The Glory of Jesus
While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. But Jesus came and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.” When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. Matthew 17:5-8
As we behold the glory of Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration, it culminates with the glory of God the Father descending on the mount and speaking words of approval for His beloved Son. What a glorious moment!
And then, just as quickly as it had begun, it was over. The cloud of glory passed away. Moses and Elijah returned to the glories of heaven. Peter, James, and John looked up to see “no one but Jesus only.”
This is the way it had to be. Because the redemption of a soul is so costly (Psalm 49:7-8), no one else – not Moses, Elijah, or even Jesus’ mother could offer a sacrifice valuable enough to God to ransom you. Only Jesus is the beloved Son in whom the Father is well-pleased. Only He could redeem you from your sins.
Isaiah records the mindset of Jesus, “I looked, but there was no one to help, And I wondered That there was no one to uphold; Therefore My own arm brought salvation for Me.” (Isaiah 63:5) This was the glory of Jesus as He went to the cross alone to suffer for your salvation.
And now Jesus comes to you in your fear and touches you in His Word, Baptism, and Holy Communion. He says to you, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.” (Isaiah 43:1)
Dear Jesus, I thank and praise You that You were willing to go to the cross alone in order to save me. Comfort me in my lonely and fearful moments with Your promised presence, reminding me of Your great love in redeeming me. Amen.