Signals Of Change

Jesus took Peter, James and John up a mountain. As they watched, He began to change. His face and clothes got brighter and brighter, until they couldn't even look at Him! 

Moses and Elijah appeared with Jesus, and God's voice said, "This is my beloved Son. Listen to Him." Then the light went out and they were alone with Jesus again. "Don't tell anyone about this yet," Jesus said.

It's a weird family that doesn't argue sometimes. After living with your family your whole life, you probably know the warning signs that you're annoying someone: Your sister's ears turn red, your dad's voice gets louder, or your mom gets really calm - too calm.

At those moments, you know you should probably back off and stop whatever you're doing before the argument gets really big!

Signals like someone's face changing color or expression aren't always warning signs of anger. In this week's Gospel (Mark 9:2-10), Jesus and God the Father use signals in a positive way.

When Jesus started His work teaching about God, not everyone believed or understood Him. Even some of His closest friends and followers weren't sure He was really the Son of God.

Like a warning signal shows a family member is getting annoyed with you, changes in Jesus showed the Apostles Peter, James and John that Jesus was serious about what He said, too. We call that moment of brightness in Jesus "the Transfiguration," meaning that He looked totally different!

When you ignore warning signs that an argument is coming, the yelling might start. The Apostles didn't get yelled at by God the Father, though; they just heard His voice from heaven, so they knew He was serious, too. And instead of arguing, they listened and followed Jesus right away!

(03/05/09)