AMAZED ON A MOUNTAIN
Introduction:
Jesus identified himself as the Son of God on the mountain of transfiguration, (Matthew
17), on Mount Calvary, (Matthew 27:32), and on the mountain of resurrection. (Matthew
28:16) We stand in amazement with the disciples and others who witnessed the display
of his glory.
I AMAZED ON THE MOUNTAIN OF TRANSFIGURATION :
The disciples knew that Jesus was no ordinary man. They had seen the miracles he had
performed. They had heard the parables he told and the teachings he had spoken with
authority, not as the scribes and Pharisees. Now as Jesus takes them to the mountain,
they were to see his amazing transformation before their eyes. Never more could they
doubt that he was no ordinary man, although one of persuasion and power beyond
understanding. In a moment, they were amazed as "his appearance changed from inside
out, right before their eyes. Sunlight poured from his face. His clothes were filled with
light." (Message Bible, Matthew 17:31) Who would not be amazed to see Moses and
Elijah in conversation with Jesus? They had read about the shining face of Moses as he
descended the mountain with the tablets of the commandments in his hand.(Exodus
3:30) They had read how Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal when the Lord sent fire
down from heaven.(1Kings 18:38) Now they were amazed to see them representing the
law and the prophets standing with Jesus. They had been dead hundreds of years. Now
both stood with Jesus, signifying that God is the God of the living, not of the dead. Peter,
amazed at what he was seeing, in keeping with his impetuous nature, wanted to
commemorate the occasion by building three monuments, one for Jesus, one for
Moses, and one for Elijah. However, in the midst of his amazement, suddenly a brilliant
cloud overshadowed the whole scene, and from the cloud bellowed forth a voice saying,
"this is my beloved son. Listen to him." God was proclaiming that since his son was
greater than Moses and Elijah, the disciples should listen to Jesus. The disciples,
petrified with fear, fell to the ground. At that moment, Jesus came to them and touching
them said "fear not." When they opened their eyes, Jesus was there alone. We may be
amazed and astonished with fear of the unknown or whatever, but Jesus comes by with
a comforting touch and calms our fears. The hymn writer said, "turn your eyes upon
Jesus, look full in his wonderful face and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in
the light of his glory and grace." Before they ascended the mountain, Jesus had told
them of his impending death. Although they did not quite understand him, now he is
assuring them that they need not fear. Many times in life when we are amazed and
troubled, Jesus promises that everything will be all right.
II AMAZED ON THE MOUNT OF CALVARY:
Jesus had to ascend another mountain. This was more of a hill, but sometimes it is
called Mt Calvary. Jesus had to bear that cross up the hill. Must of his disciples
deserted him, but John was at the cross with Mary, the mother of Jesus. They were
amazed to see how Jesus died on the cross. They were amazed as he forgave those
who crucified him. They were amazed as he stopped dying to commission John to care
for his mother, Mary. They were amazed as he issued the dying thief a ticket to heaven.
They were amazed when they pierced him in the side They were amazed when he
refused to drink the wine mixed with gall. They were amazed as the Roman soldiers cast
lots for his clothes. They were amazed as the crowd taunted him and challenged him to
come down from the cross. They were amazed as he bowed his head and died, saying
"into your hands I commit my spirit." We were not at the cross. Yet we can join in
amazement by crying out, "amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch
like me. I once was lost but now I am found, was blind, but now I see." We can cry out in
amazement, "amazing love, how can it be that my God should die for me."
III AMAZED ON THE MOUNTAIN OF RESURRECTION:
There is one more mountain of amazement. After his resurrection, Jesus told his
disciples to meet him on the mountain. We do not know what mountain this was, but in
Matthew 28:16, the disciples went to Galilee to the mountain which Jesus had directed
them. Galilee had a special meaning, since in the thinking of Jesus and the gospel of
Matthew, it was the gateway to the world, not just for Jewish people, or the disciples,
but for the whole world. Therefore, the disciples were to take the amazing story of the
amazing gospel to all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy
Spirit, to teach them to obey everything Jesus had commanded them. The amazing
thing is that Jesus says he is with us always, to the end of the age. God's grace is still
amazing, " and when this flesh and heart shall fail and mortal life shall cease, we shall
possess, within the veil a life of joy and peace." THAT IS AMAZING!
