The Bible Courseනියැදිය

Calling, confession and transfiguration – the identity of Jesus

Reflect:

Have you ever been part of a dysfunctional team? Because of the world we live in, there’s a good chance you have.

Israel was a dysfunctional team. God originally called them to display his goodness and love to the surrounding peoples, promising Abraham that his descendants would become a great nation and ‘all peoples on earth will be blessed through you’ (Genesis 12.3). But the Old Testament records Israel's dysfunctional teamwork: they couldn't remain united and on task.

Jesus’ mission as the Messiah was to mobilise a new team that would display his sacrificial love.

What did Jesus call and equip the 12 apostles to do (verses 1–6)?

From a hated tax collector to an average Joe, Jesus really knew how to pick a team! This new team didn’t have it all together but when Jesus gave them his authority, everything changed. Jesus is still doing this today; he’s still picking ordinary people, empowering them with his Spirit and sending them out with authority.

Reminiscent of the 12 tribes of Israel, Jesus called together the 12 apostles and sent them out as his representatives to proclaim the Kingdom of God and heal the sick – a remarkable demonstration of his love, goodness, and power to save.

What does Peter’s confession (verses 18–20) and Jesus’ transfiguration (verses 28–36) tell us about the identity of Jesus?

Peter announces his conviction that Jesus is the promised Messiah and then, about eight days later, Peter, John, and James go up the mountain to pray with Jesus and see him in a changed state – they get a glimpse of him in his future glory.

Moses and Elijah appear, too, representing the Law and the prophets of the Old Testament. Notice what they talked about – Jesus’ departure, or literally his ‘exodus’. Jesus had come to bring about the ultimate exodus, not just for Israel but for the whole world!

Finally, cloud descends on them, the sign of God’s presence, and a voice declares, ‘This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him’. These events dramatically reveal and confirm Jesus' divine status.

But don’t miss Jesus’ words to his disciples in verses 21–27. It must have been confusing to hear him say that he must suffer, be rejected, and even die. Here is the paradox that runs throughout the life of Jesus – he is the king, but not the one we would expect: not born in a palace, but in poverty; not ruling by the sword, but by God’s word; not oppressing others, but suffering for others. His crown was made of thorns.

Respond

Do you ever feel useless or inadequate? Jesus sees beyond our outward appearance and says, ‘I want to use you to change the world!’ Follower of Jesus, remember the call and the authority you go with today!