Tell No One

Sunday, March 30, 2025

Fourth Sunday in Lent

Pastor Joelle Henneman (she/her)

Pastor, United Methodist Church for All People

Queer Christian

Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John 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 dazzling white. As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” (Matthew 17:1-2, 9)

In the letter to the Philippians, Jesus is described as humbling themselves and taking on the form of a man to live amongst us. None of us can comprehend what the Divine is like, no matter how we understand it. However, Jesus had to limit themselves so people could receive and accept them.

But then, there is this mountaintop moment known as the transfiguration of Christ, where Jesus shines like the sun. They are no longer wearing the clothes expected of them, but glowing when glory. When Jesus had this moment of authenticity, their face “shown like the sun.” When I put on a dress that fits me well, I feel powerful and my face shines with the joy of living my authenticity.

Jesus then does an unexpected thing and says “tell no one about the vision.” Jesus turns to their friends and tells them not to out them.

March 31st is International Transgender Day of Visibility. On this day we celebrate transgender people, raise awareness of discrimination, and dedicate ourselves to living in a more just world.

However, we also need to recognize that there are transgender people who do not yet feel safe to be visible. People live in families and work in places that are not safe. The Ohio Legislature continues to limit trans rights, which is not safe. The hateful language of many politicians, and many churches, are not safe. Like Jesus, many transgender people have to hide who they are in order to be accepted.

This week, as we celebrate International Transgender Day of Visibility, include those who go unseen. Remember the closeted transgender person is just as valuable and beautiful as the out person. For Jesus too is one who had to stay in the closet because the world couldn’t receive their glory.