Transfiguration: Embracing Comfort, Courage, and Community
Summary
In today's reflection, we explored the profound story of the Transfiguration, where Jesus ascends a mountain with a few disciples and encounters Moses and Elijah. This narrative, often familiar to many, invites us to ponder its deeper significance. Why did Jesus choose this moment, and what does it reveal about his journey and ours? The disciples, much like us, were often bewildered by Jesus' teachings, struggling to grasp the magnitude of his mission. This story, however, might not solely be about enlightening the disciples but also about providing Jesus with the support and affirmation he needed from Moses and Elijah, who themselves faced immense challenges and threats.
The Transfiguration is a moment of divine light and glory, reminiscent of Moses' encounter with God. It serves as a preparation for Jesus' impending journey to Jerusalem, a path marked by betrayal and suffering. Yet, it also prepares the disciples—and us—for the challenges of faith. Jesus offers comfort to those burdened by life's trials, yet he also calls us to take up our crosses, to engage in the hard work of building God's kingdom. This duality of comfort and challenge is central to our faith journey.
In our contemporary world, fear often paralyzes us, whether it's fear of change, loss, or the unknown. Yet, the story of the Transfiguration reminds us that we are not alone. Jesus, Moses, and Elijah stand with us, offering comfort and guidance. We are called to rise above fear, to embrace the unknown with courage, and to engage in acts of justice and mercy. This is not an easy path, but it is one that leads to transformation and hope.
As we navigate our own journeys, we are reminded of the importance of community and action. Just as the Good Samaritan overcame fear to help a stranger, we too are called to act with compassion and courage. In times of uncertainty, we must choose to walk with Jesus, to set aside our fears, and to work towards a more just and loving world. Let us embrace this call, knowing that we are supported by a divine presence that has walked this path before us.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Transfiguration as Support for Jesus: The Transfiguration may not only be about teaching the disciples but also about providing Jesus with the support he needed from Moses and Elijah. These figures, who faced their own trials, remind Jesus—and us—that we are not alone in our struggles. This moment is about divine affirmation and preparation for the journey ahead. [07:44]
2. Balancing Comfort and Challenge: Jesus offers comfort to those burdened by life's challenges, yet he also calls us to take up our crosses. This duality is central to our faith journey, inviting us to engage in the hard work of building God's kingdom while finding solace in Jesus' presence. [16:55]
3. Overcoming Fear with Community: Fear often paralyzes us, but the story of the Transfiguration reminds us that we are not alone. We are called to rise above fear, embrace the unknown with courage, and engage in acts of justice and mercy, supported by a divine presence. [23:13]
4. The Call to Action: Like the Good Samaritan, we are called to act with compassion and courage, overcoming fear to help others. In times of uncertainty, we must choose to walk with Jesus, set aside our fears, and work towards a more just and loving world. [25:12]
5. Living with Courage and Faith: We are at a crossroads, facing deep divides and uncertainties. Yet, we are called to live with courage and faith, embracing the call to justice and mercy, and trusting that Jesus, Moses, and Elijah stand with us, offering comfort and guidance. [23:13]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Building Community
- [01:15] - The Story of the Transfiguration
- [02:45] - Identifying with the Disciples
- [04:00] - Jesus' Journey and Divine Support
- [05:30] - The Significance of Light
- [07:44] - Preparation for Jerusalem
- [09:00] - Comfort and Challenge in Faith
- [11:00] - Overcoming Fear
- [13:30] - Personal Story of Fear and Community
- [16:55] - Choosing Courage Over Fear
- [19:00] - The Good Samaritan's Example
- [21:00] - The Call to Justice and Mercy
- [23:13] - Living with Courage and Faith
- [25:12] - Conclusion and Call to Action
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Transfiguration
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 17:1-9 - The Transfiguration of Jesus
2. Matthew 11:28-30 - Jesus' Invitation to Rest
3. Luke 10:25-37 - The Parable of the Good Samaritan
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Observation Questions:
1. In the story of the Transfiguration, why do you think Jesus chose to bring only a few disciples with him? What might this signify about their roles or understanding? [07:44]
2. How does the presence of Moses and Elijah during the Transfiguration connect to their own stories of facing challenges and receiving divine support? [07:44]
3. What are some of the fears mentioned in the sermon that people face today, and how do these fears compare to those faced by the disciples during the Transfiguration? [16:55]
4. How does the story of the Good Samaritan illustrate the call to overcome fear and act with compassion and courage? [23:13]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What might the Transfiguration reveal about Jesus' need for support and affirmation from Moses and Elijah, and how does this relate to our own need for community and support in times of trial? [07:44]
2. How does the duality of comfort and challenge in Jesus' teachings, as mentioned in the sermon, reflect the complexities of the Christian faith journey? [16:55]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that fear can paralyze us, and how does the story of the Transfiguration encourage us to rise above fear? [23:13]
4. How does the example of the Good Samaritan challenge us to act beyond our fears and prejudices, and what does this mean for our daily lives? [23:13]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt alone in your struggles. How can the story of the Transfiguration remind you that you are not alone and that divine support is available? [07:44]
2. Jesus calls us to take up our crosses and engage in the hard work of building God's kingdom. What specific challenges are you facing in your faith journey, and how can you find comfort in Jesus' presence? [16:55]
3. Identify a fear that is currently holding you back. How can you take a step towards overcoming this fear with the support of your community and faith? [16:55]
4. The Good Samaritan acted with compassion despite potential risks. Is there someone in your life who needs your help, and how can you overcome any fears or prejudices to offer support? [23:13]
5. Consider the call to live with courage and faith in a world full of uncertainties. What practical steps can you take this week to embrace this call and work towards a more just and loving world? [23:13]
6. Reflect on the sermon’s message about the importance of community. How can you actively participate in building a supportive and compassionate community within your church or neighborhood? [23:13]
7. The sermon mentioned the importance of setting aside fears to do kingdom work. What is one specific action you can take this week to contribute to justice and mercy in your community? [25:12]
Devotional
Day 1: Divine Support in Times of Trial
In the story of the Transfiguration, Jesus ascends a mountain and is joined by Moses and Elijah, two figures who themselves faced immense challenges. This moment is not just about teaching the disciples but also about providing Jesus with the support and affirmation he needed. It serves as a reminder that even Jesus, in his humanity, sought and received divine support. This narrative invites us to reflect on the importance of seeking and recognizing divine support in our own lives. We are reminded that we are not alone in our struggles; just as Jesus was supported by Moses and Elijah, we too are supported by a divine presence that walks with us through our trials. [07:44]
Exodus 33:14-15 (ESV): "And he said, 'My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.' And he said to him, 'If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here.'"
Reflection: Who are the "Moses and Elijah" figures in your life that provide you with support and affirmation? How can you seek out and recognize divine support in your current challenges?
Day 2: Embracing the Duality of Comfort and Challenge
The Transfiguration story highlights the duality of comfort and challenge in our faith journey. Jesus offers comfort to those burdened by life's trials, yet he also calls us to take up our crosses and engage in the hard work of building God's kingdom. This duality is central to our spiritual growth, as it invites us to find solace in Jesus' presence while also stepping out in faith to face the challenges before us. We are called to balance the comfort we receive with the courage to embrace the challenges that come our way, knowing that both are essential to our journey of faith. [16:55]
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel Jesus is offering you comfort? How can you use this comfort to face the challenges you are called to embrace?
Day 3: Rising Above Fear with Community
Fear often paralyzes us, preventing us from stepping into the unknown. The Transfiguration story reminds us that we are not alone in our fears. Jesus, Moses, and Elijah stand with us, offering comfort and guidance. We are called to rise above fear, to embrace the unknown with courage, and to engage in acts of justice and mercy. This journey is not meant to be walked alone; we are supported by a community of believers and a divine presence that encourages us to move forward despite our fears. [23:13]
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 is one fear that is currently holding you back? How can you lean on your community and faith to rise above this fear and take a step forward today?
Day 4: The Call to Compassionate Action
The story of the Good Samaritan is a powerful example of overcoming fear to help others. We are called to act with compassion and courage, setting aside our fears to work towards a more just and loving world. In times of uncertainty, we must choose to walk with Jesus, embracing the call to action that is placed before us. This call to action is not just about grand gestures but also about the small, everyday acts of kindness and mercy that reflect God's love to those around us. [25:12]
Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
Reflection: Who is someone in your life that you can show compassion to today? What is one small act of kindness you can do to reflect God's love to them?
Day 5: Living with Courage and Faith
We are at a crossroads, facing deep divides and uncertainties in our world. Yet, we are called to live with courage and faith, embracing the call to justice and mercy. The story of the Transfiguration reminds us that Jesus, Moses, and Elijah stand with us, offering comfort and guidance as we navigate these challenges. We are invited to trust in the divine presence that has walked this path before us, knowing that we are not alone in our journey. This call to live with courage and faith is an invitation to step out boldly, trusting that God is with us every step of the way. [23:13]
Joshua 1:9 (ESV): "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to live with more courage and faith? How can you take a step today to trust in God's presence and guidance in this area?
Quotes
jesus knows god's plan for him jesus knows that he is on a journey that's going to lead to a betrayal to a trial and to an excruciatingly painful death what if jesus needed a little time with moses and elijah moses and elijah who faced their own death threats who faced their own terrible turmoils and difficulties moses and elijah who could come and say hey we're with you you're not alone we know the plan we know the plan is hard we have faced hard plans god's going to get you through this god's plan is the right plan and we'll be with you every step of the way what if this moment is about comforting jesus and reminding jesus that he's not alone [00:05:30] (55 seconds)
Because at the end of the day, we can love Jesus and we can love the salvation that Jesus gives us. But Jesus is complicated. On one hand, we go to Matthew 11 and we hear that Jesus has a yoke that is easy and a burden that is light. And Jesus comes to bring comfort to those who are afflicted by mental health problems, physical health problems, poverty, job insecurity, difficult family situations, craziness in the world. There is a comfort that Jesus offers. But then Jesus goes and challenges us. Jesus invites us that when times are comfortable, when times are good for us, that maybe there is a cross that Jesus wants us to pick up and walk with Jesus. [00:08:54] (53 seconds)
so then that gave me a really tough question Jesus is getting ready to go to Jerusalem and we all know how that story ends so then the question is am I ready are you ready to walk with Jesus to Jerusalem just where is our journey with Jesus going when Jesus says to pick up a cross what if it's not a metaphor he's talking about what if he is actually asking us to put our lives on the line this is a big thing this is a really big thing now we know that not all Christians have died for their faith just as we know not all rich people have given up everything for Jesus but there is a story where a rich young man comes to Jesus and says what does it take to have eternal life and Jesus like do you love God with all your heart minds soul and strength he's like I sure do I keep the Commandments he's like well then give up everything you have he's like yeah no can't do that and Jesus like yeah it's gonna be easier for a camel to get into heaven than a rich man but we know there were wealthy people who were part of the early church who shared the resources God had given them to help launch the early church Jesus is not always asking everyone to give up everything but [00:10:47] (85 seconds)
this is not easy to think about but these disciples they are told do not be afraid do not fear Moses and Elijah are with us now that Jesus has returned to heaven Jesus and Moses and Elijah they are watching us they are with us they are caring for us they are supporting for us whatever darkness we struggle with in our lives they promise to be with us they have seen it all and they are here to comfort us now since days of Moses hiding in rocks while God walks by God's come up with a little easier way for us to be in God's presence we have been blessed by two sacraments the Holy Spirit comes upon us when we are baptized if you are not yet baptized but would like to have that experience come talk to me afterwards and then when we join together at the table Jesus set for us of communion we receive the presence of Jesus Christ and are filled with his grace and love God has given us new ways to share God's presence without the danger of death like Moses faced God through the sacraments has promised to be with us every day every moment [00:12:33] (85 seconds)
I saw at that moment it was possible to rise above fear it was possible to come together in a beautiful beautiful way but our lives we read the history books and we have all sorts of judgments of the choices that other people made but we know how their stories ended we are still living our story we are in a choose your own adventure story and we can choose a or we can choose B and in 2001 we could have chosen to this beautiful moment of bringing people together and loving each together and encourage and supporting each other or we could choose b where we started a couple wars and reinstated torture when we are in the midst of the story we don't know what the ending is we don't know what the answers are we don't know what the best choices are and that is how we carry our cross with jesus on the way to jerusalem we don't know what is going to happen jesus knew the disciples did it the transfiguration was reminding people god is with you no matter what is about to happen i am going to be with you [00:18:14] (75 seconds)
but he still stopped and he helped the samaritan followed the teachings of jesus and the prophets of micah and amos and moses now when we're talking about what's going on right now i'd like to take a moment and talk to you not as the pastor standing up front with all the answers because i do not have answers for some of the stuff that is facing us right now as a nation i have a master's in public administration from american university in washington dc i've taken classes on the federal budget i know what's going on in washington i do not know what the answers are but each one of us as citizens of this country jesus is calling us to set aside our fears and to pick up a cross and to do kingdom work [00:21:50] (49 seconds)
Jesus is asking us to do justice and mercy. Now my guess is each one of us is being offered a different cross by Jesus. None of us are going to have the same journey over the next couple years. But I think each of us is being called by Jesus to think about what is our fear right now? What is our dark place? And what is Jesus calling us to do when we set aside our fear and give it to him and pick up the cross that he wants us to carry? [00:22:51] (33 seconds)
And Jesus will walk with us as we work towards mercy and justice. And I wonder, in these times, will we step forward with the enthusiasm and the hope of Paul, even though he knew he was on his way to Rome to be killed? Are we going to live with the quiet confidence of Stephen, even as he knew a crowd was getting ready to stone him to death? Are we going to live with the doubt that turns to faith like Thomas had that inspired him to walk across deserts and mountains all the way to India to share the good news of Jesus Christ? Each of us has our own ways of loving our neighbors, and I suspect each of us will have our own call to answer to the needs of our neighbors during this time. [00:26:29] (60 seconds)
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