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A Glimpse of His Glory

Lent 2a

February 20^th, 2005

Matthew 17:1-9

[Mt 17:1] Six days later Jesus *took with Him Peter and James and John his brother, and *led them up on a high mountain by themselves. [2] And He was transfigured before them; and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light. [3] And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. [4] Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, I will make three tabernacles here, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” [5] While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice out of the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!” [6] When the disciples heard this, they fell face down to the ground and were terrified. [7] And Jesus came to them and touched them and said, “Get up, and do not be afraid.” [8] And lifting up their eyes, they saw no one except Jesus Himself alone.

[9] As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, “Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man has risen from the dead.”

Matthew 17:1

[1] Six days later Jesus *took with Him Peter and James and John his brother, and *led them up on a high mountain by themselves.

Key Words

· Jesus took with Him [GSN3880 paralambano (par-al-am-ban'-o)]: This word would depict that Jesus brought Peter, James and John near to him–or even ‘appointed them to a special office.’ Jesus chose these three out of the twelve to witness a very specific event in our Lord’s ministry. Jewish law required three witnesses to testify in court; it is interesting to think about why Jesus chose these three. Would he choose me? It may not be a compliment if he did.

· Led them up [GSN399 anaphero (an-af-er'-o)]: After choosing them, Jesus took them up the mountain—or led them to a lofty place. Have I ever felt the Spirit prompting me to a ‘higher place’? I also need to remember my purpose there is not only to feel closer to God—but to witness to others about the experience.

· High mountain [GSN3735 oros (or'-os)]: Hill, mountain or lofty place; a lofty place is someplace out of the ordinary where God can speak directly to my heart. We need to go a ‘lofty place’ frequently and Jesus did before every major decision in his life. But, he never stayed there... he always came back to pursue his work among us.

· By themselves [GSN2596 kata (kat-ah')]: Jesus purposely sets the three apostles, James, John and Peter, aside or apart from the other Apostles. How would I feel if Jesus had called others to go to the mountain with him and not asked me? Would I be glad or jealous of them?

· By themselves [GSN2398 idios (id'-ee-os)]; Jesus took them privately, alone. Normally this word would mean to take someone aside for a personal, even intimate, conversation. Do I hear Jesus taking me aside for an intimate conversation? What is my image of this conversation? Would I expect to feel the love of Jesus or his rebuke? Would I go regardless of my expectation?

Jesus took with Him…

Of all his followers, Jesus takes aside three fishermen to follow him on this special retreat. They were three of his four initial followers–Jesus takes everyone but Andrew. It is hard to understand why James would be picked with his brother John, but Andrew would not be picked with his brother Peter. However, what we do know about Andrew was that he was a committed seeker of the Messiah (first of John the Baptist, then of Jesus). Andrew was a pragmatic follower of Jesus. He is the one that points to the boy with five barley loaves and two fishes and says [John 6:9]; “There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?”

However, Andrew is also the one that the other disciples go to when they don’t know what to do as in John 12:20-23. A group of young Greeks seek Jesus out in the Court of Gentiles during the final Passover. They ask the apostle Thomas if they might be allowed to speak to Jesus. Thomas doesn’t know what to do and seeks guidance. He goes to Andrew—who cuts to the heart of the problem—and goes straight to Jesus on behalf of the outsiders. Eventually, Andrew is purported to have been stoned and crucified in Scythia by the Roman Proconsul, Egres. Apparently, the proconsul’s wife was estranged from him after she became Christian due to the preaching of Andrew.

It is quite possible that Andrew didn’t need this boost to believe. Jesus was quite adept at knowing what each person required in order to deepen their faith. It would be pleasing, even comforting, to know that Andrew’s faith was so solid that he didn’t need the ‘extra testimonies’ to sustain his faith.

Is my faith as deep as Andrew’s or do I constantly look for new emotional or spiritual experiences to keep me interested (entertained)? Does my faith go from fad to fad or from church to church depending on who has the best entertainment system? Will my faith sustain me without frills? Which Andrew am I? The one who runs and gets his brother after a day of sharing with Jesus—or the one who says; “What are they among so many?” Am I the Andrew who takes the lost to Jesus without fear? Am I the Andrew whose relationship with Jesus is so strong that I don’t need the latest craze to sustain me? This is the type of faith our Lord later challenges Thomas to develop: “Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed {are} they who did not see, and {yet} believed [John 20:29].”

James and John argued about who would sit on Christ’s right side while Peter kept jumping ‘ahead’ of Jesus; they needed this trip to deeply learn exactly who they were following—they needed to see Jesus in his transfigured form. Yet, Andrew was a quiet and firm believer whose faith was rock-solid. Let’s strive to be like him in our discipleship.

Matthew 17:2

[2] And He was transfigured before them; and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light.

Key Words

· Transfigured [GSN3339 metamorphoo (met-am-or-fo'-o)]: To experience a metamorphosis, a total transformation or change of appearance and even of a person’s nature such as when a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly.

· His face [GSN4383 prosopon (pros'-o-pon)]: His face or appearance—the very presence of Jesus was transformed. Even more, the phrase means his ‘appearance was revealed’. This was the true nature of Christ revealed to the three apostles.

· Shone like the sun [GSN2989 lampo (lam'-po)]: The light of Jesus radiated brilliance—he shone like the sun not as a reflection of the sun. The sun didn’t shine on me—it shown out of him!

· His garments [GSN2440 himation (him-at'-ee-on)]: Even the dirty earthly garb he was wearing was transformed into heavenly beauty; everything connected with Jesus is turned beautiful with his touch.

· Became white [GSN1096 ginomai (ghin'-om-ahee)] [GSN3022 leukos (lyoo-kos’)]: This is the word for completed or accomplished. Leukos is the root word of Luke and it means that Christ’s raiment became a completed white. At one point in time, when his mother first made it for him, Jesus’ robe must have been beautiful. However, it was our Lord’s only robe and after so many years of itinerant ministry, it must have lost its color and even become threadbare. Think of the man or woman who has worn himself out carrying the gospel—when Jesus enters us in his true state; we will be completed in radiance.

· As light [GSN5457 phos (foce)]: Our Lord’s face and clothes were luminescent, they shone forth like pure rays of self-generating light.

He was transfigured…

We are not of this world. That had to be the clearest lesson that Jesus was trying to teach James, John and Peter. For one moment out of three long years of tough ministry—the three apostles were allowed to see Jesus in his completed state. Jesus the light of ages, fulfillment of the law, and Son of God all of this was revealed to the three earthly witnesses on that hill.

“This is not my Kingdom,” Jesus would tell Pilate [Jn 18:36]. Only these three apostles would have a glimpse into the heart of Christ’s reality. However, none of them seemed to grasp the deeper meaning of this revelation. Peter sees Christ revealed and then pulls out his sword on Calgary thinking he was going to defend Jesus. Though Peter is allowed to glimpse Jesus’ true state (ministered to be Moses and Elijah)—he cannot understand his part in comparison to the Law (Moses), the Prophets (Elijah), the Savior (Jesus) and God (played by Himself). Peter’s true role—like ours—is simply to be stunned by Christ’s proper nature and then to commit our lives to showing others the revelation that Christ has given us: “He is God—yet, He loved us!”

James and John take the revelation and immediately begin bargaining for the seats closest to Jesus at eternity’s banquet hall. None of them seem to grasp the deeper meaning of this intimate moment. This is the true nature of Jesus—but he returns to our nature. He is light but returns back to our darkness. He has the right to stay in celestial retreat, but he chooses to return to our disfigured world.

James, John and Peter; reluctant followers—am I like them? Would I like to build a private retreat over what feels good and flaunt it before others? Do I want to linger where the hugs are easy and the songs are happy? Do I want to take my insights into Jesus and use them to Lord over others? Or, will I choose the path of humility and follow Jesus back to a disfigured world?

Our Lord left behind his comforting relationships, his glory, and his celestial throne in order to enter into our sin and set us free. He took on our carcass, lived under our laws, and died under our tyranny. He did all that so that we could know God’s reality.

Lord, help me follow you back; to take my mountaintop communion and bring it to the valley of the shadow of death.

Matthew 17:3

[3] And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him.

Key Words

· Behold [GSN3700 optanomai (op-tan'-om-ahee)]: The Greeks used the word Anthropos to describe mankind while the Hebrews used the word Adam. The root of Adam is ‘any man’ and also ‘hypocrite’; as in ‘not to be trusted.’ The Greek’s term for man means: “To gaze at oneself in wonder.”

However, here is something worth gazing at—the figure of the transfigured Jesus conferring with Moses and Elijah. Nothing should put James, John and Peter more in their place than the appearance of these three in the presence of God. “Behold,” it means let your eyes be wide-opened. “Be stunned by this vision!” Are we stunned by God’s vision shown to us through Jesus Christ?

· Talking with Him [GSN4814 sullaleo (sool-lal-eh'-o)]: This term is not just ‘conversation’ it means ‘the companions communed together’. Here is the beauty of heaven; it is a communion of companions who have endure the ‘tough journey’. Elijah and Moses came to give strength to their ‘companion’ and their God. They came to offer him strength for this final journey.

We can count on God to give us a communion of companions who will strengthen us for the task ahead; we need not fear being alone as we enter into trials.

Behold…

Imagine what the communion of heaven looks like. I imagine heaven as a place where there is complete compassion; where words –in their incompleteness—are unnecessary as our praise to God ignites us in complete joy. It is unlimited praise caught in song in which every voice is an instrument of praise, and yes, even for those who have lousy voices. In our community, we always go by the adage; “If you have a good voice—sing for joy. If you have a lousy voice—sing twice as loud in revenge.”

Heaven, in my understanding is where the poor are freed from hunger, the sick are cared for, the vulnerable are restored and we are free from the antagonist and all his evil encumbrances. We love, completely, perfectly, without fear [1 John 4:18].

However, the question I must ask is this: Is that what I am working towards now? Am I practicing that heaven at this moment? That is the concept of the Hebrew Heaven. It will be an unfettered continuance of the joy found today. Am I seeking that freedom for the oppressed today? Am I embracing the vulnerable in my current life? Am I rejoicing—even in the midst of trials now? Imagine that joy without bondage?

Alternatively, if I am bitter today, what makes me think that my eternity will be any less bitter? If I cannot conquer my anger and seek forgiveness today; how will that change eternally? If my life is filled with blame and excuses now; how will it change as my life progresses and hardens into those patterns?

If we want heaven tomorrow, then we need to start practicing heaven today. Hell, however, doesn’t take any practice, just go with the flow and we’ll get there.

James, John and Peter saw heaven unencumbered. They see Jesus as we will see him; in all his glory. Standing in the midst of Holy Greatness; Moses the giver of the law on one hand and Elijah the fiery prophet on the other supporting our Lord and lifting him up; God, complete and whole in presence surrounding all present in a heavenly cloud of glory. What an awesome sight.

It should have left the disciples speechless, humiliated, overwhelmed with what they were so privileged to witness; unfortunately, as we have discussed, it wasn’t their response.

What is our response to our Lord’s intimacy? To the grace and kindness He has shown us? Do we see our faith as the greatest gift we could ever have received? Are we passionately hungry to give that joy to others? Do we cower in awe before the majesty of the Prince of Peace who came to die for us—while we are yet sinners? Or, do I take some deceitful pride in my understanding of God? Do I look down on all the one’s who were not called up to the lofty places? God Himself confronts the rashness of Peter when he tries to advise Jesus as to ‘what he should do next.’ What is my response to God’s awesome gift?

Matthew 17:4-6

[4] Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, I will make three tabernacles here, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” [5] While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice out of the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!” [6] When the disciples heard this, they fell face down to the ground and were terrified.

Key Words

· “It is good…” [GSN2570 kalos (kal-os')]: Peter was essentially saying; “Lord this is perfect—the way it is supposed to be!” The word ‘good’ means completely whole—even the ‘way God meant it to be.’ However, it wasn’t the end-all to God, Jesus, Moses or Elijah; it was respite on the way to sacrifice. Peter wanted to believe that this was the consummation of Christ’s ministry; he thought it should all end on the hill with the seven of them in communion. In truth, we know it was just the beginning of the last journey to Christ’s sacrifice.

· “If you wish…” [GSN1511 einai (i'-nahee)]; [GSN5602 hode (ho'-deh)]; [GSN2309 thelo (thel'-o)]: There are many ways to interpret this phrase; one would be; “If it pleases you to stay.” However, what becomes evident is Peter is the one who wishes to stay. Peter’s wishes to stay in the lofty places with pure worship instead of go back into the messy sacrificial ministry of incarnation.

A fuller description of this statement might accurately read; “Lord, this is where I am supposed to be—just you and I on this holy mountain. It would best be read as; “Lord, if you ‘lust after’ this as much as I do, then let’s make an altar out of this moment and never go back.”

· “A bright cloud overshadowed them…” [GSN5460 photeinos (fo-ti-nos')]; [GSN3507, cloud, nephele (nef-el'-ay)]; [GSN1982 episkiazo (ep-ee-skee-ad'-zo)]: A cloud of great light enveloped them. The presence of the Lord was often seen as a cloud of fire or (in this case) a cloud of light.

· “A voice out of the cloud said…” [GSN5456 phone (fo-nay')]; [GSN1537 ek (ek) or ex (ex)]; [GSN3004 lego (leg'-o)]; [GSN191akouo (ak-oo'-o)]: It would be hard to capture this in common vernacular; “An abundant, exceeding (ek) thunderclap (phone), laid forth or, split the silence (lego akou).

· They fell face down… [GSN4098 pipto (pip'-to)]; [GSN4383 prosopon (pros'-o-pon)]: The disciples fell on their faces—the oldest meaning of this word would be used of a mouse burrowing into the dirt to escape a hawk; “They buried their faces in the dirt.”

· Were terrified… [GSN4970 sphodra (sfod'-rah)]; [GSN5399 phobeo (fob-eh'-o)]: They trembled face down in the dirt in violent fear. This is actually close to the description of the proper word for a worship which literally means a dog licking his master’s hand.

It is good for us to be here…

Suddenly, Peter, James and John are overshadowed by a cloud of light. Look at all the contrasts in this short sentence. Can you imagine what a cloud of light would look like? The term for the Apostle’s response is more overwhelmed than overshadowed; a cloud of pure holiness encompassed all present and filled the apostles with a realization and truth so pure that it terrified them.

I can remember sitting on top of a peak in the Cascades after a two-day climb when a high wind came in and blew the snow into a cloud around me. However, the snow in the sun’s light wasn’t like a darkening cloud, it became like a billion diamonds resplendent in light. I sat up there for nearly two hours before my friends arrived, the cold was biting and the light so bright I had to close my eyes and squint; but I didn’t want to move.

Another time, I had been hiking deep in the rain forest through light drizzle. After hours of hiking, I sat on my haunches to rest. By sheer coincidence, I was in one of those extremely rare spots of the rain forest where the sun breaks through the canopy for just a moment. When I knelt to rest, I didn’t know that I was in such a magical place. Then, suddenly the sun broke through the clouds and cascaded down through the dark canopy. The enveloping mist surrounded me, millions of water droplets clinging to each leaf, the myriad small puddles in every direction became mirrors of pure light, I was completely surrounded and all of these individual droplets of pure water were instantly ignited into millions of gemstones. I was in a cloud of light.

If that is even one billionth of an illustration of what the appearance of God is like—then I can only catch of glimpse of how overwhelmed the apostles must have been on that day. They were in the pure presence of Holiness, no wonder they wished to stay. However, it wasn’t ‘good for them to stay there.’ Our work in this life is not basking in the glory of God; but carrying that joy and peace into the fog of the world below. If God gives us a glimpse, it is not so we can build new altars and new temples—it is so we can take it to those trapped in the darkness. The revelation of God is never for the private use of His viewing audience.

Matthew 17:7-8

[7] And Jesus came to them and touched them and said, “Get up, and do not be afraid.” [8] And lifting up their eyes, they saw no one except Jesus Himself alone.

Key Words

· Jesus came to them… [GSN4334 proserchomai (pros-er'-khom-ahee)]: Jesus left where he was standing with Elijah and Moses—in the awesome presence of God—and walked over to the cowering apostles.

· And touched them… [GSN680 haptomai (hap'-tom-ahee)]: In their fear, he reached down and comforted them with a gentle touch.

· “Get up…” [GSN1453 egeiro (eg-i'-ro)]: Jesus invited them to awaken / arise / stand.

· “Do not be afraid…” [GSN3361 me (may)] [GSN5399 phobeo (fob-eh'-o): Jesus said; “God forbid you should be afraid / never be afraid.”

· And lifting their eyes… [GSN1492 eido (i'-do)]: They lifted their eyes and became aware. They could comprehend.”

· They saw no one except Jesus Himself… [GSN3762 oudeis (oo-dice')]: They were unable to see anything but the face of the beloved Jesus.

They saw no one except Jesus Himself…

Here is the true role of Jesus in salvation. We have no right to look in God’s face for we are sinners. We cannot bear God’s countenance because He abhors evil. Therefore, the words of God and the look of God lead us to bury ourselves in the sand like rodents scrambling from a lion. Yet, God’s love knew of the power of sin prior to our creation. In ‘pro-sponse’ (as opposed to response), Jesus (our salvation) existed at the beginning; he was not an afterthought to our sinfulness. Our sin did not take God by surprise; He knew we would sin and created us anyway.

Romans 5:8

[8] But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

“While we were yet sinners,” Jesus did for us exactly what he was doing for these three who were buried facedown in the dirt. Imagine the folly of Peter, trying to counsel the Lord; what greater sin can we commit than to think that God knows less than us or that He needs our help ‘getting things right’. Imagine the foolishness of man—thinking that this was where they (we) deserved to be. Yet, look! Behold! Jesus lifts their faces with compassion. “Awaken, God forbid you should ever be afraid when you look upon my face. I have been sent for your salvation.”

Matthew 9:12-13

[12] But when He heard this, He said, “{It is} not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. [13] “But go and learn what {this} means, ‘I desire compassion, and not sacrifice,’ for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Micah 6:6-8

[6] With what shall I come to the LORD and bow myself before the God on high? Shall I come to Him with burnt offerings, with yearling calves? [7] Does the LORD take delight in thousands of rams, in ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I present my first-born {for} my rebellious acts, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? [8] He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

Ezekiel 11:19

[19] “And I shall give them one heart, and shall put a new spirit within them. And I shall take the heart of stone out of their flesh and give them a heart of flesh.”

When they looked up, after Jesus’ touch, they could see nothing else but Jesus. Perhaps their eyes were still dazzled and their knees still shuddering, but the Lord brings them His peace. He forever brings us His peace. Imagine the incredible compassion of our Savior. Available to each of us NOW! This day! At the very moment we let go (when we quit trying to counsel the universe) and instead fall before the Lord and feel that loving touch; that’s when Jesus lifts up our faces so that all we can see are His eyes. All we can experience is His love. At that moment, we truly live.

Matthew 17:9

[9] As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, “Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man has risen from the dead.”

Key Words

· “Tell the vision to no one…” [GSN3705 horama (hor'-am-ah)]: The vision means extraordinary, miraculous or supernatural event.

"Tell no one what you saw!"

“Tell no one?” Who is Jesus kidding? How could anyone withhold such information? Even more, the Apostles might ask; “How could anyone possibly not run down and start screaming about the incredible event they had just been asked to witness?”

We are left with just conjectures.

· The greatest miracle of Jesus must be what he does in our life everyday—not what he did that day. The transfiguration was ‘beyond our natural understanding’ but it was the ‘natural state’ of Jesus Christ. Imagine the day when our vision ceases and his vision is all we see. Even in this life we can begin to see through his eyes. Every time that we look at the rejected or vulnerable as valuable and beloved of God—we have ‘the vision’ of transfiguration.

· Jesus didn’t need anymore ‘fair-weather’ followers at this point in his life. He knew how tough things were going to get and that people who followed him for the food, the good times or the miracles were not going to stay. He was seeking leaders not followers. In order to be leaders—we have to be tough time followers—not good time party-ers.

· Some of things said by Peter lead us to think that these three tended to believe that they deserved to be on that mountain. Jesus’ response leads us to think that they were there because their faith needed the extra sign. Jesus allowed the three to see this sign—they didn’t deserve it! As if Jesus might be saying; “Don’t be presumptuous—this is because of your weakness—not because of your strength.”

· Continuing with that thought; could it be that Jesus was concerned about the character of these three? Would the three use this blessing to place themselves above—not beside—others? “Guess what we saw and you didn’t get to see?”

Many signs were given because of the unbelief of followers [Matthew 9:1-6]. In my weak estate do I need more signs—more emotional highs—to keep me following the Lord? Or, can I be like Andrew who humbly and resolutely pointing outsiders toward the Lord?

Here are four of the critical lessons we can glean from the transfiguration:

1. We are not of this world. Let’s not invest in how we appear to others or fear of; “What will others say?” Jesus’ robe was threadbare and old but it became brilliant in His true state. We won’t impress God with material possessions; the size of our house, bank account or church.. In fact, we should dress in order to make the most vulnerable person around us feel comfortable.

2. Matthew’s theme continues to ring clear in the Transfiguration: Jesus is the Son of God who is testified to by his own works, the disciples, the prophets, the law and God. The Messiah has come and will return in glory.

3. The ‘end’ of our faith is not found in the comfort of our praise and worship; we are to be strengthened in communion so that we will carry God’s love into the world. That means we cannot stop worship at the door and excuse our behavior for the rest of our week. Neither can we cannot profess faith when it’s comfortable and protest God’s call when it is uncomfortable.

4. Let our works do the walking. Works are the result of salvation—not the cause. Yet, nothing professes faith like the remade life. Here is one of the greatest graces of God too! For the further we were from Him; the greater our changed life is a testimony to his transfiguring glory.

Do people have to ask if I am a follower? Has anyone stopped me this week and said either; “I can see Christ in you,” or, “What makes you so different from others - tell me your secret!” Has Christ noticeably transformed me so that even my closest peers see the ‘supernatural’ change?

Is my faith evident without my words? Can we state that we have been transfigured by our savior so that the ‘report’ of our lives is similar to the report given of Jesus, our Lord:

Matthew 11:4-5

[4] And Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and report to John what you hear and see: [5] {the} blind receive sight and {the} lame walk, {the} lepers are cleansed and {the} deaf hear, and {the} dead are raised up, and {the} poor have the gospel preached to them.”

Copyright Notices

Copyright © 2003, 2005 Jerry Goebel. All Rights Reserved. This study may be freely distributed, as long as it bears the following attribution: Source: Jerry Goebel: 2005 © http://onefamilyoutreach.com.

Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE, (C) Copyright The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1988. Used by permission.

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