The Transfiguration
(The Gospel of Matthew 17:1-8)
The Armenian Church has five major Feasts. The Transfiguration [Aylagerbootyoun - Vartavar] is one of them.
1Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2There He was transfigured before them…. Have we ever thought way Jesus was transfigured before Peter, James and John only when they were by themselves? This fact teaches us that Jesus reveals wonderful truths about Himself to His followers when they are by themselves, in others words, when they try to be alone and to spend time with Him. We recognize Jesus only in our solitude prayerful hours.
3Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. 4Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for You, one for Moses and one for Elijah." Meaningful and significant are the words of the Apostle Peter: "Lord, it is good for us to be here”. Is it not good to be and to live in the precious presence of our Lord Jesus Christ? There is joy and peace in Jesus’ presence. Don’t we want and don’t we need joy and peace?
5While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!" Pay attention to the last words. Our heavenly Father invites us to listen to His Son: “Listen to Him”. Are we listening to what Jesus says? Are we doing what He commands of us?
6When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. 7But Jesus came and touched them. "Get up," he said. "Don't be afraid." 8When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus. Jesus touched His disciples and commanded them to get up and not to be afraid. In the 7th verse we have three important points:
a. “Jesus touched them”. How wonderful it is to feel the touch of Jesus. When Jesus touches broken hearts are healed, troubled souls are tranquillized, and suspicious minds are filled with confidence.
b. “Get up”. We desperately need to hear these two words, the encouraging words; words that grant comfort and power, confidence and sense of security. By saying “Get up” it seems as though Jesus is saying: “Get up and walk in faith. Get up and be strong. Stand up in My name and for My sake. Get up and don’t be afraid of stumbling once again. Get up and decide to do My will. Get up and go to work in My field”.
c. “Don’t be afraid”. When Jesus was transfigured before His disciples, they feared Him because His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Sinful people cannot stand in the holy presence of Jesus. Those who are not born from the Holy Spirit cannot and don’t want to be brought into the presence of God. As darkness cannot stand in the presence of light, in the same way, those who live in the darkness of sin cannot stand in the radiant presence of God.
Aghotarar Hayr Vaghinag
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