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Deutsche Version | Wiki Start | Topics Collection ix
Transfiguration ...
Tuesday, March 14, 2017. Sometimes we need strong evidence to believe something. Truth is difficult to be sure of. Too often we have different people who claim different things - and we all know that reality needs interpretations, and that sometimes things are neither black nor white.
Jesus on the Mount …
Looking into the gospel of Luke, we find the story of the “transfiguration” of Jesus in chapter 9. Have a look, it is quite amazing:
28 Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. 29 And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white. (from Luke 9)
We should ask: what strange story is this? We hear of wonders in the life of Jesus, yes, but this type of change sounds like magic. That is usually not the style of his wonders. Does it fit into the overall setup of God's salvation? What is it good for, what is it telling the disciples, what is it telling us today?
Face altered, clothing white! …
There is one clear and plain message in the transfiguration. Jesus is the innocent son of God. He is without sin. He is the lamb of God, which is given and will die at the cross. The transfiguration is a view into his spiritual appearance. He is dazzling white. He is without sin, fully in a faithful relationship to his heavenly father.
Yet, the question is why is God choosing such a strong sign. Today, in a critical environment, we know that it will cause difficulties for people who do not think that such kind of events would be possible. I still think that this event really happened, that it was no dream, and not invented by later generations.
It is a fascinating sign, and an invitation at the same time. We are invited to join Jesus in his perfect relationship to his heavenly father. It is possible for us to be as white inside, dazzling white! Through his death and resurrection, we take part in unbelievable events, and they are real, today. It is a sign, yes, but more than a sign, it is deep reality, yesterday, today and tomorrow. (Roland Potthast) ... more texts