Slices
Prepare
Think of the most amazing experience you have ever had. How have you held on to your memories of it?
Bible passage
The transfiguration
17 After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. 3 Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.
4 Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters – one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.’
5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!’
6 When the disciples heard this, they fell face down to the ground, terrified. 7 But Jesus came and touched them. ‘Get up,’ he said. ‘Don’t be afraid.’ 8 When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.
9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, ‘Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.’
10 The disciples asked him, ‘Why then do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?’
11 Jesus replied, ‘To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things. 12 But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognise him, but have done to him everything they wished. In the same way the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands.’ 13 Then the disciples understood that he was talking to them about John the Baptist.
Explore
Peter, James and John shared a mountain top experience with Jesus (vs 1–8). Notice the description of Jesus (v 2). They had a momentary glimpse of Jesus’ glory.
Additionally, Moses and Elijah appeared and talked with Jesus (v 3). The appearance of Moses and Elijah can be seen as representing the Law and the Prophets and both had encountered God on a mountain. How has your life been shaped by the Law and Prophets we read of in the Old Testament?
Peter wanted to put up three shelters for them (v 4). Perhaps he thought that if he controlled the situation, he could ensure that Jesus would go straight from life to glory without having to suffer and die.
Next, the disciples are covered by a bright cloud and hear God’s voice (vs 5–8). What strikes you about what the voice says? Their reaction (v 6) is understandable. How do you think they responded to what Jesus said next (v 7) and the realisation that the experience was over (v 8)?
Look at Jesus’ instruction to them (v 9). Perhaps he didn’t want to risk more confrontation with the religious leaders, or popular expectations that he would lead a political uprising. Perhaps he knew that the disciples would only understand fully after he died and rose again. For now, they had to keep quiet.
Respond
Imagine Jesus in his glory standing in front of you. Respond in worship.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Isaiah 47,48; Hebrews 7
Pray for Scripture Union
In his role as National Schools Lead, Geoff Brown is really keen to see more churches engage with their local schools. To encourage this, he is developing some new Schools Work training courses. Please pray for wisdom as he prepares the content and then promotes these courses.
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