Matthew 17:1-13 Such a tremendous job Jesus had in preparing His disciples for the cross. In just the chapter before Jesus told them "... He must be killed and on the third day be raised to life." (16:21) When Peter told Jesus it could never happen, Jesus had to tell him, "Get behind me Satan! ... You don't have in mind the things of God, but the things of men." The disciples were very human in their perception, they wanted to move right to the "happily ever after" part. But; there is no "happily ever after" without dealing with the sin issue. The cross is the only way that sin could be dealt with - to destroy the root. In 16:28 Jesus said there were some in the audience that would not die before they saw the "Son of Man coming in His kingdom." Six days later He took Peter James and John to the top of the mountain in order to show them things from a different perspective. They saw Jesus transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun and His clothes were as white as the light. With Jesus there appeared Moses and Elijah. One represented law, the other prophecy, while Jesus represented the gospel (grace). They spoke of his death (Luke 9:31), the cross, the theme uppermost in the mind of Christ and which the disciples did not comprehend. The Feast of Tabernacles was coming soon. A time when the Israelites lived in booths. Peter said let's build them right here, one for each of you. A bright cloud overshadowed them, God had a word to say. "This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased, Listen to Him!" They fell to the ground terrified. Jesus touched them and told them, "Don't be afraid." When they looked up they discovered that they were again alone with Jesus. I believe that Jesus, in showing them things from a different perspective, He could help them get there priorities in order. Even if not now, it would help them sort things out after the cross. Perhaps they would be a little better able to understand.

Seeing Jesus Only