Point of Grace Worship 3.2.25 Sermon Notes – “Transfiguration Sunday – Listen to Him”
Transfiguration – What happened? Why was and is it important?
Matthew 17 :1-9 After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. 3 Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. 4 Peter said to Jesus, “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.” 5 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!” 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. 7 But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” 8 When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus. 9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”
Why was it important for them?
• To encourage these lead disciples in their faith that Jesus is the Divine Son of God
• To vividly put on display that the Old Covenant (Law and Prophets) is fulfilled in Jesus and gives way to Him as the ultimate revelation of God to humanity. Jesus is the One and Only lens to see all God’s revelation through.
• The disciples are directed to “Listen to Him” in order to endure what following Jesus means as He turns toward Jerusalem where a cross awaits Him.
Why is it important for us?
2 Peter 1:16-18 16 For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” 18 We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.
Why is it important for us?
• We need constant encouragement to believe that Jesus is our “One and Only” Victorious Savior and our One and Only hope for a “meaningful life now and forever”.
• We desperately need to “Listen to Him” amidst all the voices and distractions clamoring for our attention.
“Our spiritual health and capacity to do real life well does not rise to the level of our aspirations or beliefs but falls to the level of our regular spiritual rhythms.” Ash Wednesday? Giving something up for Lent? Lent Worship Series? Preservice Prayer Room?
• “Listen to Him” is the only thing that will get us through the “ups and downs” of the real lives we lead. Alignment with Jesus by being in His Presence through Prayer, Word and Worship has never been more important especially considering the “kinds” of things coming against us, our families and church.