The Significance of Your Decisive Moment

Transfiguration Sunday marks the last Sunday in the season of Epiphany before the beginning of the season of Lent. According to the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke), Jesus takes Peter, James and John to the mountaintop while he prays. They witness Jesus as he appears next to Moses and Elijah. Peter, James and John are awed by the dramatic transformation of the appearance of Jesus. Jesus shines brightly with rays of light. Moses and Elijah represent the law and the prophets, respectively. This event is significant because it represents another miracle of Jesus in which human nature meets God; the meeting of the temporal and the eternal.  

    This significant moment of the transfiguration of Jesus follows the confession on Peter in which he declares that Jesus is the Christ. The proclamation by Peter continues the pattern of more and more people discovering the unique identity of Jesus as the Son of God. Similar to the occasion of the baptism of Jesus, a voice from the clouds declares “this is my Son, the beloved, listen to him” (Mark 9:7). In response to the disciples’ fear, Jesus tells them to not be afraid. Jesus also instructs them to not tell anyone about these events until he is raised from the dead.

    For Peter, James and John, the transfiguration becomes “the catalyst for processes which lead the faithful to the knowledge of God” according to theologian Lewis Sperry Chafer. This exaltation of Jesus in the presence of Moses and Elijah confirms his preeminence and establishes a relationship for the disciples between Jesus and God. Each follower of Jesus should have a similar experience of elevating their understanding of the role of Christ.

    While your profession of faith may have occurred many, many years ago, the resulting change decisively established a lifelong trajectory. The season of Lent offers an extended time of reflection upon the journey of discipleship. The clarity of the pathway of discipleship may become distorted when the decisive moments are not recalled frequently. Our Christian identity is shaped by the things we have witnessed and experienced. Our identity is also shaped by the people who have accompanied us along the journey. The transfiguration is witnessed by three disciples. There is much speculation regarding the selection of these three. Certainly, the testimony of three witnesses could not be easily dismissed.  

    During Lent, we will explore the importance of community. Rick Warren’s book “40 Days of Community” is subtitled, “We Are Better Together.” Who are the people of your community who remind you of the ways you’ve been transformed by the presence of Jesus? We are different because of what we have seen and the one in whom we believe. Come, let us spend these 40 days sharing the journey of discipleship in the community of faith.  

In Christ, 
Jon McCoy