Extraordinary

Matthew 17:1-11 Did the disciples ever struggle with Jesus ordinariness? On one hand they saw him perform astounding miracles and watched him live his life in an extraordinary way, but did the fact that they ate with him, slept outdoors with him, and joked with him ever make it difficult for them to realize that they were interacting with God? The transfiguration must have served as a counterbalance to any sense that Jesus was too human to be God. Jesus had invited Peter, James, and John to the mountain with him. While they were up on the mountain, Jesus was changed before them. His face "shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light", and Moses and Elijah appeared with him (Matthew 17:3). Peter was so dumbfounded by this turn of events that he said, "Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters--one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah" (Matthew 17:4). While Peter was still speaking, "a bright cloud enveloped 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 they saw this the disciples heard this, they fell face down to the ground, terrified" (Matthew 17:6). If Jesus ordinariness had become to familiar this moment must have burned in their minds. Peter claimed that he believed Jesus was the Messiah. Now he could see even more clearly Jesus as the Messiah. What a gift God gave the disciples!