Growing up, Jesus wasn’t anyone special in the eyes of most people. Nothing about His appearance drew attention (Isaiah 53:2). He lived a normal life in a normal place. He didn’t come in glory and splendor. Instead, He came clothed in humble humanity. But in today’s reading, in this moment of His transfiguration, everything changed. No longer was He just the normal-looking guy from Nazareth. Now, He shone in glory, both fully man and fully God.
The transfiguration in Mark 9 is a pretty unbelievable story. I mean, can you imagine standing there with Peter, James, and John, then suddenly seeing Jesus change right before your eyes? But here, on top of a mountain, Jesus became the physical representation of God’s glory—the same glory that radiated from Moses after spending time with God on Mount Sinai (Exodus 34:29–35).
They went up the mountain with the Jesus they thought they knew. Now they found themselves in front of the transfigured Son of the living God. Mark tells us Jesus’s clothes were “dazzling—extremely white as no launderer on earth could whiten them” (Mark 9:3). Can you imagine? And then Elijah and Moses himself appeared beside Jesus, talking to Him. That must’ve been a terrifying sight for these disciples! Not knowing what to do or how to respond, Peter decided it might be a good idea to set up shelters for them (v.6). But then God stepped in:
“A cloud appeared, overshadowing them, and a voice came from the cloud:
‘This is my beloved Son; listen to him!’” (v.7).
In that incredible moment, God confirmed that Jesus is His Son, like He had announced at Jesus’s baptism (Mark 1:9–11). He was the Savior they had been waiting for! Then Moses and Elijah were gone, and the disciples were once again alone with Jesus.
All too often, I respond like Peter did on that mountain. When I don’t understand what God is up to, I try to reason or take action to make life make sense. I know the power of God and what He can do, but it’s just so easy to doubt when I’m not the one in control. Rather than enjoying God’s presence and waiting for Him to reveal what’s next, I seek distraction.
How often do you act out of fear or confusion, instead of stopping to look for the presence of the living God around you? Take time to stop and notice God’s presence, how His power is at work. The hardest work has already been done. Sometimes our only task is to watch for Him, wait for Him, and enjoy Him. Peter, James, and John witnessed Jesus’s transfiguration and were no doubt changed. In His presence, we are changed too. May we open our eyes to truly see Him at work all around us.
Leave a Reply
62 thoughts on "Jesus Is Transfigured"
Amen!
It blows me away how often the disciples questioned Jesus. It just proves that He loves us completely and has a mission for each of us.
Lord help me to be still and wait on you!
Thank you for explaining “Salt” and “fire” to me. I am new and I didn’t understand. I am learning.
My daughters (17 and15) have stopped believing. I had this thought at church today that I really need to stop asking Him for help then trying to handle it on my own. I need to step back and let God do what God does.
Prayers of deliverance and restoration to you and your family your daughters shall seek god.
I don’t want to be fall out my relative and relationships and to be believe we will get how love is to all people to trust.
In God’s presence, we are changed!
Thabk You Jesus
Jesus walk with us in a way we are most comfortable with but it doesn’t dim His majesty. Jesus showed them He true self and Peter needed a box to help understand. Thankfully we have the Holy Spirit in us now
I love that the disciples have witnessed countless wild miracles at this point, and still when Jesus mentions that he will die and be resurrected, their reaction is, “Huh. Wonder what he means by that.” It’s such a comical visual!
A very timely piece in my life – I try to control everything and try to reason everything out – Watch, Wait and Enjoy. Jesus is everything, I need to take on His humble humanity.
Me too!
I was so struck by the explanation of Peter trying to set up a shelter at the moment of transfiguration- like, what? Why would he do that?? Then after reading this devotional I realized that I do this all the time- shopping, “nesting” , trying to distract myself from the uncomfortable-ness of not knowing what God is up to !!
Amen!!
I really loved listening to Lisa Harper talking about this and Moses in the promise land during the latest podcast.
For the first time I noticed how the disciples were afraid to ask Jesus on his resurrection prophecy (Mark 9:32). They were afraid. Another time, Jesus rebuked the man with unbelief in front of a crowd, “you faithless generation, how long shall I suffer you?” (Mark 9:19). Though Jesus is gentle and meek at heart, He also overcomes the “political correctness” to correct, rebuke, as One with great bluntness. I feel that this side of character is usually criticized rather than encouraged. Yet Jesus showed this trait. As Christians, we ought to be well-rounded like Jesus too. May God give us wisdom on this.
“Everyone shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt”. This verse is the revelation. We are the living sacrifice (Romans 12:1). Salt is used to preserve rottenness, and to disinfect wounds, keep wounds from spreading or getting worse. Fire is to refine through burning, melting the substance using extreme heat. The purpose of this Refiner’s fire is to purify, not destroy. Every living sacrifice will be refined. A word of warning, “if the salt loses its saltness”, it is no longer good, useless for its purpose, when we stop being God’s living sacrifice, we no longer have the saltiness which He gives. Have salt within yourself, so the wickedness of this world cannot cause any rottenness in you, and to those whom you touch within your circle of influence, you shall preserve them too. Praise Jesus. Lord, please give us eyes to see, ears to hear, courage to faithfully be the living sacrifice. Lord, preserve the saltiness within us, give us strength to be salted by your fire. All glory and praise be to you Lord.
In reading this chapter, one thing surprised me- the disciples arguing amongst themselves as to who was the greatest. Some had just seen Jesus transfigured and then Jesus had to cast out a demon because they couldn’t. Often we have our eyes on self instead of recognising the work Jesus did. May I continually be looking out for His presence instead of my insecurities.
RENEE, praying for you and your son… I know this as a mom as well & it can be frightening. Best advice I can share from experience is don’t wait a second to find a Christ centered LICENSED therapist that he could possibly even start on Zoom with. It’s made such a difference for us…❤️
Renee, continue to pray for your son. Lifting him up. They’re not in vain prayers. The Lord hears you. Keep loving on him, and even the to encourage him to write out his thoughts. That’s been so helpful with my journey.
Amen Maura
As I think about Easter Sunday coming, I love the story of the Transfiguration. Peter, James and John see Jesus in His glory. We are reminded that even though suffering and the cross lie ahead that they will lead to glory. When the disciples see Moses and Elijah, it reminds me that there is life after this life. The Resurrection is real and He is coming soon!
As I read this morning, I’m reminded not to make it difficult to new believers or immature believers to follow Jesus. Not to be caught up in the ways they are “getting it wrong” with false beliefs and ideas. But to love and honor them, and continue to encourage them- because they are Christ’s. And what they do is important to the kingdom.
I am reminded to have grace for the little ones of God… that is my takeaway. May I as a “more mature” believer have grace and confidence for this newer generation of Christ. May they grow and learn truth. May I grow patience for them and focus on my own walk, and not theirs. May I not be judgemental but encouraging.
Take the time to stop and notice God’s presence, watch for Him, wait for Him, enjoy Him. ❤️
Today’s reading and devotional is so timely and helpful! And all your comments encourage and class me as I let this passage sink into my soul and bring forth hope. Please pray for my son (13 yo)…who has recently slipped into some serious anxiety and depression. It’s scary and heartbreaking and at times I feel helpless and overwhelmed…but today’s reading reminds me to place my trust in God and to pray with faith, believing in God’s ability to rescue. We need a rescue!!!!
I love that all God wants us to do is be in his presence and wait for him to respond. So often I put it on me that I have to fix it and control it. I allow the fear and doubt to cloud my thoughts and who God is. May I take the time to really sit in God presence and allow him to move.
DOOR HOLDER, you summed up very eloquently what I came away with after reading Matthew Henry’s commentary on v. 49, 50. Matthew Henry mentioned the “salt of grace” and “a living principle of grace … which works out all corrupt dispositions.” Moses appointed the law of salt with the sacrifice. How fitting that Jesus used this illustration just after they had seen Moses. Helps to know that interpreters haven’t agreed on this passage!
Powerful devotional & so many great comments. Churchmouse, your words expressed my own feelings very well.
DeAnna, love the spinning wheels message. I was thinking of a tree that though it does not physically move continues to grow, leave and soak up the sun. “Be still and know” this is the way I can take captive my thoughts, with scripture, prayer and His peace. It isn’t easy when my mind goes everywhere and sometimes very negatively but God, He speaks peace over me through the Holy Spirit. Praying overwhelming joy and peace for you Kate. Heidi, His wisdom, peace and truth in love for your conversation and relationships may God be glorified. Angie and Crysta thank you for your beautiful thoughts and words. Thank you SRT Sisters for blessing my day and sharing the light He gives. Beauty from ashes, much from little, life from death, blind who now see, lame who now walk, freedom for the enslaved, light for the dark that is who Jesus is and so much more. Praise be to our Most High God who is so worthy. Sing Loud Sisters!
Enjoy Jesus and wait to see what God is up to next, that is so convicting and something I do need to do.
@Terri
Most commentators and they way I have been taught say that Elijah has come in the form of John the Baptist, fulfilling prophecies.
As for being salted with fire, I think that we, as believers, will certainly be salted with fire as we immerse ourselves in the Word and allow the Holy Spirit to convict us, the Father to refine us, and the Savior to restore us. The salt can be thought of like a believer being preserved in the faith and being cleansed/purified, the fire also being a refining process (much like the song from the 90s…”Refiner’s Fire…”), cleansing us of our sinfulness and ridding us of our temptations. The “have salt among yourselves” then would mean that disciples of Jesus, refined and ridded of selfishness (that me first mentality!) through the cleansing power of Christ and the Holy Spirit should then ensure that they will be at peace with one another.
Would love other feedback to make sure that I’m interpreting this correctly, as well. Good questions, Terri!
I am so guilty of rushing through with the goal of getting to what’s next, rather than slowing down and enjoying whatever task or process is at hand; on the other hand, I am also guilty of “spinning my wheels” in the act of productivity but actually accomplishing nothing of importance-except to waste/fill time. Both are fruitless and produce anxiety, frustration, and emptiness.
Lord, guide my thoughts, words, actions, and days to be purpose-filled. I cannot see the “big picture” but you do; plan my days, including periods of productivity & rest, to be purposeful to fulfill your purpose in me. Allow me to rest in you and your promises. I believe; help me in my unbelief.
“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe to fall away…”. Such a powerful verse. This generation is being pulled away like none other and so quickly thanks to social media. My two sons are being pulled away so fast. I feel sometimes like there is a demon inside them. May I have faith that God can bring my sons back.
TERRI, you addressed the verse that jumped out to me today! I have always focused on v. 50, jumping right over v. 49 until today! Those in hell will not only burn, but they will be “salted” as sacrifices in the Old Testament required salt. Burning in eternity would be bad enough, but being salted on top of that!!! Yikes. Why did I just see this today?! The footnotes were a big help for me on this point! Hope that helps!!! I am greatly blessed by you ladies each day!!!
How often do I act out of fear or confusion?? I occupy my thoughts with “busywork”, I fill the voids in my heart with “busywork”and unfortunately I miss out on opportunities to spread the gospel because I’m too busy. But hey at the end of the day at least I’m busy right? Almost purposely too busy to really stop and ask myself what are you filling your time with? Why are you not resting? What hard truths are you avoiding?? I wish I would bring to Jesus more of my fears and confusion instead of pretending that I have it all figured out. Help me come to you Lord like the broken father with my unbelief, help me to stand I. Aww of your presence and just let everything else go!!!
I LOVE THIS. THANK YOU.
Beautiful post Heidi, praying for you.
I’m always amazed that the 3 disciples recognized Moses and Elijah! What a glimpse into heaven!
I often find I see the work of God in my life after the fact… I pray that my eyes and heart is opened so that I can see the work and presence of God as it’s happening, in the moment.
Loved this revelation. Because seeking for a distraction when life gets messy its a very human thing, but today we are reminded that it’s a human thing but not the right thing to do as christians. Today I pray that Jesus shows us the Work He has been doing. Thank you Father.
“Rather than enjoying God’s presence and waiting for Him to reveal what’s next, I seek distraction.”
Yup.
I’m in a season of that in my life right now and it can become terrifying at times. We are clearly told through these passages (& others) that when we are experiencing uncertainty or fear or confusion or pain or ——, we have not been given a spirit of fear- so how dare we bow down to one. Instead, to protect our heart and mind from being overtaken by these things, we have to be intentional on “taking the thought captive to Christ”. Intentionally placing our focus on what He’s already done and what we can trust Him for again. My hope is NEVER to be placed in the restoration of my relationships, the faith-walk of my children, the protection of my family/friends, etc. Those are all such great things and we are called to pray for them and work towards them. But my HOPE. That? is in Christ. That is in the ultimate good He has already done. The enemy is good at distracting me and convincing me that if I don’t focus on the things going wrong AND FIX THEM, then all hell will break loose in my life. Absolutely- bad things can and will happen. It’s a promise. But- The outcome of all of those other things are in His hands. At the end of each day, my focus needs to be on what He has done, what I can see Him doing, and that in the end, He has conquered all. He is good. He will, ultimately, take all the hurt, pain, and destruction and USE it for the Good of those who love Him. There is my Hope.
Prayers for wisdom in some close, personal relationships today (and going forward) would be welcomed. That wisdom and truth will be so evident. That His grace and mercy will be recognized and fully received. That the enemy’s attempts of condemnation will also be recognized and rebuked completely.
“Hey, guys… um, we can set up a few tents, maybe?” – I love this so much, because Peter’s reaction is similar to what I do when faced with a spanner in the works – Do Something. Movement
of any kind, whether necessary or not, is preferable to inaction.
I remember having this conversation with my husband – he’s uncomfortably with inactivity, when there’s so much to be done. I reminded him that a car spinning its wheels is moving, just not going anywhere. Movement doesn’t always equate progress.
Lord, help me progress in my faith.
“Take time to stop and notice God’s presence, how His power is at work. The hardest work has already been done. Sometimes our only task is to watch for Him, wait for Him and enjoy Him.”
This is something God is showing me I need to do in my life. I don’t need to prove anything or be in control. This sounds like permission for freedom and rest!!
Mark 9:7 reads “there was a cloud that overshadowed them and a voice came out of the cloud saying ‘this is my beloved Son:hear Him’…” oh may we let the cloud of God overshadow us today….may we stop in the shade of Jesus and listen to the glorious faithful Lord Jesus today. In the shadow of His wings is peace joy contentment and we need not fear, for He holds tomorrow. Be blessed in the cloud that overshadows all the pains this sinful and doomed earth holds and rest in His peace power and protection.
Lord help me to stop and notice you at work in my life and notice your presence!
♥️
The father of the Demond possessed boy was always taught to me as someone with a weak faith. Reading this today I see myself in him. He feels honest and raw. He feels like a man who wants to believe but is watching his son suffer. My faith is often tested when I see all the pain and hurt in our world. I need this fathers words “I believe; help my unbelief!”
Always have been struck by the demon possessed boy’s father – “I believe; help my unbelief!” Resonating deeply with me with morning as I am fighting for joy right now. Trusting he is in control and wanting to believe that more and more.
@cyrstal talked about what we think grows. Another devotional I read is on the Firy5 app from Proverbs 31 Ministries and the verses are Philippians 4:4-8. Our thoughts are so important and the battle can start in the mind. I heard a message preached about how these verses should be the litmus test we use for our thoughts. I heard this after my husband’s affair. I was dwelling on this. Was it true that this happened? Yes, but was it pure, lovely, or praiseworthy? No, so I should it have been replaying tbis. This wasn’t helpful a all. Of course, you have to face the issues head on. I went to counseling. My thoughts had to change. I’m thankful that God is able to do this and more. I hope that the words from my pastor’s message about tbis verse helps. Dear God, please help us to think rightly Please let our thoughts be pure and lovely.. Then please transform our words and actions to be pleasing to You. AmenI hope you can check out this devotional. Here is a link: https://myf5.co/489581
Jesus is God’s Son. (I know that but, am letting it really sink in.)
He is part of the holy Trinity.
He left heaven, became human, and gave His life to ransom us.
At the transfiguration,
His glory shone and,
His Father’s praise showered.
While the people He came to save, argued about who was the greatest,
He healed a child and helped a father solidify his faith.
He left God’s presence on the mountain and immediately went back to caring for people.
He lived out; 1st must be last, children matter, give water to the thirsty.
The Creator of salt, lived as Salt among us.
Thank you for being our perfect example Jesus.
May we become more like You.
I’m praying for an ocean of salty Christians.
Like salt water heals, in Your saltiness Lord, may wounds and bruises of a lost world be healed.
You came to redeem us, to transform us into Your likeness day by day.
Oh to be like Him, Beautiful Savior, Glorious Lord.
“Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.”
I look around and see divisiveness, anger, violence, confusion, deception, manipulation and barely controlled chaos. It’s enough to make me crawl back to bed and pull the covers up over my head. Then I remember – Jesus lives. He is on the throne. He is in control and in charge. I pause to praise and I no longer see anyone or anything except Jesus. He is all that matters. He will set all things right. He is always with me. May I keep this world in its proper place – and focus on nothing except Jesus.
“The hardest work has already been done. Sometimes our only task is to watch for Him, wait for Him, and enjoy Him.”
Enjoy God today ❤
I am so guilty of rushing through and moving onto the next thing. I pray that I slow down so that I can recognize and see God’s work in my daily walk.
Thank you Abby for confirming where the Lord lead me to write this morning.
“He said this because he didn’t really know what else to say, for they were all terrified.”
Mark 9:6 NLT
This scripture captivated me. When we feel like we need to talk, because we’re terrified. This is something I do also. It’s controlling. It’s awkward. Trying to control an uncontrollable is awkward, yet as humans we do this notion all the time. It’s expecting a different result, when we won’t get it.
Jesus is my anchor. Jesus is in control, and has dominion over my existence. This is the truth for everyone that declares Jesus is Lord; no matter what season we’re currently facing. In the peaks and in the valleys Jesus reigns. There’s some areas of my life where I want control.
Hence, the wrestle, and being human. I’ll never be in control, yet I struggle with control. The human mind is the most fascinating organ we possess. What we think grows. How we move becomes our consumption. I’m learning it’s okay to experience a supernatural wonder without needing to fill the silence with verbiage. Just being present, and breathing is vital.
““For everyone will be tested with fire. Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? You must have the qualities of salt among yourselves and live in peace with each other.””
Mark 9:49-50 NLT
Being tested with fire is an understatement. Thank God it builds character, and creates perseverance. We are the salt of the earth. In a lot of ways, we are the amount of flavor needed to boil water in a tasteful way. To completely execute this, we must embrace being multiple parts of one body.
Sadly, the church house needs revival and restoration. Indeed it’s just a building, but in that building community, and the body of Christ is called to come together in unity. We are called to operate in purpose, and not popularity. Chasing likes on social media became more important than spreading the good news. The church house became a popularity contest. I personally can’t deal with the politics, and witnessing the wrong chase of titles and social status anymore.
I’m ‘church house out.’ I pray these times of uncertainty will be used to bring dry bones alive again. I pray that Jesus is stirring new wine where the old wineskin will burst at it’s seams to make room for new wineskin. I’m praying for all things new like Lamentations 3:23 talks about. I’m praying for God-enthroned revival like Revelations 21:5 speaks on. I’m being lead to share my heart, and I don’t know why, but I’m realizing fighting the Savior who saves me daily harms me, and hurts Him. Jesus died on a cross for me. That’s a level of love my human brain can’t fathom without my helper The Holy Spirit. Thank God for the Holy Trinity.
May I rest in his presence and be in awe of his power and good work!
My other comment was meant to be a reply to Terri but it came up as a separate comment.
I can’t seem to reply to a comment. Are others having this problem?
I think Elijah is referring to John the Baptist. Jesus says this in Matthew 11:14 and he is referring to the prophecy in Malachi 4:5. In Luke 1:17 it says he will have the spirit and power of Elijah.
Not sure about your other question…
Is not our default to ‘fix’ things/ the situation.. in disappointment we try to resolve. In anger, we must sort it. In pain, of heart, mind, we want it to end so we find ways to stop it. In situations we don’t understand, we look in the wrong places. When we want it yesterday, we rush through ..
I have been a candidate for that kind of behaviour..
But God..
It is so easy to reach for the default button when we don’t see the results we want. We hit that button also, when we panic, not sure what to do, say, or be..
But God..
Though Jesus is my friend.. He absolutely is more than that, He goes beyond my everyday friend even in His “fully man”, but in His “fully God” nature He is my help in times of trouble. He is my Hope when hope goes awol. He is my comfort, when no other solace will do. He is my strength when I am weary. He transforms my every situation to a better one, as I hold fast to Him.
No better friend could I ask for. No one i would want to climb my ‘mountains’ with.
Thank you Lord God, for your transforming love, hope, grace, mercy that lifts my spirit when I am overwhelmed..
Thank you Lord for everything.. Thank you!
Amen.
Blessings dear sisters for beautiful God anointed day wrapped in love..❤
Thank you for your words, Abby. Recently it has felt like there’s been spiritual warfare in my home. I have been praying and seeking God but also a bit freaked out. I had just been praying for some guidance from God before reading this study and your last paragraph feels like He’s speaking to me.
It struck me how much I am like Peter, I dive into “fixing mode” rather than trusting and waiting on the Lord. I’m job searching currently and have big decisions to make and after today’s reading I realized I am flailing around and not sitting with God and waiting for Him to reveal it to me. James 1:5-6 immediately came to mind, particularly verse 6. This message was exactly what I needed to read today, isn’t God great like that?
Mk 9:13 “Elijah has come” . Whe did he come?
Mk 9:49 “For everyone will be salted with fire”. When will be salted with fire?