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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. But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” Matthew 17:5-7

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Who are you? If someone at school asked you that, what might you say? You might say you’re a student, a son or daughter, a brother or sister, or a friend. You might say you love soccer, art, music, or video games. You could even describe your hair, your favorite hoodie, or your shoes.

Jesus also asked a big “who” question. He wanted people to know who he really was. The disciples had heard God speak at Jesus’ baptism and say, “This is my Son, whom I love.”

Now something amazing happens. Jesus takes a few of his disciples up a mountain. While they are there, Jesus changes right in front of them! His face shines like the sun, and his clothes become bright white, like a flashing light. They even see Moses and Elijah talking with Jesus!

This was a huge clue—Jesus wasn’t just a teacher. He really is God’s Son.

Peter is so excited that he blurts out an idea. He wants to build shelters so they can stay there longer. He doesn’t want the moment to end! But suddenly, a cloud covers them, and God speaks: “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”

The disciples are terrified. They fall down in fear.

Why were they so scared? They weren’t scared because Jesus was mean. They were scared because they were standing in front of God’s glory. They knew they weren’t perfect. Have you ever done something wrong and wanted to hide or say, “Please don’t look at me”? That’s how they felt.

But Jesus doesn’t leave them afraid. He touches them and says, “Do not be afraid.” Jesus is showing them something important: even though God is holy and powerful, Jesus came to save sinners, not scare them away.

So—who are you?

You are a sinner. You mess up sometimes. But you are also forgiven. Jesus went to Jerusalem, died on the cross, and rose again to take away your sins. That means your biggest identity isn’t what you do or how well you behave.

You are God’s child. And God says about you, “I love you.”

God, when I forget who I am or feel unsure about myself, help me remember who I am to you, a perfect redeemed child of God! Thank you for loving me, forgiving me, and calling me your child. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Questions for Middle School and Above

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