“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased…”
The Garden Of Transfiguration is in a lovely spacious area in the center of Alto-Reste Park. As you enter the garden you will see three large and beautiful etched marble statuary representing three apostles of Jesus in the center of the garden.
On the right James, in the center John, and on the left Peter. These men were referred to in the Bible as the “inner circle” because they were given special privileges. (Thompson Chain Reference Bible, page 1698.)
Each statuary in this garden is surrounded by an individual garden with a unique variety of trees, flowering shrubs, and perennials. These gardens are a tribute to the disciples’ love, loyalty and total devotion to their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
They all left everything to follow him and spent their entire lives loving God, serving His son Jesus, and spreading the message of the Gospel to all who would listen.
It was these three disciples who were with Jesus at the Transfiguration.
THE TRANSFIGURATION STORY
And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John his brother and led them up a high mountain by themselves.
And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light.
And behold there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him.
And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” He was still speaking when behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. But Jesus came and touched them, saying “Rise, and have no fear.” And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.
And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them “Tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead.” And the disciples asked him, “Then why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?” He answered, “Elijah does come, and “he will restore all things. But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist. Matthew 17:1-13
TRANSFIGURATION
By Paul Leaman
We climbed up the mount,
With our Lord that day.
As always, He our master,
Was going there to pray.
Then as Jesus prayed on
We were there at His feet,
Alas, growing tired,
We just wanted to sleep.
I leaned back my head
And then started to yawn,
Then with a heavy sigh
I looked over at John.
He and James were still,
As though deep in prayer,
I again continued to pray,
As I watched with them there.
Then a light shown forth,
Glistening as bright as the sun,
It emanated from the robe
And the face of God’s dear Son.
Then behold, He stood talking,
With Moses and Elijah too,
We looked on speechless
Not knowing what to do.
They spoke of Christ’s decease
And the sadness that lay ahead.
Then as they were parting,
I spoke up and said:
“Master, it’s good for us to be here,
Let us make three tabernacles for Thee
And for Moses and for Elijah.”
I made them equal, all three
Just as I was saying this –
An overshadowing cloud, and a voice within,
Said, “This is my beloved Son, Hear Him.”
And when the voice had ceased,
Jesus stood there all alone.
Charging, we should tell no man,
Till he arose, then make it known.
“For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory. This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard when we were with him in the holy mount.” 2nd Peter 1:16-18
(By Paul H. Leaman, 03/03/2007)
About Alto-Reste Park
Our mission is to honor and celebrate life by providing clarity and guidance during times of sadness and pain by offering a place of peace amidst scenes of cultured beauty. Regardless of whether someone chooses our park as their final resting place, we want everyone we counsel to be comfortable and satisfied with their final arrangements. We offer choice, compassion, and comfort before, during, and after each service. We do this to ensure every lost loved one is memorialized in a meaningful way.