New? February 8 Devotional
February 08, 2025
MATTHEW 17:9 | 9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, ‘Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.’
Why did Jesus want Peter, and James, and John to keep quiet about the Transfiguration until after the Resurrection? Because we human beings prefer a theology of glory to the theology of the cross. The disciples’ faith was bound to fail when their leader and Lord was condemned, humiliated, tortured, and killed. Sentencing and death in the first century eliminated and destroyed every Messiah
movement, except that of Jesus. It would only be the path of suffering, and dying that would lead to a victory over sin and death. Only a sacrifice that would lead to a crown. Jesus needed to overcome evil, not just display his glory and power. The Transfiguration becomes clear only in light of Easter. It is the Divine Son who becomes a sacrifice.
What kind of glory do you dream of?
Gracious God,
May you bring glory from our sacrifices and our suffering, whether great or small. We ask in the name of the Resurrected one who still carries the wounds of the cross, even as He reigns.
Amen.
