READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l The Transfiguration of Jesus is a significant event which challenges our worldview so that we are transformed when we place Jesus at the centre and on the throne of our lives.
The Transfiguration
Throughout scripture, many significant events took place on mountain tops including the Transfiguration of Christ. We now take a closer look at the five scenes of the Transfiguration, which some consider as the greatest miracle in the gospel.
1. The Glory of Jesus Christ (v.2) The three disciples had a glimpse of the glory of Jesus, i.e. His face shone like the sun and clothes became as white as light. Likewise, Paul shares in 2 Cor 3:18, that we too are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory.
2. The Revelation of the Saints (v.3) Why would Moses and Elijah both appear here? It’s because these 2 prophets represent the Old Testament revelation which found its fulfilment in Jesus Christ i.e., it was a symbolic “handover” of priestly and prophetic offices from them to Jesus, which points to a perfect hope in God’s eternal kingdom.
3. The Memory of a Spiritual Experience (v.4) It was clear that Peter wanted to linger on in the experience, and even offered to put up three shelters. It left such an indelible impression on him that it completely transformed his life thereafter, and he recounted the experience again in 2 Peter 1:16-18.
4. The Holiness of God’s Presence (v.5-7) Here a bright cloud covered them (also known as the Shekinah glory or God’s presence) and God declared the same words as in Matthew 3:17 when Jesus was baptised, but added, “Listen to him!” This highlights Jesus’s unique authority over all and affirms that it is Jesus alone whom we should obey and listen to.
5. The Pre-eminence and Eternal Hope of Jesus Christ (v.8-9) In this final scene, the disciples looked up and saw nobody except Jesus. This shows that Jesus is now centre-stage and only He can bring us eternal hope and salvation. This scene was in fact a foreshadow of the supremacy of the New Covenant.
When was our last “mountain top” experience? Were we spiritually renewed to boldly live out God’s kingdom purposes in this world? How does the Transfiguration of Jesus impact our lives today? Does it challenge our own worldview in living out our Christian faith today?
(Sermon notes by Desley Khew)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
1. Who is Jesus Christ to you?
2. How has your life changed since knowing Jesus?
3. Share with your group a significant circumstance in your life when you experience God’s presence in your life.
4. What can you do to live out your faith with the lens of Jesus Christ in everything that you do in this world today?
