May 24th, 2022

God Was Human Too

Matthew 17:5-7 NIV

"While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them and a voice from the cloud said, 'This is my Son whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!' When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. 'Get up," he said. 'Don't be afraid.'"

      So many religions around the world preach fear to their people. They must worship and respect their god because of their authority in the lives of the people. As an outsider of such religions, their love for their god seems to come from a place of terror, that if they don't love and serve it the proper way, they will be severely punished. As Christians, we too tend to allow fear into our relationship with our God. Maybe not to the extent of other religions, but fear of trust and fear of punishment. When Jesus led Peter, James, and John (the brother of James) up a high mountain and was transfigured before their eyes, What was revealed to them was frightening. There, they saw the Son in all of his glory, Moses, and Elijah. While that may have been a lot to take in, they then heard the voice of God and fell facedown in fear. This may have been because we are told that no one can see God's face and live (Exodus 33:20). 

      However, it was at that moment that something astonishing happened. God had revealed his son to just three of his disciples. It is crucial as Christians that we accept and believe Jesus as the Son of God because not only did he sacrifice His life for us-but He and the Father are one (John 10:30). Jesus is the reflection of God-made-man. This is reassuring for us because we can look at the life of Jesus and see God's character. Here, we can see Jesus walking over to the disciples, touching them with his gentle touch and encouraging them to have no fear. This is so comforting! Our God is not a strict God. Our God is not a God of punishment. But He has sent his Son to come into our lives and comfort us (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). No other religion has seen anything like this! Just as God directed the apostles to listen to Jesus, let us listen to Him too; Don't be afraid, my friends.

Does reading this passage help you understand the love and compassion our God has for us? Does knowing that Jesus is God made human and shared in our humanity make you feel closer to Him?