Read Matthew 17:1-13.
"There he was transfigured and his clothes became as white as the light." NIV
The word, "transfigured" in the original Greek is "metamorfovw" (pronounced metamorphoo, which is obviously where we get our word, "metamorphosis.") It means "to change into another form, to transform." It's just like a caterpillar entering a cocoon and emerging as a beautiful, soaring butterfly. Jesus' appearance changed to where He literally shone with the glory of the Almighty.
Romans 12:2 uses the exact same word when it says to "be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Then in 2 Corinthians 3:18, Paul tells us that "we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." As Christ was changed, so we are being continually changed in His likeness with His glory shining from our lives. But it only happens through the power of the Holy Spirit. Yes, we must choose to live Christ-like lives, but it is through surrender to His Spirit and His work in our lives that we can shine for His glory. It is not something we do; it is a state of being that He creates within us. And it takes time and submission. The caterpillar must surrender to the confines of the cocoon to be changed into its new form. In the same way, we die to self to take on His glory.
Further Thoughts:
- Read through the other accounts of the transfiguration in Mark and Luke. How are they similar/How are they different than Matthew's account? What new truths can you glean from the other perspectives?
- Do you shine with Christ's glory? If no, why not? What is stopping His glory?
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