28 About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. 29 As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. 30 Two men, Moses and Elijah, 31 appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, [a] which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. 32 Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. 33 As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, "Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." (He did not know what he was saying.)
34 While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and covered them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 A voice came from the cloud, saying, "This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him." 36 When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves and did not tell anyone at that time what they had seen.
The transfiguration was a means of encouraging Jesus (Moses and Elijah spoke to him about his death- and the voice of the Father was heard telling them-and him-that he was chosen). The transfiguration was a reminder to Jesus and later his disciples of the glory of his resurrection. Sometimes God gives us glimpses of glory and blessings that keep us going to face the trials and tasks ahead of us.
Moses and Elijah's deaths were nebulous. Moses grave is unknown overlooking the promised land, and Elijah was taken up by a chariot of fire. Moses represents the law, Elijah the prophets. It is an important reminder to Jesus that the Word of God is reliable, and the worst this life has to offer cannot stop the best yet to come.
Prayer: Lord, when I am facing trials, help me to remember the blessings and your presence in the past, and the glory that awaits me in the future.
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