A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 

JESUS IS TRUE GOD AND TRUE MAN

Matthew 17:1-8 “After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. 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.” 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!” When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.” 

In the Nicene Creed you confess that Jesus is “God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God . . .” The Transfiguration of Jesus before the eyes of Peter, James, and John attested to the truth of your confession. Not only did they see Jesus’ heavenly, perfect, Divine glory but they heard the Voice of Yahweh say, “This is my Son.” Not only did Yahweh attest to Jesus’ divinity, they also heard His voice say, “Listen to Him.” 

Through inspiration, Matthew who was not present at Jesus’ Transfiguration, recounts for you all that happened at that event. Through the inspired words of Matthew, you, like Peter, James, and John behold in today’s devotional verses Jesus in all His Divine glory and hear Yahweh tell you Jesus is His “only begotten Son.” 

God leaves no opportunity for you to doubt who Jesus is. God reveals Jesus as His Son, the one He promised to send to take away the sins of the world. Being Holy, without sin, perfect and righteous, He substituted Himself to keep God’s law for you, die your death on Calvary’s cross, rise again on Easter morning victorious over death and the grave. He is your ascended Lord and advocate who pleads with His Father for your forgiveness, life, and salvation. 

Prayer: Praise, honor, glory to You, dear Jesus, true God and true man, my Savior and Lord. Amen. 

Jesus on the mountain peak Stands alone in glory blazing;  
Let us, if we dare to speak, Join the saints and angels praising. Alleluia! 

Trembling at His feet we saw Moses and Elijah speaking,  
All the prophets and the law Shout through them their joyful greeting. Alleluia! 

Swift the cloud of glory came, God proclaiming in its thunder   
Jesus as the Son by name! Nations, cry aloud in wonder, Alleluia! 

This is God’s beloved Son! Law and prophets sing before Him,  
First and Last and only One, All creation shall adore Him!  Alleluia!  

Jesus on the Mountain Peak // LSB 415