Daily Devotions
I wonder what it was like for Peter and John and James during the weeks after they saw Jesus transfigured on the mountain. Did they look sideways at Him, wondering if the familiar face they saw every day would suddenly transform again into glory? Did they think about the voice they heard from heaven, calling Jesus “My Son” and “My Chosen One”?
I think so. It would be hard to stop thinking about it, even if they weren’t allowed to talk about it (see Matthew 17:9). It would be hard to forget an experience like that.
And yet, it must have been just as hard to keep it in mind, when the next few days brought failure and embarrassment and mundane problems like paying the temple tax (see Matthew 17:24-27). What does failure have to do with the Son of God? What does shame and harassment have to do with glory?
Quite a lot, actually—for this is the Son of God who came to give His life to save us from sin and evil—and He does it through His own suffering of shame and abuse and pain. A friend betrays Him to His enemies, and He goes down to death looking like a failure. This doesn’t look like glory!
And yet it is—because Jesus’ cross shows us the full extent of His love and obedience to the Father, the incredible love and mercy which He has for us, who were once His enemies. When Jesus saved us He revealed His very heart—and nothing in heaven or on earth can compare to that glorious love. And now that He is risen from the dead, never to die again, we too will see His glory with our own eyes—because we belong to Him, and He wants us with Him forever.
WE PRAY: Thank You, dear Lord. Bring me safely home to You in the end, to You who love me. Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Reflection Questions:
1. How will you recognize Jesus in heaven?
2. How did His disciples recognize Him after the resurrection?
3. Why do you think He chose to keep His scars?