Bright, Shining Faces

goal - it shows on our faces, doesn't it? People can tell we're excited just by looking at us.

That song serves as a perfect introduction to one of the most amazing events in the Bible - the Transfiguration of Jesus. The word "transfiguration" means "to change in appearance" or "to transform." The Bible tells us that one day Jesus took his three closest disciples - Peter, James, and John - up on a high mountain to pray. These weren't just any disciples; they were Jesus' inner circle, the ones he trusted most with important moments.

As Jesus was praying, something incredible happened. His face was changed and his clothes became a dazzling white - brighter than any bleach could make them! The Greek word used here means "lightning-white" or "glistening." Suddenly, two men appeared and began talking to him about Jesus' upcoming death in Jerusalem. Do you know who these two men were? It was Moses and Elijah - two of the greatest prophets in the Old Testament who had died hundreds of years earlier!

Think about this for a moment: Why do you think God chose Moses and Elijah specifically? Moses represented the Law - he received the Ten Commandments from God. Elijah represented the Prophets - he was one of the most powerful prophets who ever lived. Together, they represented all of God's previous revelations to his people. Now they were talking with Jesus, showing that Jesus was the fulfillment of everything God had promised!

Peter, James, and John had fallen asleep during this prayer time - can you imagine sleeping through such an amazing moment? When they woke up, they saw Jesus in his glorified state talking with Moses and Elijah. They were amazed and probably a little frightened by this supernatural sight!

As Moses and Elijah were starting to leave, Peter - who often spoke before thinking - said to Jesus, "Master, it is wonderful for us to be here! Let's build three shelters - one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." Peter wanted to make this amazing moment last forever. Have you ever had such a great experience that you wished it would never end?

But at the very moment Peter said that, a bright cloud appeared and cast a shadow over them. This wasn't an ordinary cloud - it was the Shekinah glory, God's visible presence! A voice came from the cloud saying, "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!" When the voice had spoken, Moses and Elijah were gone and the disciples were once again alone with Jesus on the mountain.

What an incredible experience! But here's the important question: What caused Jesus' face to shine and his clothes to become dazzling white? It was because his divine nature - his true identity as God's Son - was revealed! For a brief moment, the disciples got to see Jesus as he really is: not just a human teacher, but the glorious Son of God.

Now here's something amazing: Did you know that God wants our faces to shine brightly too? Not in the same supernatural way as Jesus, but in a way that shows others we belong to him. The apostle Paul wrote to the church at Corinth: "For God, who said, 'Let there be light in the darkness,' has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ." (2 Corinthians 4:6)

When we spend time with Jesus - in prayer, reading the Bible, worshiping, and obeying him - his light begins to shine through us. People should be able to tell we're Christians not just by what we say, but by the joy, peace, and love they see reflected in our faces and actions.

Think about it: When you spend a lot of time with your best friend, you start to act like them, talk like them, even think like them sometimes. The same thing happens when we spend time with Jesus. We start to reflect his character - his kindness, forgiveness, and love.

Here are some questions to think about: How can others see Jesus' light shining through you at school? When you're having a bad day, how can you still let God's joy show on your face? What are some practical ways you can "shine" for Jesus in your everyday life?

Remember, the Transfiguration wasn't just a cool miracle to impress the disciples. It was God's way of confirming that Jesus really is his Son and preparing the disciples for the difficult days ahead when Jesus would die on the cross. Even in the darkest times, they could remember this moment and know that Jesus truly was who he claimed to be.

You and I have many wonderful opportunities in our daily walk with Jesus. Others should see that we have the love of Jesus in our hearts by seeing his reflection in our bright, shining faces and loving actions!

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the incredible privilege of seeing your glory through Jesus Christ. Help us reflect that joy and love in our bright, shining faces so others will want to know you too. Give us courage to let your light shine through us even when it's difficult. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Citation: Inspiration for this lesson was provided by Fran Woodruff's excellent lesson on her website "On the chancel steps." For a different approach to this lesson take a look at her "Bright, Shiny Faces."

"Good Morning to You" Songsheet