His Glory Brings Joy

At the Transfiguration we receive a glimpse of the glory of Jesus that is seen nowhere else in the Gospels before the resurrection. This brings into focus the glory that comes through Jesus to a world turned inside-out with humiliation.
(Matthew 17:1-13)

Sermon Outline

“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!’” (Matthew 17:5)

A Vision of Glory (Matthew 17:1-3)

  • Jesus and the three
  • Jesus’ transfiguration
  • Jesus in conversation with Moses and Elijah (cf. Luke 9:31)

Glory Surpassing Human Comprehension (Matthew 17:4-8)

  • Peter develops a plan
  • The divine interruption
  • Overwhelmed by the glory of the Lord

Elijah and the Messiah to Come (Matthew 17:9-13)

  • The Messianic secret
  • Elijah who is to come and has come

Finding Joy in the Glory of Jesus

  • Celebrate God’s glory revealed in Jesus
  • Take joy in God’s glory mingled with love and mercy in Jesus
  • Worship with awe before God’s glory that surpasses human understanding

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  1. What is the most glorious thing you have ever seen?
  2. This week we continue our series, “‘Tis the Reason”, which mirrors the Advent journey by looking at Matthew 17:1-13. Begin your study in prayer by asking God to speak to you through the Scripture. Then, whether you’re on your own or with others, read that passage aloud.
  3. How would you describe this transfiguration of Jesus recorded in verses 1-3? What do you think this conveys about who Jesus is?
  4. In the popular imagination of the time, both Moses and Elijah were viewed as figures linked with the coming of the Messiah. What would you say is the significance of their appearance with Jesus at His transfiguration?
  5. As often happens, Peter speaks for the other disciples in verse 4. What do you make of his response to Jesus?
  6. How would you have responded if you were there at the Transfiguration?
  7. In an echo of Jesus’ baptism (Matthew 3:13-17), a divine voice speaks over Jesus at the transfiguration. What does the voice say and why is this important?
  8. Why would the disciples fall to the ground? Why is it significant for them to hear Jesus’ words dispelling fear?
  9. In verses 9-13, Jesus and His disciples engage in a conversation about Elijah and the link with John the Baptist. What do you make of this conversation?
  10. What is one thing God is speaking to you through this study? If you’re on your own, write that down, pray over it, and share it with someone this week. If you are with a small group, share your answers with one another before closing in prayer.

DIG DEEPER

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His Healing by Faith