6th February 2024

A new way of thinking

After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John … and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.
Matthew 17:1-3 (NIV)

It’s interesting how we behave when we are exposed or confronted with new thinking, new ideas, or a different way of viewing something. This was certainly the case for the three apostles who were with Jesus at the Transfiguration. 

In the gospel accounts Jesus and three of his apostles, Peter, James, and John, went up a mountain to pray. They witnessed more than they could possibly have imagined. Whilst up on the mountain they saw Jesus transfigured: he shone in glory, his face like the sun, his clothes as white as light. Moses and Elijah appeared and spoke with Jesus. This is significant because these two symbolise the Law, and the Prophets respectively. Jesus fulfils the law, and is also the one foretold by the prophets.

Peter’s fearful response was to erect shelters, also translated as tabernacles or shrines – an old way of thinking, and it placed Jesus on the same level as Moses and Elijah. These disciples had to change the way they saw Jesus. Jesus was the Messiah; he was far greater than the Law and the Prophets. It took time for Peter and the others to grasp this: the magnitude of the event would not be lost on the Jewish apostles brought up with the teachings of the Law and the Prophets, however, it wouldn’t be until after Christ’s death and resurrection that this experience would lead them to a better and fuller understanding.

For most people, new ways of thinking don’t always come quickly or easily. Like the apostles, we have to be willing to change, and be changed, as we are led by the Holy Spirit. Jesus was baptised, transfigured, crucified, resurrected and ascended. These are five major milestones in the gospel narrative of the life of Christ.

Many Christian traditions and churches commemorate the event in the Feast of the Transfiguration. For some, like myself, these traditions and celebrations are a relatively new way of thinking. So, learning about them, their meaning and significance, is certainly an opportunity to see things differently.

Let’s reflect and consider the lessons we can learn from the Transfiguration. It points to a new way of thinking for all people, not only those who observed the Law. It includes everyone, past, present, and future. Following and obeying Christ shows a new way of living. It’s the way of life, everlasting.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the lessons we can learn from scripture, God breathed, and for our edification. Help us to reflect and grow in knowledge, grace and understanding, and all the more, with each passing season. We thank you for the milestone event of the Transfiguration and the opportunity to learn about Jesus glorified, your beloved Son. In Jesus’s name. Amen.

Study by Kevin Harris

About the writer:
Kevin Harris is a Pastoral Council member of the Watford congregation of Grace Communion International.

Local congregation:
Watford
Knutsford Primary Academy,
Balmoral Road,
Watford, Herts.
WD24 7ER

Meeting time:
Sunday 11.00 am.

Local congregational contact:
George Henderson
Email:  watford@gracecom.church 

Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church