The Transfiguration

00:00:00 Speaker 1: A voice came out of the cloud saying, this is my beloved son. Listen to him. Luke nine thirty five. Heavenly Father, we come before you with grateful hearts, thanking you for the gift of your son, Jesus Christ. In the midst of the world's endless noise and distractions. Help us to hear jesus voice clearly and listen to his words. Lord, grant us discernment to distinguish between our desires and your will for our lives. May our hearts be aligned with your purposes, seeking not our own understanding, but trusting in your perfect plan. Transform us, o, God, to be receptive to the teachings of Jesus, to follow his example of love, humility, and obedience. Strengthen us to act according to your word, empowering us to be vessels for your grace and truth in every aspect of our lives. Let us be a force for good, shining your light in the darkness and bringing hope to those around us. In Jesus's name, we pray, Amen. Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to the Jesus Podcast Gospel inspired stories to enliven your faith and awaken your imagination. Remain here for a story of power, identity, and the authority of Jesus. If this podcast has offered value to your faith, consider leaving us a review and sharing with a friend. Thanks for making the mission possible. 00:02:09 Speaker 2: There is no denying who you are. You are Messiah, the son of the Living God. 00:02:16 Speaker 1: Jesus leaned forward. He stared at Simon through the rising flames. His eyes were intense and knowing. 00:02:24 Speaker 3: Blessed are you, Simon, son of Jonah. But this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, for not even the Pharisees can see it. This was revealed to you by my Father in heaven. 00:02:35 Speaker 1: Peter was silent, filled with a sense of honor and humility. Jesus puffed out his chest, his voice captivating all of the disciples. Jesus pointed to Simon, and. 00:02:51 Speaker 3: No longer shall you be called Simon, But you are Peter Rock. You are a rock Peter. 00:02:59 Speaker 1: Jesus placed his closed fist on his chest. The thump resonated among the disciples. 00:03:05 Speaker 3: And it is on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. And whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven. But whatever you loosen on earth will be loosened in heaven. 00:03:25 Speaker 1: Stunned by what had happened, the disciples said nothing. They looked to Peter, assuming he would be the first to respond. 00:03:35 Speaker 2: Your day, I don't know what to say. 00:03:38 Speaker 3: Ah, a day of many firsts. 00:03:41 Speaker 2: I see. 00:03:42 Speaker 1: Jesus could sense the swirling emotions of the disciples. They had spent their whole lives praying for the Messiah, and here he stood before them. Joy and all welled up within them at the news. 00:03:58 Speaker 3: But I must tell you something important. Though my father has revealed to all of you today that I am the Messiah, I must ask you to do one thing. 00:04:09 Speaker 2: Yes, of course, Lord anything. 00:04:13 Speaker 1: Peter found his voice once again and quickly embraced his new title as the Rock. 00:04:20 Speaker 3: What you have so gladly received this day will not be quickly received by everyone else. You must be careful for now to not tell anyone. 00:04:29 Speaker 2: Who I am. 00:04:31 Speaker 3: When the time is right, all will be revealed to the world. 00:04:38 Speaker 4: Are you in pain after walking, running, or even just standing. It's not your feet, it's your shoes. This summer switched to Gediphi shoes with patentive versoshock technology which aligns your body, provides superior shock absorption and trampoline like energy return. Gediphi offers souls and styles for any activity, plus two free orthotics. 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This moment recorded in Matthew Chapter seventeen, verses one through thirteen, is like a window into the divine nature of Christ, and it teaches us so much about who he is and how we should respond to him. 00:06:19 Speaker 1: The disciples felt as though they were mishearing Jesus. 00:06:23 Speaker 3: Well, surely the people of Israel will all lived up praise to ad DEENI for bringing her the Messiah. I greatly admire how you all have received me, and for that you would be blessed. But this world is lost, blinded by darkness. It has been appointed that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the teachers of the law. 00:06:52 Speaker 2: Yes, Master, that we have seen this for ourselves. 00:06:55 Speaker 3: You have seen a part of it, Peter, Yes, But this is surely only the beginning. The Son of Man must be killed and on the third day be raised to life, in accordance with the will of my father. 00:07:08 Speaker 1: As the Son eased its way behind the hills, day was creeping in tonight, and just as the light around them began to fade, the disciples felt like the joy within them was dwindling too. Peter looked at the shock and dejection of his companions, and drew close to Jesus to speak to him privately. 00:07:34 Speaker 5: How could this be, Lord, Nothing like this will happen to you. 00:07:39 Speaker 2: You have admitted it yourself. You are the Messiah. You can take your rightful place on the throne and finally free us from our out region. 00:07:49 Speaker 1: Jesus shot his eyes at Peter, piercing his heart like an arrow. Immediately Peter realized he had said something wrong. Jesus rebuked him, but seemed to be looking through Peter as he. 00:08:05 Speaker 3: Spoke, Get behind me, Satan, you are stumbling blocked to me. 00:08:10 Speaker 1: Jesus rubbed his eyes and put his hand on Peter's shoulder. 00:08:14 Speaker 3: Peter, you are not seeing things with God's concerns in mind. You are being swept away by human concerns. 00:08:23 Speaker 1: Jesus positioned himself to address the disciples. His stature demanded their full attention. 00:08:30 Speaker 3: Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow me. 00:08:38 Speaker 1: His declaration broke the stillness of the evening. The disciples slowly removed their packs from their tired shoulders and laid them on the ground. They had come to learn when Jesus was preparing to teach them an important lesson and wanted no distractions. 00:08:55 Speaker 3: For whoever wants to save their life will lose it. But whoever loses their life for me will find it. Solomon, in all his wisdom and splendor, had every earthly pleasure at his fingertips, and yet he found it could not satisfy him. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world yet forfeit their soul. 00:09:19 Speaker 1: Jesus torne was gentle. The disciples realized he wasn't angry with them, he was concerned over their very souls. This was an address on embracing his love by following him wherever he led. 00:09:36 Speaker 3: Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? For the son of Man is going to come to the glory of his father with all his angels, and then he will come to the people and reward each purse according to what they have done. 00:09:55 Speaker 2: Lord, When shall all this come to past? 00:09:58 Speaker 3: Truly, I tell you, some of you who are standing here will not taste death before they see the sun of Man coming into his kingdom. 00:10:09 Speaker 1: With that, Jesus rose up and went to bed. Peter lay awake, quaking in fear over jesus rebuke. Only moments prior, Jesus had told him that God's very word dwelled within him. Now he had been rebuked as an enemy of God, Peter knew Jesus would not hold his quick mouth against him. Still slightly anxious, Peter wrestled with his mind until he eventually drifted slowly to sleep. Dawn approached, and the morning dew laced itself over Peter's beard. He awoke before the sun rose above the horizon. The air was crisp and clean, and a dull light had begun to poke above the distant hills. Jesus crouched next to Peter, smiling and holding his finger up to his lips, signaling for him to be quiet. Jesus gestured to the base of the mountain, where James and John were waiting. Peter rose from his blankets, quietly, tiptoeing past Andrew and Thomas. He followed Jesus to the base of the mountain. The four companions climbed briskly, trying to beat the morning light. Peter watched as Jesus marched ahead of them, his legs buried deep into the cracks in the rock propelling him forward. The mountain became steeper, and the three disciples were climbing the rocks to catch up to Jesus. 00:11:55 Speaker 6: Do you think we'll ever be allowed to tell the others that he's the Messiah? I mean, surely he has to reveal it at some point. 00:12:03 Speaker 2: Or maybe this is a test. Maybe he wants us to tell people, but wants to see if we'll do it all alone. Not because he told. 00:12:11 Speaker 6: Us, don't hurt your brain, brother, He remember that, He specifically told us not to tell anyone. 00:12:18 Speaker 2: Right, Ah, it's too early for this. Where is Jesus taking us? 00:12:25 Speaker 6: He said he had something important to show us. 00:12:27 Speaker 1: They saw Jesus make his way to the clearing at the top of the mountain, just in time for sunrise. He was out of their sight now. They looked up as the light was bursting from the top of the mountain. It was the strangest sunrise they had ever seen. They made their way up, ready to look at the glowing sun over the eastern valley. However, they soon realized that the sun had not yet risen over the hill. The light they had seen was bursting forth from Jesus himself, beams of pure brilliance radiated from Christ. His face shone brighter than the rising sun. It was as if his humanity was unzipped and the essence of his deity shone through the cracks. The sight was amazing and terrifying. The three watched in awe as two other bursts of light broke forth from the heavens, Descending like falling stars. They fell with power onto the earth. Peter stepped forward, seeing two figures bowing before Jesus in the light. 00:13:52 Speaker 3: Oeses Elija, my Lord, my God. 00:13:58 Speaker 1: The three disciples watched as Jesus spoke to them, Only he did not speak as an equal. It almost seemed as though he was teaching Moses and Elijah. He had revealed something to them that had been long awaited. The two historic men of faith bowed to Christ as their lord and spoke to him as God. Peter's heart was racing. He was standing before the three greatest men God had ever sent to the earth. James and John watched Peter run towards them. 00:14:38 Speaker 6: Peter, what are you doing. I don't think we're supposed to interrupt. 00:14:43 Speaker 1: Like a little boy. Peter jumped up and down. 00:14:47 Speaker 5: Lord, it is good that all of us are here we can set up three tabernacles, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. 00:14:58 Speaker 1: It will be Peter was frantically speaking. A bright light fell down from heaven and consumed them like a whirlwind. The cloud of holy radiance whistled around them like a tempest. Peter flew back and landed on his back. He quickly curled into a ball, shielding himself from the bright lights and sharp winds. James and John cowered in fear. It was as if the heavens opened up all around Peter. He covered his eyes from the light, lying in the fetal position on the ground. A voice burst through the heavens like thunder. Then, in an instant, the light disappeared, and all was still again. Peter's eyes were clinched shut. He was afraid to open them or to speak. Then a firm but gentle hand squeezed his shoulder. It's all right, don't be afraid. You can get up, Peter peeked out. Moses and Elijah were gone. Jesus stood there alone in their place. His radiance was gone, but he still carried himself with the same holiness. Jesus extended a hand to Peter, his eyes were full of care as they met his gaze. Peter's lips trembled. 00:16:37 Speaker 5: Lord, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to say anything wrong. Eh, I wasn't thinking. But that's not an excuse. 00:16:52 Speaker 1: It's just today his words trailed off. He realized he was doing it again, speaking without thinking. His strong facade melted away. He didn't feel like Peter the Rock. He thought to himself that maybe he was always destined to just be the lowly fisherman Simon. 00:17:18 Speaker 3: Peter. 00:17:19 Speaker 1: The name brought forth comfort and an icy sting to the disciples anxious heart. 00:17:27 Speaker 3: Peter, you worry about many things. It's not about what you can do for me. It's about what I want to do for you. Today you beheld my glory in a way no one else has, and one day I will raise all my people up in glory with me. 00:17:47 Speaker 1: The disciples knelt and wonder at what Jesus was saying. He began to help them to their feet. 00:17:54 Speaker 3: But you mustn't tell anyone what you've seen here today until after the Son of Man has raised from the dead. 00:18:01 Speaker 1: As they tracked down the mountain side, they pondered what Jesus meant by raised from the dead, their minds raised in their attempts to reconcile the idea of the man they knew as Jesus, with a display of God's glory they had just witnessed. With each passing day, they realized they were just scratching the surface of understanding who Jesus was. But if they were willing to follow him, he was willing to show them. 00:18:48 Speaker 2: Let's set the scene. Jesus takes Peter, James, and John, his closest disciples, up on a high mountain. Now this wasn't just a casual hike. Jesus had something very special planned. Suddenly, right before their eyes, Jesus is transfigured. His face shines like the sun, and his clothes become as white as light. Imagine the shock and the awe that must have filled Peter, James, and John as they witness this. But the story doesn't stop there. As Jesus has transfigured two towering figures from the Old Testament, Moses and Elijah appear and begin talking with him. Now this is no ordinary conversation. They are discussing Jesus's upcoming departure, his death, resurrection, and ascension, the very core of the Gospel. So why Moses and Elijah. These two men represent the Law and the prophets, the entirety of the Old Testament. Moses, the great Lawgiver, brought God's commandments to the people. Elijah, the mighty Prophet, called Israel back to faithfulness. Together they represent God's revelation to his people. And here they are not just standing beside Jesus, but talking with him. This shows us that Jesus is the fulfillment of both the Law and the prophets. Everything that Moses and Elijah pointed to is now being fulfilled in Christ. Now. Peter, bless his heart, he sees this amazing scene and wants to hold on to it. He suggests building three tabernacles, one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. It's a noble idea, but Peter is missing something crucial By putting Moses and Elijah on the same level as Jesus, He's not recognizing the unique and supreme authority of Christ. Before Peter can finish his sentence, a bright cloud that Shakainah glory of God overshadows them, and a voice from heaven says, this is my beloved son and whom I'm well pleased. Listen to him. Hear him. This declaration from God the Father is powerful. It's as if he's saying, Peter, Moses and Elijah are great, but Jesus is on an entirely different level. He is my son. Listen to him. The Father makes it clear that while Moses and Elijah were faithful servants, Jesus is the beloved Son, and it is him we must listen to. This moment on the mountain is a turning point. It's a revelation of Jesus's divine nature, showing us that he's not just another religious leader or prophet. He is the Son of God, and because of that, his words and actions carry ultimate authority in our lives. As Christians, we can sometimes be like Peter. We can get so caught up in the busyness of life, in our routines, in our own ideas of what's important that we forget who Jesus truly is. We might respect him, admire him, and even love him, but do we really listen to him. Do we recognize that he's not just one voice among many, but the voice we should follow above all others. In this story, when the disciples heard the voice of God. They fell on their faces, overwhelmed with fear and awe. But Jesus, in his kindness touched them and said, arise and do not be afraid. When they looked up, they saw no one but Jesus. Moses was gone, Elijah was gone. It was just Jesus, and that was more than enough. This is a powerful reminder for us today. In our lives. There are many voices we might be tempted to listen to, many influences we might hold in high regard. But when all is said and done, it's Jesus who stands above them all. He alone fulfills the law and the prophets. He alone is God's beloved son, and he alone is the one we should listen to and follow. So how do we respond to this? First by recognizing the unique and supreme authority of Jesus in our lives. We must not equate him with anyone else, not with other religious figures, not with our purson heroes, not even with our own ideas of right and wrong. Jesus is on an entirely different level. Second, we need to listen to him, really listen. This means spending time in his word seeking his guidance in prayer and allowing his teachings to shape our lives. It means prioritizing his voice above all others, trusting that he knows what is best for us, and finally we respond with worship. The disciples were overwhelmed by the glory of Jesus on the mountain, and we too should be filled with awe and wonder at who he is. Worship him as the Son of God, the fulfillment of all God's promises, and the one who alone is worthy of our praise.