Sketchy Lent: Glory in The Wilderness
A visual devotional reflecting on the transfiguration
After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.
Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”
While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”
When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus." (Matthew 17:1-8, ESV)
A Glimpse of Divine Glory
In Matthew 17, we have this incredible moment that happens in the Wilderness. Jesus takes Peter, James and John up a high mountain and they suddenly see his full glory.
But the moment of Transfiguration doesn’t come after the disciples have shown how great they are; in fact, it’s closer to the opposite.
Jesus had just told the disciples that he would have to suffer and die on the cross before rising again. Peter denied him, “This shall never happen to you!”. And for 6 days, we have no record of any further conversations. But on the 7th day (interestingly, it’s the same number of days Moses waited before God gave the 10 commandments in Exodus 19), God speaks.
"This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him" (Matthew 17:5).
It was the same words as at Jesus’ Baptism, but now with the addition of “listen to him.”
The Transfiguration was a powerful moment revealing identity, nature, and what the Law and Prophets pointed to.
The transfiguration came in The Wilderness but also pointed to the wilderness ahead. From this moment on, Jesus heads towards Jerusalem and to his crucifixion. It’s a reminder to us that these moments of Revelation in God can feel like they pass. We might even wonder if we really experienced them or forgot them in tough moments, as Peter did when he denied Jesus.
Just as the Transfiguration came in the midst of the disciples' wilderness experience, we too can trust that God will meet us in the midst of our own wilderness seasons, sustaining us with the hope of future glory
Reflections
How have you experienced moments of revelation or transformation in your own life? How have these moments shaped your understanding of who Jesus is?
The glory of the Transfiguration was followed by the road to the cross. How can we hold onto the hope of glory in the midst of the wilderness?
The voice of God the Father confirmed Jesus' identity and instructed the disciples to listen to Him. What does it mean for you to listen to Jesus in your daily life?
Prayer
Jesus, thank You for revealing Yourself to us. Thank You that in the midst of our own wilderness journeys, we can encounter you in new ways. Help us to hold fast to the truth of who You are. Help us to hear Your voice and follow You, no matter what we face. May we live in the light of Your glory and grace, now and always.
Amen.
P.s. I know this email is late — life has been busy! I have about three more which I didn’t get to publish before Easter but will continue to drip out so they are there ready for next year.