Plan for: Thanksgiving | Advent | Christmas
This sermon explores the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ, highlighting its significance and the lessons it provides about His glory and divine nature.
Good morning, dear family of faith. I am so glad to see each and every one of you here today. It is a joy to gather together in the house of the Lord, to share in fellowship, worship, and the study of His word. There's something about the unity of believers, the shared anticipation of God's message, that brings a warmth and comfort like no other. We are bound together by our love for Christ, and it is in His name that we come together today.
Today, we turn our attention to a pivotal moment in the life of Jesus Christ, a moment that took place on a high mountain, away from the hustle and bustle of the world below. A moment that was not just an ordinary day in the life of our Savior, but a moment of divine revelation, a moment that gives us a glimpse into the glory of Jesus Christ, a moment known as the Transfiguration.
This moment is not just a historical event to be remembered, but it is a profound lesson for us, a lesson about the glory of Jesus Christ, the meaning of His transfiguration, and its message for us today. In the words of the great preacher Tim Keller, "To be loved but not known is superficial. To be known and not loved is our great fear—but to be known and loved, that transforms you." Indeed, it is good for us to catch a glimpse of the glory of Jesus Christ, for it reminds us of who He is, it reassures us of His power, and it renews our hope in His promises.
Let us read together from the book of Mark, chapter 9, verses 2-9: 2 After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. 3 His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. 4 And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus. 5 Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 6 (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.) 7 Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” 8 Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus. 9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead.
Let us pray. Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your word and the lessons it teaches us. We pray that as we study the transfiguration of Your Son, Jesus Christ, Your Holy Spirit would guide us and give us understanding. Help us to see the glory of our Savior, to understand the significance of His transfiguration, and to apply its message to our lives today. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
In the passage we just read, we see Jesus leading Peter, James, and John up a high mountain. There, away from the distractions and demands of the world, something extraordinary happens. Jesus is transfigured before them. His clothes become dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. This is not a mere change in appearance. This is a divine revelation, a glimpse into the glory of Jesus Christ.
The glory of Jesus Christ is not like the glory of this world. The glory of this world is fleeting and superficial. It is dependent on the opinions and approval of others. It fades with time and can be lost in an instant. But the glory of Jesus Christ is eternal and unchanging. It is not dependent on the opinions or approval of others. It does not fade with time and cannot be lost. It is the glory of God Himself, revealed in the person of Jesus Christ.
In the transfiguration, we see a manifestation of this divine glory. The dazzling whiteness of Jesus' clothes is a visual representation of His divine nature. It is a reminder that Jesus is not just a man, but God in human form. His glory is not derived from His accomplishments or His popularity, but from His divine nature. It is a glory that is inherent and unchanging, a glory that shines brightly even in the darkest of times.
The appearance of Elijah and Moses in this scene further underscores the divine nature of Jesus' glory. Elijah and Moses are two of the most revered figures in Jewish history. Elijah is considered the greatest of the prophets, and Moses is the lawgiver, the one through whom God delivered the Ten Commandments. Their presence in this scene is a powerful affirmation of Jesus' authority and His fulfillment of the law and the prophets.
But even as we marvel at the divine glory of Jesus, we must not lose sight of the fact that this glory is not meant to be kept to ourselves. It is meant to be shared with others. The disciples were given a glimpse of Jesus' glory so that they could bear witness to it. They were entrusted with this revelation so that they could share it with others.
In the same way, we who have experienced the glory of Jesus Christ are called to bear witness to it. We are called to share the good news of His love and grace with others. We are called to live in such a way that reflects His glory to the world around us. This is not always easy. It requires a willingness to stand up for what is right, even when it is unpopular. But it is a calling that we must embrace if we are to be faithful followers of Jesus Christ.
Transition. As we reflect on the transfiguration of Jesus, let us be reminded of the divine glory that was revealed on that mountain. Let us be challenged to live in such a way that reflects this glory to the world around us. And let us be encouraged by the knowledge that this glory is not fleeting or superficial, but eternal and unchanging. It is the glory of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who loves us and gave Himself for us. And it is this glory that gives us hope and courage as we navigate the challenges of this world.
In the heart of the story, we find ourselves on a high mountain ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO