3D Jesus
Scripture Reading — Mark 9:2-13
There appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.
—Mark 9:4
A few years back, I saw my first three-dimensional movie. I had to wear 3D glasses to get the full effect of the technology. I saw hands reaching out toward me. I noticed the richness of the background with fiery colors. The movie made everything and everyone appear as close as the person sitting next to me. It was weird and exciting at the same time.
Similarly, Peter, James, and John experienced a 3D Jesus. They experienced the Son like no one else ever had. They witnessed a conversation between Moses, Elijah, and Jesus. Jesus invited the three disciples to hear and see that God had confirmed and affirmed that Jesus was the fulfillment of the promise of grace and mercy shown through these Old Testament representatives. The voice of God, who has the last word, declared, “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”
Jesus wanted his disciples to remember from this event that God had come down to us in the person of Jesus to suffer and die and then rise again. His death and resurrection changed everything!
Jesus is closer to us today than we might think. He has given us the Holy Spirit. He lives in us, knows us, and reminds us that we are in a vital relationship with him. And we don’t need special glasses to see and know the only Savior we will ever need.
Master, help us to see you through the lens of your love. Keep us in conversation with you through the discipline of prayer and worship. Amen.
About the author — Reginald Smith
Dr. Reginald Smith is senior pastor at Roosevelt Park Community Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he has served for seventeen years. He has also served as a pastor in Paterson, New Jersey. He and his wife, Sharon, have three daughters, Janelle, Katrina, and Mariah.
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