Know Jesus' Glory

Read Mark 8:34 thru 9, Matthew 16:13 thru Matthew 18
 
Mark 9:1-3 Jesus went on to say, “I tell you the truth, some standing here right now will not die before they see the Kingdom of God arrive in great power!” 2 Six days later Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed, 3 and his clothes became dazzling white, far whiter than any earthly bleach could ever make them.
 
TO be “transfigured” means “to transform one’s appearance revealing great beauty and magnificence.” That’s what happened to Jesus that day. He became extraordinarily beautiful. Dazzling light and brightness overwhelmed Peter, James and John. They saw a glimpse of heaven and of Jesus’ heavenly existence. These young Hebrew men saw God’s holiness in a way similar to the great prophets Moses, Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah and Elijah. They were in very special company! Why did Jesus stop to give these young disciples such a glorious view of himself on his way to the cross? Did he need them to be more committed to him?
   At first look, Jesus’ effort seems to have been wasted on these three. In the coming days, John and James would request their own kingdom glory, asking to sit at Jesus’ left and right hand in his reign. Peter would continue to push back against Jesus’ commitment to the cross. And, of course, there is Peter’s infamous three-fold denial of Jesus at his trial. How did Jesus’ glory impact these men? 
   Do you think that when Peter saw the resurrected Christ, he l looked back and added the transfiguration to the evidence of Jesus’ eternal existence? Surely Peter was able to more faithfully stand in confidence against the same men who sentenced Jesus to death. Peter healed. He resurrected the dead. He was the first apostle to the Gentiles. And Peter would testify of this event to strengthen the persecuted church: 2 Peter 1:16 For we were not making up clever stories when we told you about the powerful coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. We saw his majestic splendor with our own eyes 17 when he received honor and glory from God the Father. The voice from the majestic glory of God said to him, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” 18 We ourselves heard that voice from heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain.
   Likewise, John could write with certainty the visions of Revelation, the truth of Jesus in 1-3 John and the deity of Jesus in John. James stood fearlessly for the church and surely approached his martyrdom with great assurance he was about to forever live in glory with his Lord.
   Pay attention to Jesus’ glory in your life. See him through his death, resurrection, love, truth and faith. Rejoice in the glory of your salvation. Live with joyful assurance you are joined now with Jesus’ glory forever in the house of the LORD.