What’s In There Will Find Its Way Out
The journey of Lent continues. Last week, it began in the chaotic region of Caesarea Philippi, where a large crowd of religious leaders were questioning Jesus. (Matthew 16:1-12)
Then the conversation narrows to the twelve disciples, and Jesus asks them, “Who do people say that I am?” (Matthew 16:13-14). Then He makes it personal: Who do you say that I am? Peter answers, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:15-20).
Jesus goes on to tell them that if they want to be His disciples, they must deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him. He reminds them that it is no good to gain the whole world but forfeit their soul. He also tells them that He will be going to His Father (Matthew 16:21-28).
A few days later, the group is reduced to three. Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up on the mountain. There, His appearance changes before them. His face shines like the sun, and His clothes become as white as light.
Think about that for a moment. Jesus was as bright as the sun. The sun is so bright we can’t look directly at it for any length of time.
This must have been quite an overwhelming experience. Then two others appear, Moses and Elijah, standing there talking with Jesus. While Peter is still speaking, a cloud envelops them, and God says, “This is my Son, whom I love and am well pleased. Listen to Him!” (Matthew 17:1-5).
At this, the three disciples fall facedown on the ground in fear. Then Jesus comes and touches them. “Get up,” He says. “Don’t be afraid.” As they come down the mountain, Jesus instructs them not to tell anyone what they have seen until after He has been raised from the dead (Matthew 17:6-9).
This was quite an experience. It would have been a lot to take in.
The Greek word for transfiguration is metamorphoō (pronounced “meh-tah mor-FOH-oh”). It means “to change form in keeping with inner reality.” In His transfiguration, it is as though Jesus pulled back the veil of His humanity and revealed the divine reality underneath.
Our English word metamorphosis comes from this same root. It’s not ordinary change. It’s transformation, like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon. The change isn’t cosmetic; it reveals what was already there.
On that mountain, who Jesus truly is began to shine through.
The transformation Peter, James, and John witnessed was not Jesus becoming something new. It was the unveiling of who He had always been. The same is true for us. Who we really are finds its way out. The books we read, the things we listen to, the shows we watch, and the people we surround ourselves with shape us. They form our inner reality and who we become.
In Romans 12:2, we’re told to not be conformed to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of our minds. That renewal is internal and intentional. We need to be careful about what we allow in so that when our true selves shine through, it is a bright and faithful reflection of Jesus.
We have been invited to go up the mountain with Jesus. And what we allow Him to do inside of us will eventually be seen on the outside.