Transfiguration

Our Coming Lenten Pilgrimage
Matthew 17:1-9

Introduction: We have now come to the end of the Epiphany season, a season in which we have witnessed Jesus’ glory made manifest. Jesus demonstrates His glory so that we might believe in Him. As we witness His might acts, as we follow His teaching, we come to this conclusion –“ Jesus, You are my Lord and my God!” {John 20:28}

Now we set our sights on Jerusalem and that green hill far away outside the city wall – where our dear Lord was crucified, He died to save us all.  In just three days we will begin our Lenten pilgrimage where we will walk with the Savior to the cruel and bloody cross and we will stand at the mouth of an open tomb. How shall we describe this journey?

Our coming Lenten pilgrimage

It is a going up.

It is a going back.

It is a going down.

I.    Our coming Lenten pilgrimage is a going us. After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. Matthew 17:1

A.   We go to be with Christ for guidance. He has promised to be with us. He has commanded us to pray. God would by these words tenderly invite us to ask as His true children ask their dear Father. We pray because of His command – “Call upon Me in the day of trouble...” Yet we also pray because of His promise. “…I will deliver you and you will honor Me.” {Psalm 50:15} He has promised to answer every prayer. His desire is that we call to Him in our time of need.

B.   We go to be with Christ for assurance. His assurance to us is that He will act on our behalf and always for our good. The hymn writer reminds us, “The will of God is always best, and shall be done forever; And they who trust in Him are blest; He will forsake them never. He helps indeed. In every need; He chastens with forbearing. They who depend On God, their friend, Shall not be left despairing.” [LSB #758]

Transition: Our coming Lenten pilgrimage is a going up. It is also a going back.

II.     It is a going back. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. Matthew 17:3 

A.  We go back to Moses and Elijah to get to our roots. Moses and Elijah are the chief spokesmen of the Old Testament. Jesus will tell us Moses and Elijah and all of the Old Testament speaks clearly of Himself “You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about Me,”- John 5:39   

B.  These two prophets of old served God’s people at two important points in the history of God’s people. Under Moses the Lord led His people from the hand of bondage to a promised land flowing with milk and honey. Elijah, on the other hand, had become convinced that he was the only one left. Still the Lord reminded him that he had reserved 7,000 who had not bowed their knee to Baal. In both instances the Father was with them.

C.   As we recall the stories of these prophets of God we remember that the cross is grounded in the Father’s ancient promises of deliverance. Isaiah the prophet writes, The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. Isaiah 9:2  David reminds us, He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. Psalm 40:2

Transition: Our coming Lenten pilgrimage is a going up. It is a going back. It is a going down.

III.   It is a going down. As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”  Mtathew17:9

A.  It’s a going down to witness. Let is a time of reflection.  It’s an excellent time to share your faith with a friend. In Lent our focus is turned squarely on the cross. St. Paul encourages us when he writes, For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. – 1 Corinthians 2:2  During Lent we fix our focus on Christ and His cross. Share that message with a friend.

B.  Our Lenten pilgrimage is a going down to service. During Lent as we focus on Christ’s sacrifice. We respond in service toward our neighbor. Jesus died for you so that you can now love and serve your neighbor. Jesus is the stone the builders rejected so you now become living stones in His structure the Church.

C.  In our going down our pilgrimage through Lent allows us to carry the cross. What burdens, what trials would the Savior have you carry?  Do not carry them too long. Deposit them into His hands. He will bear them for there we find strength and endurance as we focus on what He endured for you and for me on that cross of Calvary.

Conclusion:  How shall we describe this journey on which we will embark in three day?  Our coming Lenten pilgrimage is a going up. It is a going back. It is a going down. We walk with Jesus to the bloody and cruel cross and the mouth of the empty tomb. There we shall find peace with God, absolution for our sin, and salvation for our souls.

+Soli Deo Gloria+