Highlighted Text: Matthew 17:1-9

The transfiguration is theatrical. It is drama at its finest. The mountain peak as the stage of the performance, the appearance of the greatest dramatis personae known to Israel, Moses and Elijah, a moving cloud center stage and the booming voice of God from on high. It is a scene of heavenly marvel which is accompanied by the all too fearful bumbling of our human frailty. Peter, Jesus’ rock and jester of a disciple, tugging on Jesus’ sleeve, “Uh, excuse me Jesus, I don’t know what to say, but maybe I could build a tent for each one of you guys, if you think that is a good idea.” 

Peter represents the elements of a tragicomedy. Most of us can relate to his impetuous buffoonery borne out of an insecurity of not knowing how to act in certain circumstances. I know I can! It is comical in this instance, but this same impetuosity foreshadows his tragic denial of Jesus when his insecurities will get the best of him at Jesus’ arrest. Again, sadly for me, a wholly relatable impulse towards self-preservation. 

The transfiguration or “metamorphosis” as indicated by the Greek word is a curious event. It is magnificent and confounding at the same time. The three companions of Jesus are so moved by the experience and its affirmation of Jesus’ identity that they fall down and worship him. Yet, how confounding that these men, who just heard Peter confess Jesus as the Christ at Caesarea Philippi, are commanded to tell no one what they saw and heard on the mountain until Jesus has endured his passion. 

Why not allow them the freedom to testify to the truth of Peter’s confession which God had affirmed for them on the dramatic stage?

Perhaps part of the answer to that lies in the trajectory of Jesus’ glory. One would imagine that Peter, James, and John having seen what they did would make every effort to elevate Jesus to a place of earthly power. They certainly had their suspicions as to his uniqueness. After the transfiguration, there were no longer any doubts. Muster the troops and usher in God’s kingdom. However, Jesus’ plan for victory did not entail collecting a band of armed insurrectionists who would rally behind his promising charisma as previous and later messianic wannabes. His elevation to power would come through suffering.   

We need to dial back to the beginning of the play to understand this scene.

The first act of Jesus’ ministry starts in the muddy waters of the Jordan with an equally divine affirmation of his worthiness. From there he is thrust into the temptation in the wilderness and his subsequent ministry to human misery. Jesus’ final act will start with his exaltation on the mount of Transfiguration and roll downhill into his humiliation on the hill of calvary. The beloved Son will become the messianic martyr. The divinely appointed king will march through the valley of the shadow of death to enter into his glorious dominion. 

Peter, James, and John are not fully capable of understanding the irony and apparent contradictions of the transfigured and crucified one in that moment, but they will in time. His resurrection will prove his victory and explain his humiliation. For now, they are told to wait to witness that which none of them can fully comprehend. When all is said and done, though, the transfiguration will become a centerpiece of Peter’s witness, “…we were eyewitnesses of his majesty…for we were with him on the holy mountain” (2 Peter 1:16-18).

Angle for Preaching: Even the most exalted of events often travel a circuitous road through pain and suffering. The rallying cry of the mighty prepared for battle taper into inflicted wounds, grievous obstacles, fallen comrades, and countless loses. The way to physical healing in many cases goes through the temporary wounding of surgery and medicine. Jesus’ way of glory begins and ends in exaltation, but the way in between is a soaring dive into the depths of inglorious and humiliating despair. The preacher would do well to recognize this irony between the transfiguration of Jesus and the trials of Christ. 

Scott Bullock is a Board Member and Contributor with The Pastors Workshop. He is an ordained Presbyterian minister who has served churches in Illinois, New Jersey, and California. He holds an MA in New Testament Studies from Wheaton College, an MDiv from Fuller Theological Seminary, and a ThM in New Testament from Princeton Theological Seminary. Scott is married with three teen-aged children.

Call to Worship

Adapted from Psalm 34:1-8 (RSVUE)

I will bless the Lord at all times;
    his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul makes its boast in the Lord;
    let the afflicted hear and be glad.
O magnify the Lord with me,
    and let us exalt his name together!

I sought the Lord, and he answered me,
    and delivered me from all my fears.
Look to him, and be radiant;
    so your faces shall never be ashamed.
This poor soul cried, and was heard by the Lord,
    and was saved from every trouble.
The angel of the Lord encamps
    around those who fear him, and delivers them.
O taste and see that the Lord is good!
    Happy are those who take refuge in him!

Adapted by Stuart Strachan Jr. (RSVUE)

Prayer of Confession

Save us, Glorious Christ, from every false understanding and motivation

Save us from the temptation to just stay on the mountain

Save us from the temptation to never engage

Save us from the temptation of trying to capture and control your power and glory

You are Mystery, You are Holy, You are God

Hear our confession as we bow in wonder and worship

Time of silent confession

Prayer of Confession for Transfiguration Sunday © 2021 by Lisa Ann Moss Degrenia, www.revlisad.com

Assurance of Pardon

Inspired by Romans 5:1

 Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Hear the good news! Who is in a position to condemn? Only Christ, and Christ died for us, Christ rose for us, Christ reigns in power for us, Christ prays for us. (Romans 8:34)

Leader: Friends, believe the good news of the gospel.

People: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven!

The good news is that Christ calls us to new life and enables us to begin again and again and again and again.

Leader: Friends, believe the good news of the gospel.

People: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.

Benediction 

Romans 16:25-27

Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to [the] gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, to bring about the obedience of faith–to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.