Lectionary for the Transfiguration
Jesus was transfigured before them, and a voice called from the cloud: ‘This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him!’ Matthew 17:2, 5
Collect. O God, who before the passion of your only-begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant to us that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Reading. 2 Peter 1:16-21. As we read the passages from the New Testament we need to remember that they were letters written to an individual or to a group or groups of Christians. They were not written to rebuke outsiders but to inform those who were following Jesus Christ. Thus when we read the opening statement of this section from Peter we see it as a statement to encourage believers but also it is a rebuttal of statements made by false teachers; false teachers that Peter will alert his readers to in chapter 2. In the early church the return of Jesus was at first thought to be imminent but as the years passed the hope of Jesus’ triumphant return began to change. False teachers began to sow seeds of doubt in the believer’s minds and so Peter is directly rebutting this criticism. He refutes the notion of “cleverly devised myths” by drawing on the solid Christian tradition that Jesus demonstrated both power and acceptance from God throughout his ministry. Peter reminds them of the Transfiguration and to the testimony that God spoke words of acceptance and joy about the work of Jesus. He emphasises this acceptance by reminding his readers that the key apostles were eye-witnesses to this event. He then goes on and further consolidates this teaching by linking Jesus’ glorification by linking the event with the ancient prophetic message from the history of Israel. Paying attention to this long history of prophecy will bring light to shine on their present situation. Just because the return of Jesus Christ seems delayed this does not diminish in any way the promise of his return. Paying attention to the ancient promises from the Old Testament will encourage their faith and prepare them so that they will be ready to receive the glorious return of Christ as well as they receive the dawning of a new day. Peter consolidates his argument by reminding his readers that none of the prophecies of the Old Testament were cleverly arranged by human inspiration. It was God who spoke to his people through the prophets and so prophecy is not open to be reinterpreted. God has given Jesus Christ his glory as was witnessed “on the holy mountain” and that everlasting glory will one day be received once again on earth. Why? Because God has said so!
Prayer. Holy Lord, we thank you for the testimony of your word which continues to encourage us and lifts our hearts to keep our faith and confidence in you. We thank you that your glory filled Jesus Christ through and through. This reminds us of the power of the victory that he has won for all humanity. We thank you that Jesus is like a light shining in the darkness and the darkness has never overcome its brilliance. We thank you that the light of your Gospel continues to shine on us. We pray that you would guide us by this light that we may walk faithfully as Christians always being strengthened by your grace. As we keep the faith may we conduct our lives in all godliness, working those works which are pleasing to you. Grant that we may give you all honour through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
Reading. Matthew 17:1-9. This is both a beautiful as well as a tantalising story that Matthew and the other two writers of the synoptic gospels recall. Theological scholars have given close examination to the language used in the accounts and have come up with a variety of conclusions. The language has a mystical, almost dream like quality and so some have suggested that it was a dream that has been recorded and incorporated into the early tradition. Others think that the language suggests a vision shared by the inner group which is now being recorded and remembered. The third suggestion is that it is a misplaced resurrection appearance.
Despite the conjecture, what is of striking significance is that each gospel writer although framing the events in Jesus’ ministry in their own unique style have each in turn placed the record of the transfiguration immediately after Jesus’ early announcement that he is destined to die on the cross. Therefore in each of the three writer’s recollection and research this is where the event of the transfiguration is meant to be placed. Furthermore there is a striking similarity in each of the records but let us focus on the reading from Matthew.
Jesus chooses his three most trusted disciples, namely Peter, James and John. Peter was designated the cornerstone of the early church. (Matthew 16:18) James was the key leader of the church in Jerusalem and John was known as the disciple that Jesus loved. Each of these three was known to the early church as pillars.(Galatians 2:9) Thus Jesus chose three key leaders as witnesses. Jesus is transfigured before them assuring them that there is a glory and a deity which God has revealed both in and through Jesus. This revelation will be recalled after Jesus rises from the death for then as Paul reminds us they no longer thought of Jesus only in human terms. (2 Corinth 5:15-16). By God’s grace Jesus is God and human.
Matthew then describes Jesus’ meeting with Moses and Elijah. Moses was the ancient leader who presented the Law to the people of Israel; while Elijah was a giant among the prophets; he did not die but was gathered up into heaven by God. Elijah was also the prophet who would herald the coming of Messiah in the last days. These two linked together both the Law and the prophets and by meeting with Jesus in his glory link him directly with the sum and substance of Israel’s hope. It is Luke who tells us that the conversation with Moses and Elijah referred to his crucifixion. (Luke 9:19) Matthew has linked the glory that Jesus Christ is in the transfiguration with his death and resurrection. The whole incident is fully confirmed by God’s presence surrounding them all and the voice which affirms that Jesus is the Son who pleases God.
Literally the fear of God falls on the three disciples but Jesus reassures them to not be afraid and as he speaks to them they realise that Jesus is back as they had previously known him. Jesus is himself and alone; the glory had gone from their sight yet the glory remained. Matthew reminds his readers that this experience is to be related after the resurrection for then its impact would be better understood. It is only after Jesus had faced the suffering of the cross that the glory he has within can be revealed.
Prayer. Lord, teach us to know you as you are, in all your glory. Yet Lord we understand that so vast is your being that we can scarcely understand your goodness and your grace. Indeed, without your loving and merciful action in our lives we can never even begin to know you. So we pray, open our eyes to see you as clearly as we can, and open our hearts that they will continue to be filled with love and confidence in you. Above all grant us the courage to be ready to follow you whether it is to the mountain top or into the deepest valley. Let us know that at all times and in all places your love for us will conquer all. Praise and glory be to you alone Lord God. Amen.
Collect. Lord Jesus, beloved Son of God, on the mountain we glimpse your true glory; help us to hear your voice, that we may be transformed by your holy love, now and for ever. Amen.
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