Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. ”
NL Daily Devotion for Sunday, February 14, 2021
by Dr. Kimberly Leetch, Clergy Stuff
Main Idea: Despite all they experienced, the disciples failed to understand that Jesus would soon be leaving his work to them.
The transfiguration of Jesus remains one of the Bible’s most intriguing mysteries. Like a supernatural movie, the scene unfolds quickly and frighteningly. Jesus, who the disciples had become quite familiar with, suddenly changed in appearance. His face changed. His clothes shined. Two men (the long dead prophets of Israel) appeared by his side. A haunting cloud enveloped them, and a disembodied voice spoke to them. It’s no wonder they remained silent about the events. What was there to say that anyone would believe?
Throughout the story, the disciples failed to make sense of what was happening. Peter’s first reaction to the events on the mountain was to build a monument to commemorate the weird occasion. Then they were stunned into silence. On the next day, it was discovered that the disciples still could not carry on the work Jesus had laid out for them—they were unable to cast out a demon. Despite all they had seen and heard, they still did not understand. Jesus was not sent to do all the work. He was sent to train and equip the world to do God’s work. In a moment of frustration, Jesus scolded the disciples for their inability to rise to the occasion. But still he cast out the demon. Even after Jesus explained that he would be betrayed and leave them (and would leave the work to them also), they did not understand and were too afraid to ask. They had a long way to go before they would be ready to take over Jesus’ ministry. For now, the bulk of the work would be done by Jesus.
God, help me to look up to you. Amen.
