JESUS IS GOD

"He received glory and praise from God the Father when that unique declaration came to Him out of the majestic splendor: 'This is My beloved Son, on Whom My favor rests.' " —2 Peter 1:17

God the Father had revealed to Simon Peter that Jesus was the Messiah, "the Son of the living God" (Mt 16:16-17). In other words, the Father told Peter that Jesus is God. Yet, even though Peter professed Jesus' divinity, he did not apply this to his life, for he disregarded Jesus' message of the cross (Mt 16:21-22). How could he have done this if he believed Jesus is God!

To manifest His divinity, Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a mountain where He was transfigured. "His face became as dazzling as the sun, His clothes as radiant as light" (Mt 17:2). Because this is how God looks (Dn 7:9), Jesus' Transfiguration proves that Jesus is God. However, Peter missed the point again. When he asked permission to build three booths, he was putting Jesus on the level of Moses and Elijah and not recognizing Jesus as divine (Mt 17:4). Next, the Father intervened and announced explicitly that Jesus is His Son and therefore God (Mt 17:5; see also Jn 5:18). Jesus' resurrection established His divinity even more clearly (Mt 17:9; see also Rm 1:4). Finally, the Holy Spirit of Pentecost confirms Jesus' divinity. After all this, Peter's life finally started showing his belief in Jesus' divinity.

Does your worship, commitment, obedience, sacrifice, and evangelization proclaim "loud and clear" that Jesus is God?

Prayer: Jesus, may my actions leave no doubt that I believe You are God.

Promise: "His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not be taken away, His kingship shall not be destroyed." —Dn 7:14

Praise: Praise Jesus, transfigured, crucified, risen, ascended, and glorified!