Transformed – teen devotion – February 11, 2024
One truth shared: On the mountain, a transfigured Jesus assures us of who he is shortly before suffering a horrific death for our sins.
After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.
Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.)
Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”
Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.
As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead.
Mark 9:2-9
A Glimpse of His True Glory
The series of this Epiphany set of Transformed devotions has been “From the River to the Mountain.” We saw Jesus officially kick off his public ministry at the Jordan River. Today we watch him reveal even more about his glory on the mountain as he is transfigured (changed in appearance) before his disciples, giving them a glimpse of his divinity.
I’m guessing this is a day the disciples would never forget—Jesus in all his glory; Elijah and Moses making guest star appearances; the Father proudly testifying, “Yep, that’s my Son, and I’m so proud of how he is carrying out his work!” The disciples were overwhelmed. They were amazed.
And then we read, “As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead.” Our Epiphany King—Jesus Christ, Lord of all—gave a quick glimpse as to who he never stopped being… the almighty Lord of all.
As they descended the mountain, though, Christ’s suffering was near. The Father who attested to his Son’s perfect work would soon turn his back on him in order to pay for our sin. The almighty Son of God would be crucified as the worst of sinners—the shedding of his blood being the price paid to assure us a place in heaven.
What a glimpse of Christ’s true glory we receive on this transfiguration mountain, dear friends. That is what causes us to marvel at the depth of his love for us. It’s a love which left the comforts of heaven and came to earth as the sacrifice for our sins. Today and always, we praise him for his love. Today and always, we look to him in all things, knowing that he loves us and calls us his own.
Prayer: I praise you, Lord God, for sending your Son to this earth for me. He alone is my Savior, my Lord, and my friend. Amen.
