"Listen to Him!"

Scripture

“This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” (Matthew 17:5b)

Reflection

The Transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain is recorded in all three synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), as well as in 2 Peter (see Thursday’s Reflection). The event crosses barriers of time, as both Moses and Elijah are present (both having been dead for many centuries), and we hear the voice of God, who speaks creation into existence (Genesis 1).

“This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased . . .” We heard these very words from God at Jesus’ baptism, the only other instance of God’s voice recorded in the synoptic gospels. In the Transfiguration, however, God adds these words, “Listen to him.” From this point in the narrative, Moses and Elijah are gone from sight—only Jesus remains on the mountain, with the three awe-struck disciples, Peter, James, and John as witnesses.

Could it be that God is telling us that all the law (represented by Moses) and the prophets (represented by Elijah) are to be interpreted through the lens of Jesus? What difference does it make when we read the Bible through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus? Do we read mercy rather than judgment?

 

Prayer

Gracious God, Thank you for revealing your Son, Jesus, as the One to whom we need listen. In Jesus’ name. Amen.