Works in Progress

He was transfigured before them. (Mark 9:2)

Have you ever wondered why Jesus was transfigured? He never announced it. His apostles never suspected it. The event was never repeated. So why did he do it? Let’s look at a bigger picture to try to get some answers.

From the day he first called them, Jesus showed his disciples that he had come from God. He performed many miracles. He taught with authority. He revealed God’s mercy. Then when he asked them, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Messiah” (Mark 8:29). 

This was a breakthrough moment. The disciples were beginning to believe in Jesus, but their faith still needed to grow. They still didn’t understand what kind of Messiah Jesus was. They didn’t understand that he had to die—or that they had to take up the cross as well (Mark 8:31-35).

So the Transfiguration proved that Jesus wasn’t just another prophet of God; he was God’s Son! It also showed that even though Jesus had to die, he would also rise to a glory beyond their imagining.

God transfigured Jesus as a way of strengthening the disciples—and all of us as well. It was a moment of encouragement before they started their journey to Jerusalem, the place of the cross. But more than this, the Transfiguration gives us a glimpse of the glory that Jesus had before coming to earth, the same glory that he now enjoys as he sits on his heavenly throne. And even more than this, the Transfiguration is a promise for us. It reveals the glory that awaits each of us at the end of our lives—if we remain faithful to the Lord.

We are all works in progress. We all have our flaws. But we are also being “transfigured” day after day. So accept Jesus’ invitation. Follow him, and you’ll be changed “from glory to glory” as your faith continues to grow (2 Corinthians 3:18).

“Here I am, Lord, ready to do your will. Fill me with your grace. Let me know your transforming power.” 

from wau.org