The Bright Light

12 L es
son
Matthew 17:1-13; Luke 9:24-36;The Desire of Ages, pp. 419-425

H ave you ever seen a light so bright that

you would notice it even in the daytime?
Once, three of Jesus’ disciples saw a very bright light
tain.” And He led His three friends to the top of
a nearby mountain.
The disciples may have wondered, Why
and Peter got really excited about it. Let’s find out just us three? But suddenly they were staring at
why . . . Jesus. They forgot everything else as they saw

O
Him change right before their eyes.
nce, Jesus said to Peter, James, and A dazzling light from heaven fell on Jesus.
John, “Come, go with Me up the moun- His face glowed as bright as sunlight bouncing
off a piece of glass. His clothes looked like
brand-new satin robes, fit for a king.
The light was so bright that the
three
disciples could not move.
And then, they saw two
men, also brightly lit,
standing with Jesus. Maybe
one was wearing a leather
purse as Elijah had worn.
Maybe the other carried a
rod, as Moses did when
leading the Israelites
through the Red Sea.
“Elijah? Moses?” the
disciples said in wonder. Then
they knew without a doubt
that indeed Elijah and Moses
had come to encourage Jesus.
What a strange and
wonderful thing was
happening. It seemed too
good to be true. Elijah and
Moses had come to talk
with Jesus! Peter felt that he
would burst if he didn’t tell
someone. What could he
do to celebrate his joy for
Jesus?

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 The Message
Worship is rejoicing in
God’s presence. Memory Verse
“Rejoice in the Lord
always. I will say it
again: Rejoice!”
(Philippians 4:4).

happen in the presence of their

holy God?
The next thing they knew,
Jesus was touching them gently.
“Get up,” He said. “There’s nothing
to be afraid of.”
Peter, James, and John sat up
and looked around. Moses and
Elijah were gone. The light had
“Lord, it’s good to be here!” Peter’s voice faded. Jesus was telling them to
was breathless with excitement. “Do You walk with Him back down the
want us to build three shelters? One for You, mountain.
one for Elijah, and one for Moses?” Maybe the disciples began to discuss what
Just then a bright cloud came over all of they had seen.”Don’t tell anyone what you
them. The cloud seemed as bright as a million have seen,” He said, “until the Son of Man has
diamonds dancing in vibrant colors. been raised from the dead” (verse 9).
And out of this dazzling beauty the voice As they walked back to meet the other
of God spoke. “This is my Son, whom I love; disciples, they asked Jesus many questions.
with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” He explained to them some of the things they
(Matthew 17:5). did not understand. As long as they lived, they
The three disciples fell to the ground. They would never forget the glory they saw that
may have thought, Sinners like us do not belong time. They would always remember the joy
in the presence of God. And just like any human and awe they felt. They would never forget that
might, they shut their eyes tightly. What might they had been in God’s presence.

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 S A B B A T H S U N D A Y
R E A D With your family, sit under a R E A D During worship today, read and discuss Matthew
bright lamp in your house or out in the sun 17:1-8. Then read 2 Corinthians 3:18. Talk about ways you
(if it isn’t too hot) and read the Bible lesson. can “reflect the Lord’s glory” this week.
S I N G Read the memory verse S I N G Sing together “Jesus Bids Us Shine” (Sing for
from the Bible (Philippians 4:4), then Joy, no. 133). Pray that God will help you reflect His glory.
sing together “Rejoice in the Lord
Always.” M A K E Make 12 mountain peak-shaped cutouts. Color
D O Talk about ways you can have some light at the top of each. Write one word of your
memory verse on each. Mix them up and try to put them in
God’s presence with you every day. Then order. Save the “mountains” for another day.
thank Him for it.
M O N D A Y In Jesus’ time mothers would
R E A D With your family, read Matthew 17:4 take their children to famous rabbis
(teachers) to have them blessed.
for worship today. How did Peter feel about being
on the mountain with Jesus? Why do you think
Peter wanted to build three shelters?
D R A W Draw a picture of a beautiful church that
you would like to build for God. Write your memory
verse at the bottom. Thank God for your church.
D O Start planning a special Friday night joyful
family worship.

T U E S D A Y
R E A D During worship, ask each family member
to tell about two things they are happy for. Read W E D N E S D A Y
Matthew 17:5 together. What other time did God say
these words about His Son? (See Matthew 3:17.) S H A R E Tell the lesson story to your family
D O Continue planning for Friday evening’s joyful during worship today. Arrange your mountain-peak
cutouts and say your memory verse. Tell about a
worship. time you saw beautiful clouds (sunset, sunrise,
etc.).
S I N G Sing the memory verse as a round. Find
an instrument to play or spoons to tap together as you D O Count the lights in your home. Then thank
sing. Then thank God for happy family times.
God for light.

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 T H U R S D A Y F R I D A Y
D O Lead out in the joyful family worship
S H A R E During worship today, read Matthew
that you have planned. Include saying or
17:1-3 together. Ask a family member to tell about singing your memory verse and presenting
a time Moses and Elijah were rejected. What your lesson story. Talk about what you will
might they have said to Jesus to encourage Him do to find joy in tomorrow’s church
as He faced the cross? What can your family learn worship service.
from Moses and Elijah? Ask each person to find
a way to encourage someone today. R E A D Read Psalm 126:3 together.
D O Arrange your mountain-peak cutouts Write something in the “blessings book”
that you started during last Friday eve-
and say your memory verse. Then sing it ning’s worship. Then sing “Rejoice in
together. the Lord Always” and thank God for
D O Finish planning for tomorrow’s joyful those blessings.
family worship.

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