Matthew 16:28-17:8

Matthew 16:28-17:8 ESV Truly, I say to you. There are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom. And after six days Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John his brother, and led them to a high mountain by themselves. And He was transfigured before them, and His face shown like the sun, and His clothes became as white as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with Him. And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord it is good that we are here. If You wish, I will make three tents here, one for You and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well please; listen to Him.” When the disciples heard this they fell on their faces and were terrified. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” And when they lifted their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.

When you picture Jesus in your mind, what do you see? A baby in a manger? A teacher? A shepherd? A man on a cross? All of these were true, but Jesus is so much more. Most Christians have too small a view of Jesus.

The disciples also had too small of a view of Jesus. Sure, they had seen Him do great things and teach astounding truths, but they likely thought of Him as a great man serving God, much like Moses or Elijah was. Both Moses and Elijah performed miracles. Both men spoke amazing things that God had told them. But Jesus was/is much more than a great prophet, He is God. It was time for the disciples to have an epiphany.

For a brief time, God pulled away the veil and Peter, James, and John saw Jesus as He really is. It had a profound impact on them. I believe this event helped form Peter and John into the great church leaders they would soon become.

The Church is the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27). Christians are the physical presence of Jesus on the earth. When we have too small of a view of Jesus, we limit ourselves and our effectiveness. When we have a revelation of how awesome Jesus is, we are empowered and emboldened to act awesomely.

The Church is not the body of a great man, the church is the body of the living God. We can do anything God calls us to do. We are ordinary men and women. We are weak and prone to failure. However, when acting in the authority of God, we are immensely strong and victorious.

What has God called you to do? What is holding you back? Nothing can stop or thwart God so nothing can stand against us when God has sent us forward.

Lord, give us spiritual eyes to see Jesus as He is. Empower us to live and act as the body of Christ.