Pictures of Jesus: Joyous

Oh, to see Jesus in all His glory. I am fairly certain all our questions and doubts and aspirations will vanish, along with any semblance of pride we may harbor. I am guessing we will fall flat on our faces and worship Him in total awe, when we see Him in His full holiness.

The Messiah allowed three of His apostles to witness a foretaste of this amazement.

Giovanni Bellini (1430-1516), an Italian Renaissance painter, illustrated this moment this way around 1480.

Perhaps 20 years later, the same artist painted this image of the same subject:

The Lord Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a mountain to pray, and they saw Him transfigured. They observed His glory, and they saw Moses and Elijah standing with Him. They heard the voice of the Father, affirming His Son. (The Transfiguration of Christ is related in Matthew 17:1–9, Mark 9:2-8, and Luke 9:28–36.)

Peter talked about his own experience:

For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain. (2 Peter 1:16–18, NIV)

Sometimes, in my own mind’s eye, I think I can conceptualize what it will be like to witness the glorified Lord. But I am pretty sure the scene will far surpass all earthly imaginings. All glory be to the Lord Christ.

Transfiguration of Christ

by Giovanni Bellini

 c1480

Transfiguration of Christ

by Giovanni Bellini

 c1460

The Scripture memory tips series is ongoing, but the April A to Z Blogging Challenge has started, and Heart of a Ready Writer is participating again this year. Watch for the Bible memory series posts, which may be interspersed with the Pictures of Jesus series during the month of April.

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