Read Matthew 17:1-28
“Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.” (Matthew 17:1a-2)
In early Fall, Kelly and I hiked a portion of the Ice Age Trail that intersected Point Beach State Forest near Two Rivers, Wisconsin. It was a brilliantly sunny day as we followed the trail along the sandy beachfront of Lake Michigan before it meandered through nearby woods. As the trail rambled around the backwaters of Molash Creek, we encountered the cool majesty of old hardwood forests where blue herons and egrets stood sentinel at the water’s edge or lazily soared overhead. Returning to the lakefront, we sat on a weathered, driftwood log and ate our simple lunch while staring out over the sun-sparkling water. It was simply glorious and brought deep joy to our souls.
I imagine our experience could not even compare with what Peter, James, and John experienced on the Mount of Transfiguration with Jesus. With unexpected, dazzling glory, their rabbi, Jesus of Nazareth, is suddenly revealed as the One who both Moses and Elijah look to as the fulfillment of their ministry in the Law and the Prophets. It is overwhelming!
No wonder that Peter, the usual one so quick to speak, tries to fumble his words into some apt response to the glory they have seen: “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” (Matthew 17:4). It’s as if Peter says, “Let’s stay here awhile, Jesus, because this is…well, this is the best thing I’ve ever experienced!”
Who can blame him? When the glory of Jesus is revealed it brings more joy than we could ever know. This Advent let us linger in the joyful glory of Jesus.
For Personal Reflection: Use the sermon discussion questions found bundled with today’s sermon. Missed the sermon? Catch up online at eastbrook.org/tisthereason.
by Matt Erickson
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