The disciples trembled in fear when they saw God’s great power at the Transfiguration. Yet, Jesus did not condemn them. He said, "Arise, and be not afraid." Because of our many sins against God, we do deserve fear and punishment. Yet, because of Christ’s perfect life and sacrifice for us, He comforts us as though we had never sinned at all. Through faith, Christ’s perfect life is credited to our account. “To him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.”
Then Jesus taught them not to focus on earthly glory, saying, “Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of Man be risen again from the dead.” Even though Jesus had all the power of God dwelling in Him bodily, He mostly concealed it. He didn’t want people coming to Him to see a “performer”. He spent much of His time simply teaching God’s Word and comforting sinners in the forgiveness of sins. And His Father said clearly, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him.”
Many would love to see a great miracle, and see a great performance of God’s power. Yet He continues to work in the humble means of His Word and Sacraments. For, “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.”
- Pastor Wyatt Rosebrock