And after six days Jesus took with Him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And He was transfigured before them, and His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became white as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with Him. [And] ... a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him." (Matthew 17:1-3, 5b)

What an experience—to see Jesus in His glory, and hear God speak from heaven! No wonder the disciples were terrified.

I wonder if they looked at Jesus with new eyes after that—remembering the glory hidden in this quiet Man with tired eyes and dusty feet. They knew well enough what made Him tired and dusty—it was caring for God's people day and night. Preaching and teaching and healing. Constantly caring for the sick and the broken.

But now they had seen His glory with their own eyes. And they would see it again in a very different way on Good Friday—when Jesus willingly hung on a cross to rescue every human being from the power of death and evil. Then Jesus' heart was on full display to the universe—the glory of the Son of God who obeyed His Father and gladly gave His own life for us. Who else loves us so much? Who else is so endlessly kind, compassionate, patient, faithful?

WE PRAY: Lord, I too have seen Your glory, in Your death and resurrection for me. Thank You. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

* What part of Jesus' transfiguration impresses you the most?

* Why do we call the cross Jesus' glory?

* What does it show us about His heart?

Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.

Today's Bible Readings: Numbers 3-4    Mark 12:28-44

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