The Transfiguration of Our Lord. Matt 17:1-9

When the Son of God came into this world as a Man, he set his glory aside and put on humility (Phil. 2). This means that, to see Jesus, the incarnate God, in his day to day existence was to see an ordinary human being. Jesus looked no different than other men. He had to become like us in every way, which means He had to look ordinary, the way we are and look.

But for one brief moment, Jesus takes his disciples—Peter, James, and John on their own up a mountain. There, he is transfigured before them. That means his form literally changes before their very eyes, (the Greek word for Transfiguration is “metamorphosis.”) His face begins to shine like the sun. Light radiates right through his clothing. The divine nature in all of its glory shines through the human nature. Moses and Elijah appear. They talk with Jesus. Moses represents the Law, Elijah the prophets. It’s a sign that all the Law and the Prophets are about Jesus and are fulfilled in Jesus. He is the centre of the Scriptures. A bright cloud descends. The Father’s voice is heard “This is my Son, my Chosen One; Listen to him.” I believe one of the most important phrases in the whole of the bible. The disciples fall on their faces terrified. Jesus touches them. They look up. And all of it is gone in a moment. And they see only Jesus. All is quiet all is back to how it was before.

At his Transfiguration, we see Jesus for who he really is, the Son of God in human flesh. And that is really what Epiphany is all about. Christmas is the season where God gives us the heavenly gift, which is Jesus. Epiphany is the season where we see the gift unwrapped. At Epiphany, Jesus is revealed for who he really is: the Son of God. God from God, Light from Light, very God of very God, begotten not made. For one brief moment, we see it, we see all the prophecies of the bible fulfilled and pointing to Jesus.

Ultimately, the Transfiguration of our Lord can be a great comfort for us all. When we see Jesus shining on the mountaintop, we’re getting a glimpse into the life that awaits every Christian. We’re getting a sneak preview of the resurrection when we too will be glorified like Jesus, with immortal, incorruptible bodies, free of sin and free of death. Christ by his crucifixion has taken our sin and death so that we might live forever with him. The Transfiguration is a picture of the life of the world to come. Jesus gives us that picture now so that we can all have hope. Also, when we struggle under the burdens and sufferings of this present life, we can be comforted with the promise of life and resurrection. So, the Transfiguration is a living preview of what awaits us as Christians. Jesus shines on the mountain; and at our resurrection from the dead, we will be glorified with him.

The transfiguration is a preview of the future, our future when the Son of Man will come in glory to consummate his kingdom. But this future kingdom can only come through Christs death and resurrection, which is why Jesus warns the three disciples to “tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead” (Matt. 17:9). That’s a very heavy burden for those three disciples to carry. They must have found it very difficult not to tell the rest of the group.

In many ways this is one of the most important supernatural stories that can be found in the New Testament. We have Jesus transfigured, shining brightly, giving us a small glimpse of his heavenly glory. We have the appearance of two Old Testament saints. We have God the Father speaking out of a cloud. And yet at the same time, this story is surprisingly very relevant to us. We can see here what happens when flawed humans are invited to experience the glory of God. God wants to use us, no matter how unworthy or ill-equipped we may feel. We are all invited. And the bottom line I suppose is this, when we are down and confused about everything that is happening in the world today, the only thing that is left open to us is to ‘listen to Jesus’. Yes, by all means read the bible, pray constantly, but most importantly we need to listen to the master.

A Prayer to help us listen to Jesus.

Heavenly Father, we come to you seeking a listening heart. Please silence the noise of this world and the distractions in our minds that drown out your voice. Help us to be still and to recognise your presence, trusting that you are speaking to us. Give us the grace to discern your gentle voice and the courage to obey it. Our desire is always to follow you, to grow in your truth, and to be guided by your wisdom. Open our ears and our hearts to your word, we ask this in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.

Blessings to you all as we walk together into Lent. Rev Ian.