Lessons ~ The TransfigurationSample

 Jesus is Alive in Us  

The disciples did not share their experience at the mount of transfiguration till Jesus rose from the dead (Matthew 17:9). Why was this? Why did Jesus not want them to share this experience till He rose? 

The resurrection of Jesus needed to become their personal reality. Jesus had to suffer, die and rise from the dead on the third day. This would then be the basis for the message of repentance and cleansing from sin for all people since they—the disciples—would authentically know this as their own (Luke 24:46-49). 

After the resurrection and receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit, we see how Peter and the other disciples truly became His witnesses. At Pentecost, we see them witnessing boldly to the crowds who were amazed and perplexed at what was happening to the previously timid disciples. 

Peter reminds the crowd of David’s prophecy concerning the resurrection of the Christ. He then affirms, with all conviction, that they are witnesses to the risen Christ (Acts 2:31-33).  

Peter and John convict the astonished crowds that gathered at the healing of the lame man at the temple. They place the blame of killing Jesus on the crowd (Matthew 27:24-26/Mark 15:11-14). They then state boldly that they are witnesses of Jesus, whom God raised from the dead (Acts 3:15). 

They make the same daring declaration to the highest Jewish religious council, the Sanhedrin, accusing them of murdering Jesus (Acts 4:33/ 5:30-32). 

Look at their boldness. This is what is expected of us as believers. If we claim to be believers then we must demonstrate that we are witnesses of His resurrection. 

The apostle Thomas came to believe, after a brief struggle, that Jesus rose from the dead (John 20:26-29). He therefore became a witness to our land of India. If we say we are believers, we must demonstrate His resurrection to the world around us, even if it means laying down our lives. 

Thought to ponder

We claim to be believers of Jesus but are we His witnesses, willing to lay down our lives?