Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Lord, have mercy. Cleanse me. Still my mind. Help me to listen as you speak.
Health and safety at risk. Job security a distant memory. Hugs and kisses banned. The world as we knew it is on hold. The unknown tomorrow overshadows today. Change is scary.
After having spent some time with Jesus, the disciples must have thought they had a pretty good idea of what he was about, until at the drop of a hat he began to talk about suffering and dying. Peter voiced what everyone else was thinking: the Messiah was headed for the throne, not the cross, thank you very much. Their world – following a cool, miracle-working dude on the road to glory – collapsed in an instant. They had to think again. They had to start from scratch. But in the midst of their faith crisis, the disciples found reassurance.
Jesus’ Transfiguration echoes Moses climbing Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments and returning, his face radiant from his divine encounter. Elijah’s presence evokes Malachi’s prophecy linking him with the end times. As if being in the company of two all-time greats wasn’t enough, Jesus outshines them both, literally and metaphorically. He is more than a prophet.
Unsettled by the prospect of the cross, their false sense of security based on a triumphant, political Messiah gone, the disciples’ view of their master is transformed. On the Mount of Transfiguration, crisis turns into a defining moment of truth; shattered dreams give way to a new vision of who Jesus is: the Son of God.
Lord, in these uncertain times, when I’d simply like you to snap your fingers and sort out the mess, help me to see Jesus, listen to him and not be afraid.
This reflection was written by Michael Pfundner, Bible Society's Publishing Support Manager
Read the Bible 
Processing...