In the weeks after Christmas, we are in the season of Epiphany. This begins with the arrival of the Magi which we consider the first glimpse of God’s incarnation to the world. This week concludes this series as we enter into the season of Lent.
This week is Transfiguration Sunday. This is an important time in Jesus’ ministry as he—as the saying goes—turns his face to Jerusalem. Jesus begins to focus his time and energy on his final teachings and his final goodbyes and his final betrayal and his final meal…
The events of Transfiguration are significant for us as we move into Lent. These are a reminder of God’s power and presence, and of how Jesus both fulfills and transcends the laws and the prophets. It must have been an incredible sight, nearly unimaginable even as the Gospel writer struggles to illustrate the full majesty. As we celebrate Transfiguration Sunday, let us experience the wonder and joy—and let us do so as we turn our faces toward Lent.
Matthew 17:1-9 (CEB)
1 Six days later Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them to the top of a very high mountain. 2 He was transformed in front of them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light.
3 Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Jesus. 4 Peter reacted to all of this by saying to Jesus, “Lord, it’s good that we’re here. If you want, I’ll make three shrines: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
5 While he was still speaking, look, a bright cloud overshadowed them. A voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son whom I dearly love. I am very pleased with him. Listen to him!” 6 Hearing this, the disciples fell on their faces, filled with awe.
7 But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.”8 When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.
9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Don’t tell anybody about the vision until the Human One[a] is raised from the dead.”
Consider these questions:
- Have you ever had a mountaintop experience? What was it like? How did it improve your relationship with God? With others?
- What does it mean that Jesus was “transfigured?” How might that have changed how the disciples viewed Jesus?
- Why might Peter’s reaction to Jesus’ transfiguration and the appearance of Elijah and Moses have been to make three dwellings?
- What might the addition of the statement to the affirmation given at Jesus’ baptism (“Listen to him!”) mean for these disciples?
- Verse 8 notes that when the disciples looked up, there was no one except Jesus. How is that all they needed? How is that all we need?
- How can we make each Sunday worship experience a priority to help us grow as disciples and as a community?
Update on Sunday, February 19, 2023
Pastor Bob’s sermon references the following resources: