March 15/16 2025 - Second Sunday of Lent

Luke 9:28-36 They saw His glory. (Luke 9:32) Picture a split screen of two images of Jesus. On the left side is Jesus on Mount Tabor as the three disciples saw Him, shining in all His glory (Luke 9:32). On the right is Jesus hanging on the cross in agony, His face and body covered in blood. Such a contrast can be jarring. How could the Holy One of God, transfigured and radiating His divinity, be the same One who was nailed to a cross, at the mercy of His persecutors, and completely stripped of semblance of heavenly glory? We know the answer: Jesus willingly accepted “death, even death on a cross” to save us (Philippians 2:8). He willingly let go of any outward show of His divinity and power out of love for each of us. Today’s Gospel describing the Transfiguration is a revelation of who Jesus truly is. As Luke describes it, “His face changed in appearance and His clothing became dazzling white” (9:29). It’s an other-worldly glimpse of Jesus, one that was hidden while He walked the earth, but a sign of how He may appear to us one day in heaven. When we think of Jesus as He was transfigured, it can make us even more grateful for what He was willing to endure for our sake. As the divine Son of God, He could have called on His angels in heaven at any moment and liberated Himself for the agony of the cross. At any moment, He could have rained down fire on all those who were trying to kill Him. But He didn’t. He loved us so much that He let Himself be tortured and crucified. He did it even for the people that had accused and sentenced Him! Today, imagine yourself on Mount Tabor with Peter, John, and James. What does Jesus’ face look like? How bright is His clothing? Think about what you might say to Him. Above all, be sure to thank Him from the bottom of your heart for being willing to die so that you might live! “Jesus, let me see Your glory.” Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18 Psalm 27:1, 7-9, 13-14 Philippians 3:17-4:1 From "The Word Among Us"