Finding Strength in the Glory of Jesus
Summary
In today's reflection on Matthew 17, we delve into the profound story of the Transfiguration, a moment that offers us guidance when the path before us is challenging. This narrative is not just a distant historical event but a direct message to us about how to navigate difficult times. Jesus had just revealed to His disciples the impending suffering, rejection, and death He would face. This revelation was hard for them to accept, especially for Peter, who struggled with the idea of Jesus' suffering. Yet, the Transfiguration follows this revelation, teaching us how to respond when the journey is tough.
Firstly, we are called to look at the glory of Jesus. On the mountain, Jesus' divine glory was revealed to His disciples, a reminder that His suffering was not the end. This glimpse of glory is a promise that beyond our struggles, there is a greater reality. Secondly, we are encouraged to rejoice in the work of Jesus. The presence of Moses and Elijah, representing the Law and the Prophets, underscores that Jesus' work fulfills all that was promised. His death and resurrection are the culmination of God's redemptive plan.
Thirdly, we are invited to rest in the sufficiency of Jesus. When Peter wanted to hold onto Moses and Elijah, God directed him to focus on Jesus alone. This teaches us that while we may lose earthly supports, Jesus remains our ultimate source of strength and comfort. Lastly, we are urged to listen to the words of Jesus. His words, "Rise and have no fear," assure us that through Him, we can stand in the presence of God without fear.
As we face our own trials, let us remember these truths: the glory of Jesus, the fulfillment of His work, His sufficiency, and His comforting words. These are our anchors in times of trouble.
Key Takeaways:
1. Look at the Glory of Jesus: The Transfiguration reveals Jesus' divine glory, reminding us that suffering is not the end. Just as the disciples saw His glory before His crucifixion, we too are assured that beyond our struggles lies a greater reality in Christ. [10:53]
2. Rejoice in the Work of Jesus: The presence of Moses and Elijah during the Transfiguration highlights that Jesus fulfills the Law and the Prophets. His work on the cross is the culmination of God's redemptive plan, offering us hope and assurance in our salvation. [17:19]
3. Rest in the Sufficiency of Jesus: When earthly supports are taken away, Jesus remains our ultimate source of strength. God's directive to Peter to focus on Jesus alone teaches us that in Christ, we have all we need, even when others are no longer with us. [24:09]
4. Listen to the Words of Jesus: Jesus' words, "Rise and have no fear," assure us that through Him, we can stand in the presence of God without fear. His presence and promises give us the courage to face life's challenges with confidence. [28:02]
5. Anticipate the Presence of Jesus: As Peter recalled the Transfiguration at the end of his life, he found assurance in knowing that Jesus would be with him in the presence of God. This story reminds us that Jesus will be with us, guiding us into eternal life. [31:09]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Ministry Growth and Support
- [00:42] - Introduction to Matthew 17
- [01:49] - Facing Hardships with Jesus
- [02:25] - The Glory of Jesus Revealed
- [03:53] - The Transfiguration and Its Significance
- [06:29] - Nighttime Revelation
- [09:13] - The Purpose of the Transfiguration
- [10:53] - Assurance Beyond Suffering
- [11:12] - Rejoicing in Jesus' Work
- [17:38] - Resting in Jesus' Sufficiency
- [24:09] - Listening to Jesus Alone
- [26:02] - Jesus' Comforting Words
- [31:09] - Anticipating Jesus' Presence
- [33:18] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Transfiguration and Our Journey
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 17:1-9
- Psalm 34:5
- 2 Peter 1:16-18
---
Observation Questions:
1. What significant event occurs in Matthew 17:1-9, and who are the key figures involved in this event? [02:25]
2. How does the appearance of Moses and Elijah during the Transfiguration highlight the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets? [11:12]
3. What is the significance of the voice from the cloud during the Transfiguration, and what does it instruct the disciples to do? [22:14]
4. How does Peter's reaction to the Transfiguration reflect his understanding of Jesus' identity and mission? [19:17]
---
Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the Transfiguration provide assurance to the disciples about Jesus' identity and mission, especially in light of His impending suffering? [10:19]
2. How does the presence of Moses and Elijah during the Transfiguration serve to strengthen Jesus, and what does this reveal about God's provision in times of trial? [12:40]
3. What does the directive "listen to him" from the voice in the cloud imply about the authority of Jesus' words and teachings? [23:04]
4. How does Peter's recollection of the Transfiguration in 2 Peter 1:16-18 provide him with assurance as he faces his own death? [30:19]
---
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a difficult situation. How can the glory of Jesus, as revealed in the Transfiguration, provide you with hope and assurance during challenging times? [10:53]
2. Consider the role of spiritual mentors or figures in your life. How can you find strength in Jesus' sufficiency when these earthly supports are no longer present? [24:09]
3. How can you actively listen to and apply the words of Jesus in your daily life, especially when facing fear or uncertainty? [26:02]
4. In what ways can you rejoice in the work of Jesus, acknowledging His fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets, in your personal faith journey? [17:19]
5. Identify a specific fear or challenge you are currently facing. How can Jesus' words, "Rise and have no fear," encourage you to move forward with confidence? [28:02]
6. How can the assurance of Jesus' presence, as experienced by Peter during the Transfiguration, influence your perspective on life and death? [31:09]
7. Think about a person in your life who has been a source of spiritual strength. How can you express gratitude for their influence while also seeking to deepen your reliance on Jesus? [21:21]
Devotional
Day 1: The Glory of Jesus Transcends Suffering
In the story of the Transfiguration, Jesus reveals His divine glory to His disciples, offering them a glimpse of the greater reality beyond His impending suffering. This moment serves as a powerful reminder that our struggles are not the end, but rather a part of a larger, divine narrative. By focusing on the glory of Jesus, we are encouraged to see beyond our immediate challenges and trust in the promise of His ultimate victory. This assurance allows us to face our trials with hope, knowing that Jesus' glory is a testament to the eternal life that awaits us. [10:53]
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: What current struggle in your life can you view through the lens of Jesus' eternal glory, and how might this perspective change your approach to it today?
Day 2: Jesus Fulfills the Law and the Prophets
The presence of Moses and Elijah during the Transfiguration signifies the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets through Jesus. This moment highlights that Jesus' work on the cross is the culmination of God's redemptive plan, offering us hope and assurance in our salvation. By rejoicing in the work of Jesus, we are reminded that His sacrifice was not in vain but was the fulfillment of centuries of divine promises. This understanding deepens our faith and encourages us to live in the light of His completed work. [17:19]
Hebrews 10:12-14 (ESV): "But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified."
Reflection: How does knowing that Jesus fulfills the Law and the Prophets impact your understanding of His work in your life today?
Day 3: Jesus is Our Ultimate Source of Strength
When Peter wanted to hold onto Moses and Elijah, God directed him to focus on Jesus alone. This teaches us that while we may lose earthly supports, Jesus remains our ultimate source of strength and comfort. In times of loss or uncertainty, we are invited to rest in the sufficiency of Jesus, trusting that He provides all we need. This reliance on Jesus alone empowers us to navigate life's challenges with confidence, knowing that He is our steadfast anchor. [24:09]
Psalm 73:25-26 (ESV): "Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."
Reflection: What earthly support are you relying on that you need to release in order to fully rest in the sufficiency of Jesus today?
Day 4: Jesus' Words Bring Courage and Comfort
Jesus' words, "Rise and have no fear," assure us that through Him, we can stand in the presence of God without fear. His presence and promises give us the courage to face life's challenges with confidence. By listening to the words of Jesus, we are reminded of His constant companionship and the peace that comes from trusting in His guidance. This assurance allows us to move forward with boldness, knowing that we are never alone. [28:02]
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Reflection: What fear is holding you back today, and how can you allow Jesus' words to bring you courage and comfort in facing it?
Day 5: Anticipating Jesus' Eternal Presence
As Peter recalled the Transfiguration at the end of his life, he found assurance in knowing that Jesus would be with him in the presence of God. This story reminds us that Jesus will be with us, guiding us into eternal life. By anticipating the presence of Jesus, we are encouraged to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on the promise of His everlasting companionship. This anticipation shapes our daily lives, motivating us to live in a way that honors Him and reflects His love to others. [31:09]
Revelation 21:3-4 (ESV): "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.'"
Reflection: How can you live today with the anticipation of Jesus' eternal presence, and what changes might this bring to your priorities and actions?
Quotes
"Now, this word transfigured here is the word metamorphal from which we get our word metamorphosis. In other words, there was a transformation, not just in the appearance of Jesus but in his very form. Jesus is the Lord of Glory, but when he came into the world his glory was veiled, a baby lying in the manger, the carpenter working in the shop." [00:02:44]
"Now, Matthew records what this looked like: his face shone like the sun. Now, when you hear about a shining face, you might think about a story in the Old Testament. You remember when Moses went up the mountain and he was there for 40 days receiving the law of God, and after 40 days in the presence of God, when Moses came down the mountain, his face was shining." [00:04:10]
"Now, how does this story then speak to us today? But remember, Jesus had just told his disciples that he must suffer, that he must be rejected, and that he was going to be killed. In just a few days, John, who was on the top of the mountain, would actually see the face of Jesus beaten, bloodied, so disfigured that it wasn't even recognizable as a human face." [00:09:17]
"Rejoice in the work of Jesus. Notice it says in verse 3, 'And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah talking with him.' So again, keep in mind Jesus is preparing to endure the agonies of the Cross. Can you imagine this? He's just told his disciples what lies ahead of him. You would think that this would be the moment where the disciples would step up." [00:11:03]
"God the Father sends Moses and Elijah to minister to Jesus, just as, by the way, later in the Garden of Gethsemane, Luke tells us that the Father sent an angel to strengthen him. By the way, here's an encouragement: when Satan uses a Peter to tempt you, God will send a Moses or an Elijah to strengthen you. Look for that." [00:11:56]
"Now, the two he sent were Moses and Elijah. I mean, how remarkable is that? Because Moses, of course, had died and been buried 1400 years before the time of Jesus, and Elijah, of course, had been taken up into heaven 800 years before the time of Jesus. Now here are the pair of them as large as life on the mountain of transfiguration, and they are talking with Jesus." [00:12:45]
"Now, what did they talk about? Well, Luke tells us that they spoke about his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. In other words, a clear reference to all that Jesus would endure at the cross. That's what they spoke to him about. They were ministering to him; they were strengthening him as he prepared himself for the ordeal that lay ahead." [00:13:45]
"Jesus, you are fulfilling all the words spoken by the prophets. They spoke of what you will suffer, yes, but they also spoke of how you will triumph. Yes, you will go through the darkest valley, but on the other side, you will enter into an inexpressibly glorious joy. You will be exalted to the highest place; the will of God will prosper in your hands." [00:15:55]
"Peter wants to hold on to Moses; he wants to hold on to Elijah; he wants to continue drawing strength and comfort from these men who have ministered to Jesus and to him. But the Father is taking these men back up into heaven, and the Father is saying to Peter, 'No, not from these men, but from my son. This is my beloved Son, not these men.'" [00:22:47]
"Here is a truth for us to remember when someone is taken, and we don't want to let them go. Jesus is the gift of the Father to you. In him, you have all that you need, and Jesus will never be taken from you. And that is why it's so significant that in the very last verse of this story, verse 8, we read that they lifted up their eyes and they saw no one but Jesus only." [00:24:09]
"Now, notice what happens when the disciples know that they are in the immediate presence of the Almighty. These men see the cloud of God's presence; they hear the audible voice of God, and they fall on their faces in absolute test. They were terrified, and we would be the same. You know, people sometimes say, 'When I get to heaven, I've got some questions that I'm going to ask almighty God.'" [00:25:59]
"Peter knows that he's not long for this world. 'I'll soon be leaving the body, and I'll be entering into the presence of God.' And of all the stories that he could have called to mind as he anticipates that moment, this is the story that comes to his mind, and that gives to him assurance in his own heart as he faces the prospect of his own death." [00:28:31]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?