I Am Because You Are September 18, 2025 Devotional

MATTHEW 17:1-5 | ¹ Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. ²And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. ³ Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. ⁴ Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will set up three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” ⁵ While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!”

The transfiguration combines glorious revelation of a divine theophany with high comedy. Peter, James, and John see Jesus transformed with heavenly light, His face shining like the summer sun at noonday. The inner reality of His union with God is displayed in an outward manifestation that set hearts racing and forced eyes to widen. Alongside Him, a further demonstration of the unity of the biblical story and the holy community stands Moses and Elijah. Moses is the greatest leader and liberator and lawgiver, Elijah is the supreme prophet.

Peter’s response? He suggests a building project so the moment could be prolonged. A living museum of famous figures—imagine the marketing! The second time when God speaks from heaven He says the same as at Jesus’ baptism: “This is my Son, my Beloved, listen to Him.”

Who would you most like to meet from the Old Testament?

Gracious God,

Glory, glory, glory! We will someday have a mountain top experience where we are stunned into silence by Jesus’ glowing visage. Until then, help us listen.

Amen.