The Mount of Transfiguration
Bible Text: Luke 9:28-36 | Preacher: Graham John | Series: Visiting Preachers | Introduction
Visiting a holy place – the mount of transfiguration
A unique event
Only one place in the New Testament described as holy – the Sacred Mount (as described by Peter)
We don’t know which mountain it is
What happened?
A real event
Peter refers to it in his second epistle
Overview
The disciples fell asleep as Jesus prayed
The disciples saw a vision of glory that overwhelmed them
The disciples suggested putting up 3 tents
The disciples heard the voice of God
The glory of God that was veiled was now visible
Partially, temporarily withdrawn
We are able to see part of His glory
Given a foretaste of the glory given to heaven
The glory that we will see
A preview, a taster of what is to come – of the joy given to Jesus
From this moment on Jesus will speak about the cross and His coming sufferings
Yet even though Jesus will associate with sin
God still delights in Him
An encouragement for the Lord Jesus Christ
The two saints standing with Christ reassure us of our heavenly future
How much do you value Jesus Christ?
The transfiguration shows the superiority of Christ over all
Greater than Abraham and Moses – explanation
Greater then Elijah and Enoch – explanation
Elijah and Moses do not stand as equals with Jesus Christ
This is the mistake Peter made – to construct 3 tents
Peter is rebuked by the voice from heaven
Moses and Elijah:
Need forgiveness (like we do)
Were servants that God was displeased in
Only in Jesus is God “well pleased”
There was to be an exodus, a departure of Christ
A great deliverance would take place [at the cross]
Jesus was Master but Moses and Elijah the servants
Jesus is the great High Priest – explanation
Their spiritual lives descend from Him – explanation
Jesus is not just a law giver or inspired prophet
He is the Beloved Son
He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords
He shines with the brilliance of the eternal Godhead
He alone can redeem our souls
There is a tendency in human nature to usurp the authority of Christ
But men are just men
We must not place any person above Christ
Hear Him
Obedience to Him must come before our experience of Him
Was he elevating his experience above his obedience to Jesus?
‘It is good to be here’
But Peter didn’t know what he was saying
It was to be a temporary experience
Clinging onto to the mountain top would delay the work of the Christ
cf. Matt 16
There is suffering, service and sacrifice to be done
Obedience to Him must come before our enjoyment of Him
A temporary existence and then the eternal glory
cf. John 17
We must keep listening to the words of Christ
To His Gospel
To His authority
To hear exposition of the Scriptures
Are you being moulded by the world or transformed by God’s will?
Are you hearing Him?
Closing Remarks