The Bible Course Muestra

Calling, Confession, and Transfiguration – the identity of Jesus  

Reflect  

Have you ever been a 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 show his love and offer of rescue for the world. The Old Testament records Israel's dysfunctional teamwork: they couldn't remain united and on task. Jesus’ mission as the Messiah was to mobilize a new team that would rescue the world through his sacrificial love.  

What does Jesus call and equip the 12 apostles to do?  

From hated tax collectors to the average joe, Jesus really knew how to pick a team! This new team really didn’t have it all together. But when Jesus gives them his authority, everything changes. Jesus is still doing this today; he’s still picking up ordinary people and empowering them with his Spirit, and sending them with authority.  

The twelve represent the number of the tribes of Israel. When Jesus calls them, he is forming a new Israel. He was making sure that the promises to Abraham would come good – ‘all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.’ (Genesis 12.3).  

What do Peter’s confession and Jesus’ transfiguration tell us about the identity of Jesus?  

This was a great revelation of Jesus' divine status. But Jesus then confused his disciples by teaching that as the Messiah, he must suffer and even die. Here is the paradox that runs through the life of Jesus – he is the king, but not the one we would expect. Not born in a palace but in poverty. Not ruled by the sword but by God’s word. Not oppressing others but suffering for others. His crown was made of thorns. 

On the top of the mountain, light shone out from Jesus’ very being, causing his clothing to shine like the sun, and a cloud descended on them. In the Bible, this kind of cloud is the glory cloud that symbolized God’s presence.  

Moses appeared to represent the law, and Elijah the prophets – together they represent the entire Old Testament. Notice what they talked about – Jesus’ departure, or literally his ‘exodus’. Jesus has come to bring about the ultimate exodus, not just for Israel but for the whole world! 

Respond 

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