The Transfiguration – Matthew 17: 1 - 13
As an introduction to the message, here is a little background to the transfiguration. I was not fully aware of what it was and what it meant so just in case I am not the only one, here is that background.
This is one of the most important, yet one of the least understood parts of the gospel. To me it encapsulates the essence of Christ’s ministry on earth. The Transfiguration is a pivotal moment, and the setting on the mountain is presented as the point where human nature meets God: the meeting place for the temporal and the eternal, with Jesus himself as the connecting point, acting as the bridge between heaven and earth.
Transfigure literally means to change shape or form and this is what happened here, Jesus changed in appearance before their very eyes. “His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.” Matt 17:2
Let’s try to make sense of what else happened here.
1. While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” vs. 5
This cloud harks back to the Shekinah cloud that is described in the book of Exodus.
By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. Exodus 13:21
The cloud was a physical representation of God’s presence with His people.
2. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. vs. 4
Moses – The Law
Elijah – The Prophets
The Old Testament is sometimes referred to the Law and the prophets.
Both the Law and the prophets point to and find fulfilment in Jesus.
3. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, vs. 2
In the Psalms we read many times, “make your face shine upon us”, what does this mean?
• To turn your face
– Look away, show displeasure
• Show your face
– Look on, show pleasure in.
• Face shine
– Show His glory
– Bask in His glory – glory of His salvation
Here are some examples of this “Heavenly Brightness” in the Bible.
When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him. Exodus 34:29 – 30
I looked up and there before me was a man dressed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. His body was like topaz, his face like lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude. Daniel 10:5 – 6
…among the lampstands was someone like a son of man, dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. Revelation 1:13-15
I find it amazing how similar the Daniel and Revelation quotes are. They both are talking about Jesus, but were written in such different times and different circumstances.
I hope this helps give you some background on the transfiguration. Let’s move on to the message.
Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters - one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” vs. 4
What is Peter saying here?
Well first the scripture lets us know that Peter was not sure what he was saying, I’m sure I would be lost for words if I experienced what Peter saw. However, Peter seems to say, “this is great here, let’s never leave.”
There are generally two reasons why we change things in our lives.
1. Things are so bad here
Or
2. Things are going to be so much better there
What if the first is not so true and the second is yet to be proven?
As a Church we are actively seeking God’s vision for the framework of Ministry here in Floreat. Maybe we ask ourselves – why would we change things as they are when it’s not so bad and things are not guaranteed to be so great when we change?
Here are four reasons.
1. Standing still is not God’s will
As Christians we are called to live lives that are counter to the values of the world around us and because of that, we push against the current of the world around us every day. If we stand still it will not be long until we are swept back – you either move forward or back. Standing still is not God’s will.
Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, Hebrews 6:1
I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me…Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12 – 14
2. We are called to follow regardless
They (Moses, Elijah & Jesus) spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfilment at Jerusalem. Luke 9:31
That scripture is Luke account of the transfiguration. The word for departure is Exodus. Moses was talking to Jesus about His exodus. If we think about the Exodus from slavery to the Promised Land for Israel, it was not a smooth ride at all.
But what was the exodus Jesus was to fulfil in Jerusalem? It was to be His crucifixion.
Sometimes the road of faith is blazoned with sunshine, but other times it is marked with rough and rocky places.
Jesus said;
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” Matthew 16:24 - 25
Where Jesus leads I’ll follow on.
3. His way is best
This is what the Lord says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
“I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you,
who directs you in the way you should go. Isaiah 48:17
That line – “…who teaches you what is best is best for you,” cracks me up.
One of the first lines my children learnt to say was, “I do it myself.”
How we are so much like that as Christians, yet we need to be open to His teaching and leading in our lives.
As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. Psalm 18:30 & 2 Samuel 22:31
4. God has a plan for us and He will see it through.
I wonder when I am talking about this vision stuff whether, (1.) You understand what I am on about (2) whether you believe that it can happen. Remember our 4 dares.
• Dare to seek His guidance
– Scripture
– Prayer
• Dare to reach for the impossible
• Dare to let God use you
• Dare to do
Here are two scriptures that when combined tell us that (1) I am not crazy (2) God has a plan for our Church.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:4 – 6
Did you see it? God has a plan for us and He who began that work will see it through until completion.
Why can’t we stay here where we know what we like and we like what we know?
1. Standing still is not God’s will – we need to move forward with God
2. We are called to follow regardless – There are rough and rocky places on our journey – we are still to follow.
3. His way is best – Trust Him to lead you
4. God has a plan and will see it through
Psalm 138 tells us that God has everything in His hands.
I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart;
before the “gods” I will sing your praise.
I will bow down toward your holy temple
and will praise your name
for your unfailing love and your faithfulness,
for you have so exalted your solemn decree
that it surpasses your fame.
When I called, you answered me;
you greatly emboldened me.
(I believe this to be a promise from God – If we seek from Him the vision for our Church, He will answer and grant us boldness in its pursuit.)
May all the kings of the earth praise you, Lord,
when they hear what you have decreed.
May they sing of the ways of the Lord,
for the glory of the Lord is great.
Though the Lord is exalted, he looks kindly on the lowly;
though lofty, he sees them from afar.
Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
you preserve my life.
You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes;
with your right hand you save me.
The Lord will vindicate me;
your love, Lord, endures forever—
do not abandon the works of your hands.
God Bless The Floreat Salvation Army.
Lt Gareth MacDonald
1st June 2014
