We have now arrived at the last Sunday before the season of Lent. The theme of this Sunday is always “transfiguration”—which mirrors the Feast of the Transfiguration observed on August 6. Transfiguration refers to an alteration of form or appearance. Moses became transfigured when he climbed Mount Sinai to receive the two stone tablets of law. His transfiguration was the result of entering a cloud hovering over the summit of the mountain—a cloud described as the glory of God and a devouring fire. In today’s Gospel, Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James and John on a certain mountain—possibly Mount Tabor in southern Galilee. This event was so impactful that the Second Letter of Peter recounts it decades later.  

In trying to make sense of these transfiguration stories, some theologians have suggested that Jesus’ transfiguration is a glimpse into the transformed state of resurrection life. Perhaps the reason why today’s Gospel falls on the last Sunday before Lent is because we are to enter Lent with hope, confident that this life of dust and ashes will give way to something far more glorious.  

All of that is very interesting, but I’d like to approach today’s readings from a different angle. Today’s Gospel is taken from Matthew 17. In chapter 16, we find the story of when Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” They’re not sure how to answer. So they tell Jesus, “Some people are saying you are Elijah or Jeremiah or some other prophet.” But Jesus presses them further: “Who do you say that I am?” It’s Peter who finally steps forward and says, “You are the Messiah, the Son of God.” Jesus praises Peter and declares that the church will be built on the foundation of this declaration.  

The story continues. We’re told that, about a week later, Jesus led Peter and the two brothers, James and John, up to the top of a mountain. We can assume it was a brilliant sunny day, and as the four of them reach the top with Jesus leading the way, the sun’s rays are blazing upon him, giving him a glowing radiant appearance. Then suddenly, mysteriously, they are joined by Moses and Elijah, probably the two most important prophets in the history of Israel. Remember that the word spreading throughout Galilee is that Jesus is the reappearance of Elijah or Jeremiah or some other prophet. Now Peter, James and John find themselves with Jesus in the company of two of the greatest prophets, up high, looking down on the land. The whole scene appears like a vindication of Jesus’ own prophetic identity. So Peter comes up with the impulsive idea to build three mountain-top monuments—one for Moses, one for Elijah, one for Jesus.  

But then something strange happens. Before Peter finishes what he’s saying, they are all enveloped by a bright cloud. From within the cloud they hear the voice of God: “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him!” When they finally emerge out of the cloud, Moses and Elijah are gone. Only Jesus remains. And I think Peter, James and John couldn’t help but think about the question that Jesus asked them a week earlier: “Who do you say that I am?”  

That question has occupied people’s attention right up to the present. It’s a question that resounds for each of us. Who do you say Jesus is? One of the lessons of the transfiguration story is that we should take our time before we venture an answer. If we’re inclined to say that Jesus is a great prophet, on par with Moses and Elijah, we’re reminded that Moses and Elijah disappeared from the mountain, leaving only Jesus on the summit. Jesus is indeed a prophet, but he’s greater than that—that’s the point of the story. But in what way is Jesus greater? Who do you say Jesus is?  

Another lesson of the transfiguration story is that the disciples first needed to spend significant time with Jesus before they could attempt to articulate their own understanding of his identity. They spent months watching him interact with different people, especially those on the margins; they listened to his teachings, especially his puzzling parables—and they still weren’t sure. Was he a great prophet? Could he actually be the Christ, the anointed one who would redeem the world? After many months with Jesus, it took the transfiguration experience to help them realize that Jesus is more than a great prophet.  

Who do you say Jesus is?  

The Apostles’ Creed states that Jesus is God’s “only Son, our Lord.” The Nicene Creed says that Jesus is “the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God.” Many Christians are content to recite these formulas without giving much thought to what they mean. So imagine Jesus speaking directly to our time: “Yes, that is what the creeds say. But who do you say that I am?”  

The season of Lent is a time for us to ponder this question. On the cover of your service booklet and emblazoned on our parish website are the words “to know Christ and make Christ known.” If this church exists to make Christ known, then we must think through who it is we desire to make known. Who do you say Jesus is?  

There isn’t only one correct answer to this question. However we attempt to answer it, Jesus’ transfiguration should always give us pause that more can be said, that Jesus is more consequential than our trite statements about his identity.  

If you’re seeking a Lenten discipline, let me offer a question for you to ponder in reading through the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke:  

Who do you say Jesus is?