What does Transfiguration mean?
Transfiguration means a glorious change. Today we celebrate Jesus’
Transfiguration when he was gloriously changed from a human into the divine Son
of God before his disciples.
Old Testament – 2 Kings 2:1-12
Elijah was a great prophet in Israel’s history. Elijah is unusual in that other
prophets’ words were written down but we know very little of his actual words.
Elijah founded a school of prophets called “the sons of prophets.” Elijah is
important to Christians, Jews, and Muslims. Elijah’s name means “Yahweh is my
God.” Elijah’s life shows that the one true God was Elijah’s god. Elijah kept the
Israelites from worshipping false gods when evil King Ahab lived. Elijah did many
miracles including raising the dead and causing fire to come down from heaven.
In this lesson, we learn that Elijah doesn’t die but instead, God sends a chariot of
fire and horses down from heaven to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind.
Elisha, Elijah’s closest friend, has followed Elijah all day long. Elisha knows that
Elijah will be taken away from him that day. Elijah asks Elisha want he can do for
Elisha before he is taken up to heaven. Elisha asks to inherit a double amount of
Elijah’s spirit. What a brave request! Elijah tells him if he sees Elijah as he is being
taken up to heaven his request has been granted.
This lesson is about God’s majesty and mercy. It also shows God’s amazing
creativity. It shows that we can make bold requests when we come to God. We
do not have to be fearful in approaching God.
There is a movie called “Chariots of Fire.” It is a true story which takes place
during one of the Olympics over 100 years ago. It is about a runner who chooses
to place God over the Olympics. Below are cuts from the film and its beautiful
theme.
Old Testament – Psalm 50
Asaph wrote this song. Asaph was the choir leader during King David’s life.
Asaph played the cymbals and led all the cymbal players during worship. How
fun! This song tells us about God’s majesty and mercy in the opening verses.
Then it reminds us that God is God. Listen below to Psalm 50 as it is sung.
New Testament – 2 Corinthians 4:3-6
In this lesson, Paul writes that not everyone believes the Bible or that Jesus is the
Son of God. These truths are hidden from them. God shone His Light into our
darkness and we are able to see that Jesus is the Son of God.
New Testament – Mark 9:2-9
Today we see that Jesus took Peter, James, and John up to a mountain. There He
was gloriously changed before them. He was transfigured from a human into the
Son of God. He showed His divine nature to them. Then Moses and Elijah
appeared and began talking with Jesus. The disciples were badly frightened.
Peter was so surprised that he wanted to make shelters for Jesus, Moses, and
Elijah. Then a cloud descends over them so they can’t see anything. Then God’s
voice comes from the cloud saying “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to Him.”
The cloud disappears along with Elijah and Moses. Jesus is standing there alone.
He tells them not to tell anyone what they have seen until He had been raised
from the dead. But, they were afraid to ask what Jesus meant by this. How many
times are we afraid to ask God something? Remember you are God’s child. You
can always come to God with anything at all times in all places.
Younger Children's Lesson:
Transfiguration – What a big long name! What does it mean? It means to change
into something totally different. Think about how a caterpillar changes into a
butterfly. It is the same creature but it looks entirely different. Today we learn
that Jesus does the same thing in front of his friends. He changes into the Son of
God. Jesus also promises us that we will be changed by loving Him.
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