The Sunday Before the Season of Lent

Matthew 17:1-8; Mark 9:2-8; Luke 9:28-36

The Transfiguration of Our Lord

This Sunday is given to our Lord’s transfiguration and the passages of Scripture which record that event.  The Anglican Church and some other Protestant denominations choose this particular Sunday before the Season of Lent to remind believers of our Lord’s glory before the arduous journey of the cross through which Lent takes us.  This prepares us to make the same journey as we remember that when he came, his true identity was cloaked for the little while he walked the earth.

So Jesus takes his most intimate disciples with him up a mountain.  (Remember, mountains are small in Israel.)  Luke reports that they had fallen asleep while Jesus was praying.  Luke is fond of showing us that Jesus was in continual communion with his Father while in his humble form on earth.  But for a brief moment in time, while Jesus was praying, the veil of humility was pulled back and his glory as the eternal Son of the Father was revealed.  Indeed, it was only one-nth of the glory the disciples were allowed to see as they finally “became fully awake.”  The Bible records that his face shone like the sun and his clothes became dazzling white as no one could make them.  (The Greek word used here is the same in which we get our word, “metamorphosis.”)  Moses and Elijah appear representing the Law and the Prophets.  Luke adds that the three “spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem,” showing that Jesus fulfills the requirements of the old covenant which these two men embodied.  Peter foolishly asks that the three disciples make tents for Jesus and his two visitors, perhaps hoping they would stay awhile.  Then the Father’s majestic voice answers, “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!”

The path before Jesus was grueling, and he knew it.  Before it was all said and done, the three men who were sleeping moments ago would fall asleep yet again and forsake him in his darkest hour.  Jesus would walk alone, as only he could do what he would do, what he came to do.  So he went to his Father, not because he doubted, but to share sweet communion once more before the hour came.  And as the Spirit strengthened Jesus, so we pray for the same strength as we carry our cross to Golgotha.  “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23).  Lent is a season of reminder for us that we are cross-bearers, people who through the power of the Spirit must be conformed to the image of our Lord (Romans 12:1-2).  He went before us; so let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured (Hebrews 13:13).

Author: The Reformed Baptist

My name is Stephen Taylor, ordained Baptist minister of eighteen years pastoral experience with a Ph.D. in Historical Theology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. Better than that, I am married to a godly woman, Karla, who has been very patient with me since 1989. I have two daughters, both of whom I homeschooled for extended periods of time, who became godly young women, and who ran off and married godly young men, all of which is very proper. The oldest daughter has even seen fit to bless me with a grandson and a granddaughter, and my youngest daughter with a grandson, all three of whom are bundles of exceeding joy. As you can see, I am quite blessed. This website is dedicated to helping people grow in the wisdom and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ through the gift of writing that the Lord has given to me. It is specifically about helping His people grow in godliness, the theme you see repeated above. I write devotions with this aim and hope that they might be of some help to God’s people. Full disclosure: I am of a Reformed bent, meaning that my understanding of Scripture is primarily informed by the Reformers and their successors of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. However, as a student of church history and theology, I strive to remain true to that teaching handed down once for all unto the saints through every age of the Church. I like to think of myself as a “catholic” Christian, as the Reformers thought of themselves. At any rate, feel free to read, pray, and contact me if you wish, or correct me if need be. As you can see, I tend to follow the church year. Of course, I make no special claims about these devotions. I know very well that others have written better and plumbed the depths of God’s word with greater insight. But if my musings help someone draw closer to the Lord, well then, I have my reward. Blessings to you and may the God and Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ speak to you that word which He knows you especially need to hear. Grace & peace, Stephen Taylor View all posts by The Reformed Baptist