Prophet, Priest and King
The Synoptic Gospel Readings (Matthew
17:1–9, Mark 9:2-10, Luke 9:28–36)
Artist:
Pietro Perugino
Completion Date:1500
Collegio del Cambio, Palazzo dei Priori in the city of Perugia, Italy
In the transfiguration episode we see the veil separating the Kingdom of Heaven from the Kingdom on Earth being lifted and the divine nature of Jesus being revealed. It is here the disciples see Jesus completely transformed and his face change and his clothes become dazzling white. It is only much later they realize why Jesus took them up to this mountaintop?
On the mountain the disciples saw him deep
in conversation with Moses and Elijah. We often wonder what transpired there. We
know from the Old Testament descriptions that Moses and Elijah had had similar revelations
on mountain tops from God. Moses received the Ten commandments and Elijah heard
the still small voice of God after the wind and the earthquake.
These episodes impact on the lives of
people down through the ages has been tremendous. Here on the mountain top
Jesus encounters two spiritual giants
one who gave us the ten commandments and the other who while on earth
had established moments of direct communion with God through the elements of
nature. Could this mean that Jesus was the fulfillment of the law and the
prophets or one much greater?
Jesus was looking for God’s assurance
that he was doing his will. He wanted to hear the voice of God. Far away from
the crowds and in the loneliness of a mountain top. He also probably wanted his
three closest disciples Peter (2 Peter 1:16),
James, and John (John1:14) to witness the glory and majesty of the Son
of God. For the three disciples it was
probably an unforgettable and awesome experience.
It was a turning point in that Jesus
started to go about the rest of his ministry with increased boldness knowing
that the shadow of the cross was looming large (Hebrews 12:2).
It was here that Jesus was looking for the final commands and strength from God to go on.
The presence of the two great men of God probably assured Jesus that he was on the right path.
Peter again in his bold and bashful way
tries to tell Jesus, Moses and Elijah that they could build a shelter one for
each of them to stay. Unexpectedly the voice of God interjects and says, this
is my son whom I dearly love, listen to him. The voice of God terrified the
disciples.
Suddenly we see God revealing himself to the disciples, as a voice hidden in the clouds, this is your King and do you realize what you are saying? Are you listening? The closeness with which Jesus conversed with Moses and Elijah makes us realize that there is so much that Jesus knew which he did not reveal to mankind. If only we knew how, we could lift the veil and behold Gods Kingdom and the unseen cloud of witnesses who are really so close at hand.
Suddenly we see God revealing himself to the disciples, as a voice hidden in the clouds, this is your King and do you realize what you are saying? Are you listening? The closeness with which Jesus conversed with Moses and Elijah makes us realize that there is so much that Jesus knew which he did not reveal to mankind. If only we knew how, we could lift the veil and behold Gods Kingdom and the unseen cloud of witnesses who are really so close at hand.
To some of us today through prayer we
see the veil being lifted, where we can reflect on God’s love and embrace on
our lives. (2Corinthians
3:16-18). It is these mountain top experiences that help us cope with our own trials and tribulations just as it did for Jesus. They also help us to be instruments to minister to the needs of our friends and family. Do you have a message you can take
down to the valley below to your friends and family?
3 comments:
God continues to speak to us through incredible ways. Sometimes through dreams and visions.Sometimes through our encounters with people in need. Sometimes as a still small voice as we pray. BMP has written in his diaries that through prayer he has been assured by God on some of the hard decisions he had to make.
Amazing for the disciples to have had the opportunity to have lived with Jesus at that time and experienced this 1st hand. Christ is alive today in our lives too today. Every so often we feel the presence of his spirit and know He is with us too. It will all be clearer in time.
Dear God,
Speak gently in my silence.
When the loud outer noises of my surroundings
and the loud inner noises of my fears
keep pulling me away from you,
help me to trust that you are still there
even when I am unable to hear you.
Give me ears to listen to your small, soft voice saying:
“Come to me, you who are overburdened, and I will give you rest . . .
for I am gentle and humble of heart.” Let that loving voice be my guide.
Amen.
Henri J. M. Nouwen
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