The Transfiguration and Failure
One of the most amazing experiences recorded in the Gospels is what is called the Transfiguration, in which God manifested His presence in a remarkable way before the eyes of some of Christ's disciples.
Read Matthew 17:1-13. What three specific things happened that should have done much to strengthen the faith of the disciples?
1.
2.
3.
Jesus never calls us to discipleship, to being a follower, without giving us reasons to believe. Not everything, of course, is answered, but we are given enough reasons to have faith, enough reasons to believe even in what we do not fully understand. And though we might not witness the kind of things that the three did on the mountain, as disciples of Christ we have been given enough for us to trust in the Lord and in His goodness. What we do with that faith, that gift (John 1:9; Eph. 2:8), will determine whether it grows, stagnates, or dies away.
The disciples had the great privilege of seeing things that most of us in this world never will. Still, what do the following texts reveal to us about them? Matt. 26:56, 69-75; Mark 9:30-32; John 20:19. What lessons can we draw from their experiences?
Sometimes we can get caught up in the attitude, "Oh, if only God would do this for me, then my faith would be stronger, or if God did that for me . . ." What are the dangers of such an attitude for a disciple of Christ? Instead, what positive things can we do to build up and utilize the faith that we already have been given?
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