The transfiguration story is filled with mystery. We can only imagine what the sight might have been like. Those present (Peter, James, and John) were clearly
terrified by the event. Often transformational events in our lives are also mysterious and terrifying, like a new career move or a major illness. Yet we are encouraged, not to run from our fears, but to embrace them. “This is my Son… listen to him!”
invites us to move toward Jesus, even when we are afraid.
Worship this week with Holy Communion:
Saturday at 5:00 p.m. in the chapel
Sunday — 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship
9:30 a.m. — Sunday School and New Member Orientation
10:30 a.m. — Contemporary Worship
Devotions for this week: The Transfiguration February 6-7, 2016
SHARE: What was a high point of your day? What was a low point?
READ: Read the following daily readings to deepen your understanding
Sunday, Mark 8:27–9:8, Transfiguration
Monday, Psalm 27:1-4
Tuesday, Mark 9:38-41, Another Exorcist
Wednesday, Mark 9:30-37, Passion Prediction (Ash Wednesday)
Thursday, Mark 9:42-50, Temptations to Sin
Friday, Mark 10:1-12, Teaching about Divorce
Saturday, Mark 10:13-16, Jesus Blesses Little Children
TALK: Consider some of these ideas:
Who do you say that Jesus is? On this question hangs today’s scripture reading. Do we seek the way of glory, the way of the cross, or understand the journey with Christ as somehow at the intersection of the two? Given a glimpse of glory, Peter, James and John show an interest in staying at the top of the mountain.
- Why do you think that, immediately following Jesus’ transfiguration of blinding white, Jesus’ words become so relatively dark?
- Why do you think Jesus’ transfiguration was a turning point in his ministry? How did the revelation affect his disciples?
- What do you think Jesus meant when he rebuked Peter for speaking about his identity? Consider how the public glorification of Jesus’ mission might detract or distract from his journey toward the cross.
PRAY: Light of the world, transform our understanding. Show us the truth we grasp only dimly. Amen.
BLESS: May God reveal God’s self to you every day. Amen.
