I love the Epiphany season because it is a season of questions and mysteries, a season of wonder and awe.
At my congregation, we have been asking the question, “Who is Jesus?” throughout the Epiphany season.
Each week, the Bible readings unveil dozens of answers to that question.
Jesus is:
The King of the Jews
The King of all people
One who is persecuted
One who is worshipped
One who has the Holy Spirit
God’s beloved Son
One whom the Scriptures prophesy about
The King of Israel
The Son of God
One who brings peace
Our leader
Our teacher
One with authority
One who casts out demons
And many more.
All those were revealed in a span of a few weeks, and that’s just in the Gospel readings we used which covered about 3/1000ths of the Bible. I cannot fathom how long the list would actually be if we compiled all the answers Scripture reveals.
The Epiphany season concludes this Sunday as we climb the Mount of Transfiguration and behold a mysterious sight. Jesus in blindingly bright clothing. Moses and Elijah. A voice in a cloud proclaiming Jesus as His Son.
Questions still abound, but the Epiphany seasons turns as we head down the mountain. We head toward the cross. The church year follows this pattern as well, heading into the desert of Lent toward Holy Week and the cross.
It’s interesting. The brightest two days in the church year are Transfiguration and Easter.
The darkest two days are Ash Wednesday (immediately after Transfiguration) and Good Friday (immediately before Easter).
The question: Who is Jesus? continues into the next season.
Who is Jesus? He is One who walks with us as we pass through the darkest valley, through the very shadow of death. He is the One who arises after the darkness bringing life and immortality to the brightest of all light. He is the One who breaks the darkness.
Thanks for reading.
Be Curious. Ask Questions.
Andy