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Intention

To focus our attention on Jesus as both human and God with us (“Emmanuel”), and that this is the very foundation of our faith.

Scripture

“After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There He was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking to Jesus.”

“Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: ‘This is my son, whom I love. Listen to him!’ Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.”

– Mark 9:2–4; 7–8

Reflection

Jesus is both fully man and fully God. This is a mystery requiring our unwavering faith.

When I first visited Israel, I was unprepared for how profoundly impacting it would be. As familiar as I was with stories in the Bible, to walk where Jesus walked made the Word come alive. To visit Bethlehem, Nazareth and Capernaum and to worship on the Sea of Galilee was awesome.

To meditate in Gethsemane and pray at the Garden Tomb confirmed without question that Jesus actually lived as a human on earth. Through His resurrection power, the Church was birthed. Evidence of the spiritual Jesus lives in each one of His children today, by the grace of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus, the man, wanted His disciples to understand why He had come and what was about to happen.

In Mark 8:27 Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do people say I am?” Peter boldly confessed, “You are the Messiah.”

Then a short time later when Jesus predicted His death and resurrection, Peter refused to accept it. Jesus rebuked Peter saying, “Get behind me, Satan!”

After this, Jesus invited Peter, together with James and John, to the mountain where they would see Him magnificently transfigured. How gracious! There, the physical Jesus, who they knew was a man, was shown to them in His glory.

His countenance was radiant as He conversed with Moses and Elijah. What an experience! Then out of the cloud, a voice was heard, “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to Him” (Mark 9:7).

Surely, they remembered that they’d heard that voice before. At Jesus’ baptism, the Father identified Jesus as Messiah saying, “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased” (Mark 1:11).

They would have also remembered Isaiah 42:1 where 700 years before Jesus was born, God said, “Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight.”

When we tell people about Jesus and invite them to faith in Him, we are not inviting them to a myth or an illusion. We are inviting them to a relationship with the historical Jesus. This is the One who showed He was God by dying and then miraculously rising to life.

The life He now lives is a spiritual one. And we can all share in His life!

There is absolutely no doubt at all that Jesus was a real person who walked this earth and paid the penalty of death for us. He now lives to intercede for us in Heaven. Hallelujah! What a Saviour!

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Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for sending Your only Son, Jesus, to make the way for us to be reconciled with You. We are so thankful You loved us so much that You gave up Your Son as a sacrifice for our sins.

Thank You for the opportunities You give us to share this wonderful good news. Please help us to be worthy of this call.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Author Bio

Teri served as a missionary volunteer in Fiji from 2013–2019, during which time she was introduced to the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ). She has visited Israel seven times, including in 2023, departing Israel on October 7 and experiencing the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war. She currently volunteers with ICEJ-Australia.

Prayer Points and Purpose for GO Month 2024

1. To worship Jesus and give extravagant praise to God. 1 Chron 16:23–31.
2. To pray for revival, repentance and deliverance for Australia and for millions to find Christ. Acts 2:1–41.
3. To pray for five people by name to find Christ and share the gospel with those five in May. Matt 28:18–20.

We invite you to support this prayer campaign to multiply prayer in Australia for revival and see millions come to Christ. Every donation to the Canberra Declaration helps us promote prayer and make a stand for family, faith, freedom, life, and the good news of God’s love through Jesus Christ His Son.

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