Matthew 16:24-17:8 (ESV)
Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. [25] For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. [26] For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? Or what shall a man give in return for his life? [27] For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done. [28] Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom."
[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.
Questions for Reflection
1. What is the most spectacular event you have ever witnessed?
2. Where did Christ and his three disciples go? (17:1)
3. What happened to Christ on the mountain? (17:2)
4. Who else appeared and began talking to Jesus? (17:3)
5. What did Peter volunteer to do? (17:4)
6. What do you think prompted Peter to say he would build shelters? (17:4)
7. What happened while Peter was speaking? (17:5)
8. How did the disciples react when God spoke out of the cloud? (17:6)
9. Who calmed down the disciples? (17:7)
10. What memories or insights do you think Peter, James, and John took home with them from this incident?
11. How might seeing Christ in all His glory prompt us to obey Him more completely?
12. In what ways does God reveal Himself to us today?
