(Partial Bread of Life Catholic Bible Study Lesson by Deacon Ken Finn, never completed)
Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14, Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 9, 2 Peter 1:16-19, Matthew 17:1-9
As I watched, Thrones were set up and the Ancient One took His throne. His clothing was snow bright, and the hair on His head as white as wool; His throne was flames of fire, with wheels of burning fire. A surging stream of fire flowed out from where He sat; Thousands upon thousands were ministering to Him, and myriads upon myriads attended Him.
As the visions during the night continued, I saw One like a son of man coming on the clouds of heaven; When He reached the Ancient One and was presented before Him, He received dominion, glory, and kingship; nations and peoples of every language serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not be taken away, His kingship shall not be destroyed.
SECOND DAY READ DANIEL 7:9-10, 13-14 FIRST READING
- Who watched and what did he have? Daniel 7:1
- What were set up in his dream and who took his throne? Daniel 7:9
- What was his clothing and hair like? Daniel 7:9
- What did his throne look like? Daniel 7:9
- What flowed out from where he sat? Daniel 7:10
- How many ministered to the Ancient One? Daniel 7:10
- As the visions continued what did Daniel see? Daniel 7:13
- What did he receive? Daniel 7:14
- Who will serve him? Daniel 7:14
- What did the high priest ask Jesus and what was His answer? Mark 14:61-62
- Who is the Lord of lords and the King of kings? Revelations 17:14
- Who is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world? John 1:29
FOURTH DAY READ MATTHEW 17:1‑9 GOSPEL
(“His face became as dazzling as the sun, his clothes as radiant as light.”)
- Who did Jesus take up on a high mountain and what happened to him? Matthew 17:1-2
- Who suddenly appeared there and what did Peter then say? Matthew 17:3-4
- As Peter was speaking, what overshadowed them and what came out of the cloud? Matthew 17:5
- What prevents us from listening to the Lord?
Exodus 7:13 –
Deuteronomy 1:43 –
Deuteronomy 21:18 –
Acts 28:27 –
Hebrews 12:25 –
Personal ‑ In what way have you been able to tune your mind into hearing what God is saying to you through prayer and his Word? Meditate on this.
- How did God the Father address Jesus in Matthew 17:5? Matthew 3:17
- What happened to Peter, James, and John when they heard the voice from the cloud and with what were they overcome? Matthew 17:6
- What did Jesus do and what did he say? Matthew 17:7
- In the following scriptures, what happened to those on whom Jesus laid his hand? Matthew 8:3, 14‑15, Matthew 9:23‑25
- What does 1 John 4:16‑18 say is the relationship of God, love, and fear?
- What did God say to Abram about fear in Genesis 15:1?
- To whom did Jesus say “Do not be afraid? “Matthew 28:1, 8‑10, Mark 6:45, 49‑50, Luke 5:10
- When Peter, James and John looked up, whom did they see and as they were coming down the mountain side, what was Jesus’ command to them? Matthew 17:8-9
Personal ‑ In what way have you felt Jesus’ healing touch upon you? Have you laid your hand on those in your family who may be sick? If a friend or a family member is afraid, lay your hand on them and reassure them of God’s presence.
MATTHEW 17:1‑9
The Transfiguration was a special revelation of Jesus’ divinity to three of his disciples. God affirmed everything that Jesus had done and was about to do in the near future. The presence of Moses and Elijah with Jesus confirmed his mission of salvation. Moses represented the law. He is the central figure in the Pentateuch (first five books of the Bible), and he predicted the coming of a great Prophet (Deut. 18:15‑19).
Elijah represents the prophets who foretold the coming of the Messiah (Malachi 4:5‑6). Jesus is the fulfillment of both the law and the prophets. God’s voice at the Transfiguration gave authority to Jesus’ words. Peter wanted them all to stay and offered to build a place for all three. He wanted to act, but it was a time to pray and worship.
We must remember that before anything is acted upon, we must first pray and give worship to God. Peter did not realize that Christ was not to be compared to anyone, especially on any mountain top. Today much of the world looks at Jesus Christ as being a good leader, a good influence or a great prophet. The fact is, he is more than that, he is the Son of God. When you understand this incredible truth, the only appropriate response is worship.
We need to know about Christ in order to obey him completely. We must pray, read scripture, study scripture, share scripture and then live the scripture. Jesus told the disciples not to tell what they had seen until after his resurrection. He said this because he knew that they did not fully understand who he was, or what his mission was all about. They knew he was the Messiah, but they had much more to learn about him through his death and resurrection. The disciples were amazed at the radiance of Jesus’ face, and they were transfigured themselves.
The incredible reality of who Jesus really was hit them full force. When a person meets Jesus and accepts him personally, a great transfiguration takes place. The amazement and radiance of Jesus is imprinted on the person’s heart. The change or “metanoia” brings about a radiance that glows from within the person. Jesus wants you to be transfigured and he wants your heart to shine like the sun and be dazzling bright, just like his.
Application
The first reading talks about the brilliance of God and who we are to worship.
The Gospel reading shows that Jesus wants us to be changed and he wants us to give him glory by our response to him.
This week, let us be very sensitive Christians as we relate to our families, jobs, and community. Let us show by example how we can bear up under hardship, for example: being sick and trying to be cheerful or being tired and trying to respond to another’s needs. Let the change within us be a sign to others that we act out what we say and what we believe. You and your family will be transfigured, and others will be drawn to your radiance, and they will know that the Holy Spirit dwells within you.