Who is Jesus? part 16

They say all good stories have a start, a middle, and an end—like a three-act play or an awkward family reunion. Now, the opening of John’s Gospel? It’s got a start, a middle, and then, surprise, here’s another start! Just when you think it’s over, bam! Jesus Christ pops back in, like that cousin who always leaves the party only to sneak back in for snacks.

Have a gander at the masterpiece below! Apparently, this is how AI imagines the transfigured Jesus. As far as cringe-worthy images go, this one deserves a standing ovation for being the absolute worst! I’ve tossed out better pics than this on my bad hair days. It really goes to show that when it comes to having a personal relationship with Jesus, AI is as lost as a cat in a dog park. Seriously, where did the idea of Jesus flaunting angel wings come from? And why do angels have goose wings? Did someone mistake the afterlife for a fancy petting zoo?

¹⁸ No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.

John 1:18

Transfiguration

The Transfiguration is where Jesus takes Peter, James and John up a mountain to pray, where he is transfigured and his face and clothes become radiant. Moses and Elijah appear and speak with Jesus, and God the Father calls Jesus “Son”. The disciples are afraid, but Jesus tells them to rise and not be afraid. They see only Jesus when they look up.

It is truly fascinating that this remarkable event is highlighted in the synoptic Gospels—Matthew 17:1–8, Mark 9:2–13, and Luke 9:28–36. Its significance in John’s life, so why does he choose not to include it in his own account of Jesus. I believe the answer lies in the profound impact of this event; John cherished it so deeply that he chose to honour it right at the beginning of his narrative, crafting a beautiful prologue that expresses his heartfelt praise.

It starts with the glory of God

In the accounts of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, the story begins with Jesus reaching out to his disciples, gently inquiring about their thoughts on his identity. In a moment of clarity and faith, Peter responds, recognizing Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God. Just a few days later, a profound transformation takes place as Jesus is transfigured, revealing the depth of his divine nature and love for them.

In John 1:1-18 it starts with the glory of God, in a song based on the form of a psalm he starts with God’s glory, calling it the Word, light and life, and then reveals that this glory is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He concludes the song by talking of God’s glory.

Jesus is here, Jesus is God! Therefore God is here.

Jesus Christ is God come to Earth to reveal His incredible nature to us. He embodies the full essence of God, allowing us to witness His glory. As John beautifully puts it, this isn’t just a distant understanding; it’s about truly knowing Him! Through Jesus, we come to know the magnificent God whose glory was present at the creation of the universe.

We can know God through Jesus. Do you know him?

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