Seeing a new Jesus

Grownups and kids see things differently. When your mom is walking and holding your hand, she might wonder why you're crying because you have to run to keep up with her. Her little steps are big to you!

If you just climbed a mountain, you get mad that the grownups just see it as a hill and aren't excited for you.

In this week's Gospel (Luke 9:28-36), the Apostles find out that they don't see things like Jesus does. To them, Jesus is a friend and teacher -- but now, they find out He's the Son of God!

Jesus went up a mountain to pray with Peter, James and John. But as He prayed, Jesus' clothes got brighter and brighter, until He was so bright the Apostles couldn't look at Him! Moses and Elijah appeared next to Jesus, and a voice from heaven said, "This is my chosen Son. Listen to Him." Suddenly, the Apostles were alone with Jesus again, and He looked just like normal.

When you draw a picture and a grownup can't tell who it is, you feel angry. Why can't they see it the way you do? Jesus probably wondered that sometimes.

He told His friends over and over that He came from God, but like a grownup and a kid, they saw things differently. The Apostles just thought Jesus was a good teacher.

Sometimes, you have to tell grownups what you see to make them understand. If your mom doesn't know she's walking too fast for you, you have to show her she's taking giant steps.

That's what Jesus did. His friends couldn't see who Jesus really was, so He showed them. Jesus' clothes got as bright as the sun, and God's voice told the Apostles to listen to Jesus, because He was the Son of God.

It can be hard to make grownups see things the way a kid does, but when they do, you feel great. After Jesus helped the Apostles see how He saw things -- that God sent Him to save the world -- He must have felt good, too. Finally, the grownups were listening to Him!

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK: Jesus, help me tell grownups how I see things -- because kids are important, too! Amen.

(03-05-98)

[[In-content Ad]]