Transfiguration

February 6, 2005

Matthew 17:1-9

The Transfiguration of our Lord

INTRODUCTION: The Transfiguration of our Lord – how should we consider it? To some, the transfiguration was only an historical event, which occurred in the distant past. They may ask, “so what?” What does the transfiguration have to do with me today in the year 2005? If it is to be real some may argue it must be applied to my life today. This morning let’s address this question, “how does the transfiguration transfigure my life today?” To answer this question we must say that the transfiguration gives us today four certain realities. Let’s consider them.

I.        The transfiguration gives us today a sense of awe for the holy.

A.     “When the disciples heard this they fell on their faces in awe.” (V.6)

1.      By most accounts they fell due to fear.

2.      Is there a genuine fear and awe of God today?

B.     We experience a sense of awe when we come into God’s presence – we have done so this day.

1.      When He comes to us through His Word – Gospel.

2.      When we receive His body and blood in the Holy Communion.

3.      Worship is more then mere entertainment. It is a time to experience God in His holiness and awesomeness.

Transition: There a sense of the holy. There is an appeal to listen to His voice.

II.     A command to listen and obey, “This is My Son listen to Him” (v.5)

A.     We hear Him – listen to Him. There is a difference between looking and seeing, hearing and listening.

1.      May we hear His message – may we hear His voice.

2.      We are called to listen to His voice.

B.     Christ is the Word made flesh – John 1

1.      Christ has come to dwell among us, full of grace and truth.

2.      Christ bestows on us the Father’s peace.

Transition: We witness someone holy, we list, we witness of Him.

III.   An opportunity to witness. (V. 9) “Tell no one until the Son is risen from the dead.”

A. Now we know who He is; no longer a mere carpenter, an infant, a young obedient son, not even a miracle worker.

1.      He’s God’s Son – The One made flesh.

2.      In Whom the Father is pleased for He will bear the world’s sin and guilt.

B. The disciples would keep the vision a secret until only after Jesus had risen from the dead.

1.      Then they would boldly proclaim, “He is Risen!”

2.      We have opportunity to witness. Lent is a time to pilgrimage with the Savior.

Transition: Faith is not lived in a vacuum it’s expressed as we witness in this world.

IV.  An example of service. (V.4) “Lord it is good to be here, if You wish we can make three booths…”

A. Peter wanted to tabernacle with Jesus – stay with Him removed from the trappings and temptations of the world.

1.      We today remain separated from the world.

2.      But we live in it – this is our arena where we work, play and interact with others.

B.     Thus into this world we shine forth being witnesses for     Christ – we become shining lights for Him.

1.      This happens when day dawns and morning star rises in our hearts.

2.      Christ shines through us, as He is the true light that shines forth into our life and into the world.

CONCLUSION: Today we close the season of Epiphany only to begin the discipline of Lent. During our pilgrimage we will walk with the Savior as He comes down from the mountain of exaltation and transfiguration to the valley of suffering. As we view His humiliation, agony and denial we will witness Him offering Himself to give us His life in exchange for our sin and our guilt. This is the Father’s Son – the beloved –may we listen and learn from Him.