Bright, Shining Faces

Good morning to you,
Good morning to you.
We're all in our places
with bright, shining faces.
Good morning to you,
Good morning to you.

Isn't that a happy song? I'm not sure that our faces were always bright and shining, but I hope they were! You know, when people see us each morning, what do they notice about our faces? Do they see joy? Kindness? Or maybe grumpiness because we didn't get enough sleep?

That song serves as a perfect introduction to one of the most amazing events in Jesus' life - something we call the Transfiguration. The Bible tells us that one day Jesus took his three closest disciples, Peter, James, and John, up on a high mountain to pray. These weren't just any disciples - they were part of Jesus' inner circle, the ones he trusted most with important moments.

As Jesus was praying, something incredible happened. His face was transformed and began to shine like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white - whiter than any bleach could make them! Suddenly, two of the most important figures from Israel's history appeared and began talking with Jesus. Do you know who they were? Moses, who had led God's people out of Egypt and received the Ten Commandments, and Elijah, one of the greatest prophets who had never actually died but was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind.

Here's what's fascinating: Luke's Gospel tells us they were talking about Jesus' "departure" - but the Greek word used is "exodus." They weren't just discussing Jesus leaving; they were talking about how Jesus would lead God's people out of slavery to sin, just like Moses had led them out of slavery in Egypt hundreds of years before.

Peter, James, and John had fallen asleep during this prayer time - can you imagine missing something so amazing because you dozed off? When they woke up, they saw Jesus with Moses and Elijah, and they were completely stunned by this supernatural sight. As Moses and Elijah were starting to leave, Peter blurted out, "Master, it is wonderful for us to be here! Let's build three shelters - one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."

Peter meant well, but he was missing the point. He wanted to stay on that mountain forever, to keep this amazing experience going. Sometimes we feel that way too - when something wonderful happens at camp or during a special church service, we want to freeze that moment and never let it end.

But then God the Father interrupted. A cloud appeared and cast a shadow over them - this was the same kind of cloud that had led the Israelites in the wilderness and filled the temple when God's presence was there. A voice came from the cloud saying, "This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him." When the voice finished speaking, Moses and Elijah were gone, and the disciples were alone with Jesus again.

Think about this: Why do you think God said "listen to him" specifically? Moses had given God's law, and Elijah had been God's powerful prophet, but now God was saying that Jesus was the one to follow. Jesus wasn't just another teacher or prophet - he was God's own Son, and his words carried the ultimate authority.

What caused Jesus' face to shine and his clothes to become dazzling white? It was because his divine nature - his identity as God's Son - was breaking through his human appearance. For just a moment, the disciples got to see Jesus as he really was: not just their friend and teacher, but the Son of God in all his glory.

Here's the amazing part: God wants our faces to shine too, but in a different way. The apostle Paul wrote to the church at Corinth, "For God, who said, 'Let there be light in the darkness,' has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ" (2 Corinthians 4:6). When we have a relationship with Jesus, his light shines through us.

Think about people you know who really love Jesus. Can you see something different about them? Maybe it's the way they treat others with kindness, or how they stay positive even when things are tough, or how they're quick to forgive. That's Jesus' light shining through them!

This doesn't mean we have to be fake or pretend everything is perfect all the time. Even Jesus experienced sadness, anger, and other emotions. But when Jesus lives in our hearts, people should be able to see his love, joy, and peace reflected in how we live our daily lives.

Here are some questions to think about: How can others see Jesus' light in your life at school? What about when you're with your family or friends? When you face difficult situations, how can you let Jesus' character shine through you? Remember, you don't have to be perfect - even Peter made mistakes on that mountain! But God can use you to reflect his love to others.

The Transfiguration reminds us that Jesus is not just a good teacher or a nice person from history. He is the Son of God, worthy of our complete trust and obedience. And when we follow him, his light shines through us to brighten the world around us.

Heavenly Father, thank you for showing us who Jesus really is - your beloved Son. Help us to listen to him and follow his teachings. Fill our hearts with your light so that others can see Jesus reflected in our lives, not just on Sunday mornings but every day of the week. Give us courage to let your love shine through us, even when it's difficult. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Citation: Inspiration for this lesson was provided by Fran Woodruff's excellent lesson on her website "On the chancel steps." For a different approach to this lesson take a look at her "Bright, Shiny Faces."

"Good Morning to You" Songsheet