and how you feel about it. Pray together and thank God for revealing his glory to us in Jesus.
Day 2:
Reflect: How does Peter describe his experience of the Transfiguration, and what does it mean for us today?
Activity: Watch a video or a movie that depicts the Transfiguration and why it matters for your faith and hope. You can find some examples on YouTube or other platforms. Discuss with your family what you learned and how you felt from watching the video or movie.
Day 3:
Reflect: How does the appearance of Moses after meeting with God on Mount Sinai compare and contrast with the appearance of Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration?
Activity: Make a mask or a veil out of paper or cloth, and decorate it with symbols or words that represent God's glory. Take turns wearing it and showing your face to your family. Explain what you learned from this activity and how God's glory is different from human glory.
Day 4:
Reflect: How does the encounter of Elijah with God on Mount Horeb relate to the appearance of Elijah with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration?
Activity: Find a quiet place and listen to God's voice in silence. Write down what you hear or feel, and share it with your family. Discuss how God speaks to us in different ways, and how we can recognize his voice.
Day 5:
Reflect: How does John describe the glory of Jesus as the Word made flesh, and how does it connect to the Transfiguration?
Activity: Sing or listen to a song that praises the glory of Jesus, such as Shine, Jesus, Shine or How Great Is Our God. Express your gratitude and worship to Jesus. Share with your family one thing that you love or admire about Jesus.
Day 6:
Reflect: How does Paul urge us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, and what does it have to do with the Transfiguration?
Activity: Think of one area of your family life that needs to be changed or improved. Write down a specific goal and a plan to achieve it. Pray and ask God to help you transform your mind and your actions according to his will. Review your progress and celebrate your achievements.
Day 7:
Reflect: How does Paul compare and contrast the glory of the old covenant and the new covenant, and what does it mean for us to behold and reflect the glory of the Lord?
Activity: Find a mirror and look at yourself and your family. Say out loud, "We are children of God, and we reflect his glory." Think of one way you can show God's glory to others today, and do it. Share your experiences and feedback with your family.
Conclusion
The Transfiguration is a wonderful and powerful event that reveals the glory of Jesus as the Son of God and the Messiah. It also reveals the glory that we have in him, and the glory that we will share with him when he comes again.
As we listen to him, behold him, and follow him, we are transformed by his grace and his Spirit. We are also called to share his glory with others, and to look forward to his coming again in power and majesty. May the Lord bless you and keep you, and make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. Amen.