In the coming year, we’re going to be hosting an interactive course on how to read the Bible through a queer lens to understand it more deeply (and faithfully, even!). This passage is one that we’ll look at more closely — and then give you the tools so that you can find your own queer connections throughout Scripture. If you’re interested in that, let us know.

In this episode we discuss…

• parallels between the transfiguration and coming out
• what to do when you’re afraid
• what the transfiguration might have meant for Jesus
• what that might mean for LGBTQ people
• how to create a sexual ethic for yourself (register for the webinar at queertheology.com/sex)

Matthew 17:1-9

After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.

Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”

While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”

When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. ⁷ But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.

As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

Photo by MTSOfan