Scripture Reading: Matthew 17:1-9
“And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light.” (Matthew 17:2)
A Glimpse of Glory on the Road to Suffering
The Transfiguration of Jesus is one of the most mysterious and awe-inspiring moments in the Gospels. On a high mountain, Peter, James, and John witnessed Jesus in radiant glory, speaking with Moses and Elijah. It was a breathtaking confirmation of His divine identity. But what does this moment mean for us, especially as we journey through Lent?
Lent is a season of reflection, repentance, and preparation—a time when we walk with Jesus toward the cross. The Transfiguration reminds us that before the suffering of Calvary, the disciples were given a glimpse of Christ’s true nature. It was a moment of revelation before the darkness of the Passion. This pattern—glory before suffering, revelation before trial—mirrors our own spiritual journey.
The Transfiguration and the Cross
It is no accident that Jesus’ Transfiguration comes shortly after He tells His disciples that He must suffer and die (Matthew 16:21-23). Peter, who had just rebuked Jesus for predicting His death, now sees Him in divine splendor. Yet, when the vision fades, Jesus tells them to keep silent until after the resurrection. The glory of Christ could not be fully understood apart from the suffering He would endure.
We often long for mountaintop experiences—moments of clarity, joy, and divine presence. But the Christian life also calls us to walk through the valley of the cross. Lent teaches us that while we may glimpse the beauty of Christ’s glory, we must also embrace the path of self-denial, repentance, and surrender.
Listening to Jesus in Lent
During the Transfiguration, a voice from the cloud declares:
“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” (Matthew 17:5)
The Father’s command to listen to Jesus is key for our Lenten journey. Are we truly listening to Christ as He calls us to deeper faith, repentance, and trust? Lent invites us to set aside distractions, humble our hearts, and hear His voice—even when it leads us toward the cross.
Walking Toward Resurrection
The Transfiguration is not the end of the story. Jesus leads His disciples back down the mountain, toward the suffering that awaits Him in Jerusalem. But because they have seen His glory, they can trust that suffering will not have the final word.
So it is with us. Lent reminds us that the cross comes before the resurrection, death before new life. But the glory of Christ revealed in the Transfiguration assures us that our hope is secure. As we fast, pray, and reflect, we do so knowing that Easter morning is coming.
Prayer for Today
Lord Jesus, as we journey through Lent, help us to see both Your glory and Your suffering. Teach us to listen to You in the quiet, to trust You in the trials, and to follow You even to the cross. May the hope of Your resurrection sustain us as we seek to die to ourselves and live for You. Amen.
This Lent, as you walk through the wilderness of repentance, remember the mountaintop of the Transfiguration. It is a foretaste of glory, a reminder that the suffering of the cross will give way to the radiance of resurrection. Keep walking. Keep listening. Keep trusting. Easter is on the horizon.
