By The Rev. Dr. Paul A. Leggett
Sunday, February 14, 2010 · Transfiguration of the Lord
Sermon Text: Matthew 17:1-8
Sermon Theme
The mount of the Transfiguration is one of the most important scenes in the Gospels. It is here that Jesus is fully revealed as he truly is, God’s beloved (or priceless) Son. The two most critical figures in a scene with several important Biblical characters are Peter and Jesus (II Peter 1:16-18). Peter represents all that is futile in serving Christ. Jesus represents all that is powerful and compassionate in being our only Lord and Savior. Jesus’ power becomes Peter’s power only when Jesus touches him.
Sermon Outline
- Conviction. Peter is of course one of the most important figures in all of the Bible. He is a great apostle and leader in the early church. Yet he also represents the universal character of all of Jesus’ disciples. In Peter we see the full range of ourselves as disciples. Peter is a great example of both faith and faithlessness. He clearly and unapologetically states who Jesus is, “the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). Yet he makes two statements with the same conviction that are completely wrong. He advises Jesus not to go to the cross (Matthew 16:21-23). On the Mount of Transfiguration he speaks, somewhat more hesitantly but still incorrectly, of building three dwellings on the Mountain, equating Moses and Elijah with Jesus (Matthew 17:4). This is a second attempt to avoid the cross of Christ (Matthew 10:37-39). We learn from both Peter’s positive and negative examples.
- Contradiction. God the Father speaks on the Mount of Transfiguration. This is in effect a fulfillment of God speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai in the Old Testament (Exodus 24:9-18). This is the second time that the Father speaks regarding Jesus, the first being at his baptism (Matthew 3:17). However this time God’s voice is heard interrupting Peter. Peter is being religious, even devoted, and intending to work for God. Yet his suggestion is completely wrong. First of all, he wants to stay on the Mountain with Jesus, thereby avoiding the cross. Secondly, he intends to build three dwellings (By himself? What about James and John?) for Jesus, Moses and Elijah (Matthew 17:4). It is a truism to say that Peter means well. That however is beside the point. He needs to listen to Jesus first and foremost (Luke 10:38-42). The Father not only interrupts him. God contradicts him (Matthew 17:5). There are times when God has to contradict us, even when we’re being very religious.
- Connection. The word of the Father is simple and direct. Jesus is God’s beloved, priceless Son. Moses and Elijah are two of God’s greatest servants of the Old Testament. Yet God does not speak of them. He speaks only of his Son. With him God is well pleased (Matthew 17:6). Then God says only, “listen to him!” (Matthew 17:5). The law and the prophets are authoritative. They are the word of God in written form. Yet Jesus is the living Word (John 1:1-14). As their fulfillment, Jesus has authority even over the Old Testament Scriptures (Matthew 5:17-48). Peter, James and John, like we ourselves, must learn that Jesus’ authority is absolute. As the living Word, he is the final word in everything. The three disciples are overcome with fear (Matthew 17:6). Jesus comes and touches them (Matthew 17:7, 8:1-3, 9:27-29, 20:34). All the religious instruction in the world and all the best religious intentions are of no value unless Jesus touches us. He touches us at the deepest level of our hearts. He overcomes our fear. The disciples look up and see only Jesus. That must be our goal, to see him and only him.
Questions for Us
- What are some of the ways we follow Peter's negative example in trying to avoid the cross? What encouragement do we derive from the fact that even a leader like Peter succumbs to this temptation (I Corinthians 10:13)?
- Have we ever been contradicted by God? What does it mean for God to interrupt us even when we think we're doing the right thing?
- Have you been touched by Jesus Christ in some way? How does being touched by him take away our fears?
