Why is Lent so important? (Week 4)

We are well on our way to discovering “Why Lent is so important?”. As we enter into Week 4, we begin drawing closer to Jesus. Getting to know Him means living life with Him. The closer we get, the more transformed we are.

Today, we begin to realize all Jesus did between here and the cross. Reflect and prepare, as you read through these next few chapters of Matthew. See what Jesus sees and experience the healings, teachings and all out compassion He has for each of us.

Last week, in Matthew 6, we learned how to give, pray and fast, the 3 pillars of Lent.

As we continue in Matthew, Jesus begins teaching us through parables, then miracles and healings. In Matthew 10, Jesus sends out the 12. And Matthew 11, we see John the Baptist profess Jesus is He. As we keep going into Matthew 12, His divinity is revealed. Take your time in Matthew 16, as Peter confesses Jesus is the Messiah and then Jesus predicts His own death.

That’s a lot of life. But, with God, everything has significance and it is all leading us to the cross.

That’s when we arrive at Matthew 17. 

The Transfiguration

After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. ² There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. ³ Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.

⁴ Peter said to Jesus, “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.”

⁵ 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!”

⁶ When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. ⁷ But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” ⁸ When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.

When the scriptures say, “he was transfigured,” that means He was changed right before their eyes. Not that He changed, but that they were allowed to see His divinity. Holy and pure.

When we meet Jesus for the first time, we are changed too. But our change is a transformation not transfiguration. I think of the verse, ‘the old is gone, the new has come. ” Often it is turning from old sinful ways. A turning toward God. We become a new creation in Christ. We are transformed.

Transformation and Transfiguration are not the same.

Jesus needed no transformation. And His transfiguration was not for Him but for us. This was a revelation of his true nature and proof to the disciples and the world of His divinity. In that moment, they saw Jesus in all His glory. And although they should have needed no more confirmation, God announced yet again, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!”

God has given us a gift in His son. Our Emmanuel, God with us. Falling on our faces seems appropriate. In those sacred moments, Jesus steps forward, touching our lives and our fear is gone. Every time Jesus touches us, we are healed and changed forever.

At the transfiguration, Jesus’ true nature is revealed and because of it, we are transformed. Glory to God!

Every thing is leading us to the greatest miracle ever. Stay with me, because next week, we will experience the Triumphal Entry. Things are getting ready to move fast, then slow, then fast again. This is why Lent is so important.

Let us pray;

Oh good and gracious God, thank you for revealing Jesus’ divinity to us. Thank you for His transfiguration which transforms us. Continue to prepare us as we move toward the pain of the cross. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

P.S. Leave me a comment below because I love hearing from you. Forward this message to a friend. Share this on Facebook and tag me in it. Until next time, reflect on the importance of Lent in your life. -M