24a — Transfiguration of Jesus (Bible Art)
Jesus Showed His God-Look (Mark 9:2-10) —
Jesus took Peter, James, and John with him and led them up a high mountain,
where they were all alone.
Giovanni Tiepolo, 1770’s, pen and ink on paper.
There he was transfigured (transformed) before them.
His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them.
Raphael, 1516-1520, tempera on wood.
And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.
Ludovico Carracci, 1594, oil on canvas.
Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters — one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.)
Giovanni Gerolamo Savoldo, 1530-1535, oil on canvas.
Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them,
Francesco Zuccarelli, 1788, oil on canvas.
and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”
Mosaic at the Church of the Transfiguration on Mt Tabor, Israel.
Suddenly, when they looked around they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus. As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. They kept the matter to themselves, discussing what “rising from the dead” meant.
Mount of Transfiguration Today
The Bible does not mention on which mountain in Israel the Transfiguration took place. In 348 AD, Bishop Cyril of Jerusalem declared Mount Tabor to be the most logical location, because it is the closest high mountain to the other events in Jesus’ life. The Church of the Transfiguration in this photo was completed on top of Mount Tabor in 1924.
My Prayer
Dearest Father, If I had been on the mountain with Peter, James, and John, I would have been overwhelmed also. Wow! What an amazing sight — Jesus transformed before their eyes into his God-look talking with Moses and Elijah! Thank you for loving your Son and sending him to accomplish your plan. As you have requested, I will be careful to listen to him. Amen.
Suggested Activities
1) Draw or paint your own version of the Transfiguration.
2) Moses represented the Law. Elijah represented the Prophets. Discuss what you think they were talking to Jesus about there on the mountain.
3) Read I Thessalonians 4:13-18 and I Corinthians 15:35-44 and discuss what “rising from the dead” means for those who follow Jesus.
