IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Daily Bread

The Transfiguration

Date: Jul. 18, 2021

Passage

Matthew 17:1-13

The Transfiguration

17:1 And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. 3 And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 4 And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 5 He was still speaking when, behold, 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.” 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. 7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” 8 And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.

9 And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead.” 10 And the disciples asked him, “Then why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?” 11 He answered, “Elijah does come, and he will restore all things. 12 But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands.” 13 Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.

Daily Bread

Key Verse: Matthew 17:7

But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.”

Six days after Jesus had predicted his suffering, he brought Peter along with James and John up a mountain. There, he was transfigured before them. They were given a glimpse of Jesus’ majestic glory.

To a casual observer there was nothing in Jesus’ likeness that might cause someone to be impressed. Rather, there was a lot that happened to Jesus that could make us grieve. In order to get a full picture, we should also have a glimpse of Jesus’ glory and his acceptance by God his Father. In the midst of all Jesus went through, his true glory and the love and acceptance of God more than sustained him.

Suffering can be unbearable without knowing the bigger picture. We can feel drowning in whatever trouble we are in, but if we trust in God and in his word of hope, we may find that suffering is not the whole story. It is temporary, and even meaningful in the fullness of one’s life.

Prayer: Prayer: Lord, help me to see the glory of Jesus in the midst of my own suffering. Help me to hear your word and remember your love for me when I am struggling. Give me strength to go through today, in the assurance of your love and power.

One Word: One Word: Don’t be afraid

Daily Bread

We Are Your Sheep, Lord

Psalm 79:1-13

Key Verse: 79:13

But we your people, the sheep of your pasture,
will give thanks to you forever;
from generation to generation we will recount your praise.

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