Jesus the Son of God: Embracing the Comfort of His Presence
You might wonder why approaching God can feel so intimidating. If you’re like many of me, the idea of connecting with a perfectly holy God can be downright terrifying. I often consider the weight of my own sin and just assume that God is either angry or disappointed with me. But what if I told you that Jesus, God’s Son, makes this connection not only possible but also comforting? Matthew 17 displays this profound truth: Jesus is God’s Son, and He makes a way for us to commune with God.
In Matthew 17:1-13, we witness the transfiguration of Jesus—a moment where His divine nature is revealed to His closest disciples, Peter, James, and John. This event is packed with meaning and offers us a glimpse into how Jesus bridges the gap between our broken humanity and God’s perfect holiness.
The Transfiguration: A Glimpse of Divine Glory
In Matthew 17:1-8, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a mountain. There, He is transfigured before them—His face shines like the sun, and His clothes become as white as light. Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appear, talking with Jesus. Overwhelmed, Peter suggests building shelters for them, not fully grasping the significance of the moment.
While Peter is still speaking, a bright cloud envelops them, and a voice from the cloud declares, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased. Listen to him!” The disciples fall facedown in terror, but Jesus touches them and says, “Get up; don’t be afraid.” When they look up, they see only Jesus.
This scene is rich with Old Testament imagery. The mountain setting echoes Moses and Elijah’s encounters with God on Mount Sinai. The bright cloud represents God’s presence, often accompanied by fire and smoke in the Old Testament. Here, the light emanates from Jesus Himself, underscoring His divine nature.
Jesus: The Bridge Between Humanity and Divinity
The transfiguration reveals that Jesus is not just a teacher or prophet; He is God’s Son, fully divine and fully human. This dual nature is crucial because it means Jesus can bridge the gap between us and God. His incarnation—God becoming flesh—makes the holy God approachable.
When the disciples fall in fear, Jesus comforts them with a touch and reassuring words. This act embodies the essence of His mission: to make God’s presence accessible. Jesus’ incarnation means that we can approach God without fear, knowing that He understands our humanity.
Why This Matters to You
Here’s why this matters: Jesus’ incarnation means you can approach God with confidence and without fear. This truth can transform your daily walk with God, turning anxiety and guilt into comfort and boldness.
Action Steps: Embracing the Comfort of Jesus
Reflect on Jesus’ Nature: Spend time meditating on the dual nature of Jesus—fully God and fully human. Consider how this truth impacts your relationship with God.
Approach God Boldly: In your prayers and daily life, approach God with the confidence that Jesus’ sacrifice has made a way for you. Remember Hebrews 4:16, which encourages us to approach God’s throne of grace with confidence.
Listen to Jesus: God’s command to the disciples was clear: “Listen to him.” Make it a priority to read and obey Jesus’ teachings. Start with the Gospels and let His words guide your life.
Share Your Experience: Talk to others about how understanding Jesus’ nature has impacted your relationship with God. Encourage them to approach God with the same confidence.
Conclusion
The point is clear: Jesus wants you to approach God with confidence and without fear. What will you do this week to embrace this truth? Will you take time to reflect on Jesus’ nature, approach God boldly, listen to His teachings, and share your experience with others? Remember, without taking these steps, you’ll miss out on the deep, comforting relationship God desires to have with you.
