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When The Curtain Is Pulled Back (Matthew 17:1-8)

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Words are fascinating; what we have to communicate and connect. Yet, word meanings can change…[1]

  • NICE = in 14th C from Latin nescire meaning “to not know” indicating you were foolish.
    In 19th C it morphed to being something pleasant.
  • BULLY = sweetheart/darling; but over centuries changed from heartthrob to a harasser.
  • DISAPPOINT = remove from office, yet English changed to indicate sadness
  • NAUGHTY = naught or nothing, but morphed into being described as immoral or evil
  • AWFUL = full of awe, but now not so much
  • LUXURY = lustful, a negative undertone, but now the word has positive association of comfort & pleasure
  • PRESTIGIOUS = illusion or trickery, but now conveys impressiveness & importance

Likewise, another word has transformed – the word TRANS. TRANS = on other side (like transport; transatlantic; trajectory); or to go through or even to change (transfer; translate).

But today, the word has come to describe a phenomenon that defies reality and biology. Someone described as “transgender,” intends that an individual identifies as a different gender than their biology. Now, as Christians we should still have all seriousness on an issue that can easily be viewed as unbelievable and controversial. I believe that a person can have what is described as “gender dysphoria.”[2]  IOW they’re deeply confused by the impact of unfortunate circumstances and the influences of a sinful world; so much that creates faulty thinking with overwhelming emotions and incoherent beliefs. Yet, the Christian approach is not to harm our original humanity but to discern our identity from God’s fixed design not our own or the ever-changing world.

Today’s message will intro/discuss TRANSFIGURATION OF JESUS. What I/we mean is not that Jesus is changing/shifting into something that He isn’t already. Instead, Jesus’ Transfiguration is pulling back the curtain to reveal reality of Jesus’ full identity.

EXAMINE     When The Curtain Is Pulled Back (Matthew 17:1-8; Mark 9:2-8; Luke 9:28-36)

Advancing in the Gospels, the circumstances for Jesus are getting darker.

  • People are divided on Jesus’ identity
  • Religious leaders are plotting his death
  • Disciples are attempting to redirect Jesus’ plan
  • But Jesus is determined and focused on accomplishing the Father’s plan
  • Transfiguration is included in all 3 Synoptic Gospels —yet John 1:14 opens “The word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth”

1 And after six days[3]

  • 6-days of Peter’s confession — Jesus needed a break from Peter LOL!
         PS: TY to all our CM / YM / VBS workers
  • 6-days also could represent creation —MT telling us new beginnings are happening.
    ** Jesus is pivotal for your life; every twist & turn of your life is more than luck or accidental. There is a God orchestrating happenings, even the most rough and raw experiences occur to bring your good.
    *Denial of a job redirects you to pursue another opportunity
    *An illness or injury that God used to surround you with a caring community
    *A disappointment that results in God using your story to minister to countless others
    > Means we are a people who must pray and stay humble before the LORD…

Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother,

  • Peter, James, John were 3 inner circle disciples to Jesus. Why? Maybe it’s bc these 3 rowdy fishermen needed closer supervision! Regardless, Jesus gave these greater investment and each became significant leaders in church to show the power of immeasurable grace.
    • John was youngest but didn’t disqualify (1Tim 4:12); he’d spend about 7 decades telling others about Jesus
    • James was first Christian martyr so he’d leave earth early. Then why did Jesus spend so much time? BC Jesus knew the value of suffering to tell a better story.
    • And Peter was the biggest mess-up. Yet, your past doesn’t tell your whole story.  
      2Peter 1:16-18 “We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power & coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor & glory from God the Father when the voice came from Majestic Glory, saying, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’ We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.”

and led them up a high mountain by themselves.

  • High mountain was a common place to encounter God
    • Horeb (Moses’ call for the Exodus)
    • Sinai (Moses receiving the Law)
    • Moriah (Abraham sacrificial dedication with Isaac & God’s provision)
    • Carmel (Elijah the prophet affirmed by God’s holy covenant fire)
    • Jesus’ temptation / and longest sermon / was on a mountain
    • Calvary (Jesus providing salvation)
  • What has been your mountain top experience(s) with God? Remember. Return. Relay.

2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light.

Jesus was transfigured (μετεμορφώθη; same word Rom12:2 not be conformed to world but transformed by renewing of mind). Mark 9 says Jesus was radiant [στίλβω: gleam like stars, or flashing like polished metal], As stated earlier, Jesus is not attempting to alter or redefine his identity. Instead, God was revealing more of who Jesus already was.

Illus: Looking at cotton cloth doesn’t generally incite happiness or much more, sacrificial honor. Yet, when that cloth is dyed with specific colors of red, white, and blue, and then sewed together in stripes, with the addition of 50 stars, then it is revealed to be something greater than the eyes can view. It’s still cotton cloth, but the right perspective understands it has a greater and glorious meaning.

  • On a battle field it motivates men to advance despite danger
  • In a school room it stirs students to dream of life, liberty, justice, and the pursuit of happiness for all
  • On a homefront it inspires gratefulness for freedom (& the smell of tender meat being grilled, while watching baseball on television)
  • At a cemetery it pleads for solemn reflection and honor for the sacrifices that were made that others can live

Likewise, Jesus’ body was without attraction or impressiveness (Isa 53:2-3). Yet, in this moment Jesus’ physical features radiated with bright light and glorious beauty and magnetism.

There are only a few times when God’s glory is revealed like this.

  • With Moses, yet only the shadow; and Moses’ face glowed (Ex 33-34)
  • Isaiah’s vision of God on a throne with long robe with angels singing with glorious light, consuming smoke, and earthshaking presence. Isaiah’s response “Woe is me!” (Isa 6)
  • Ezekiel’s vision of God was encircled by angelic animals w/ fire, lightning, & turning wheels
  • John in Revelation envisioned lampstands around Jesus wearing a long robe stained with blood, white hair, flaming fire eyes, and swords coming out of his mouth with a booming voice and aura shining brighter than the sun.
  • Ps 104 “The LORD is clothed with splendor and majesty, covered with light as a garment… He makes the clouds his chariot”
  • Heb 1:3 Jesus is the radiance of God’s glory, the exact imprint of His nature”

*The point is that Jesus is far more advanced & amplified than anyone can imagine; and if anyone attempted to outtalk, one-up, or out-duel Jesus then they would be ferociously overwhelmed.

3 And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him.

Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared talking with Jesus.

  • Jewish Mt Rushmore: Moses = Law (Savior) / Elijah = Prophets (Lordship)
     with Jesus as the Messiah and the disciples as the people of God
  • What was their discussion? Moses & Elijah asking why are these insufferable fishermen on the mountain with the glory of Jesus… Jesus responding, “Have you forgotten your own faults and failures??”
  • Lk 9:30-31 states they were talking about Jesus’ departure (ἔξοδος) by death, resurrection, and ascension. The background undertone is that no one envisions sacrifice and suffering to be glorious. Yet, Jesus’ sacrificial service was exalted as the highest expression of loyalty to the Father and love for creation.

4 And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 5 He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from 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 on their faces and were terrified. 7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” 8 And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.

  • In OT the people could not approach God’s glory. God instituted the Tabernacle with curtain veils that could only be bypassed with a sacrificial system. If the system was short-circuited, people would be consumed and die from God’s holy presence.
  • So, Peter isn’t looking to build a campground but protection for himself and the others to cover Jesus from his shining glory that could eradicate sinful humanity.
  • But the discipled did not die – they lived. They lived because they looked at Jesus. Jesus was their tabernacle protection.
  • Further, the cloud presence spoke about Jesus: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” God declares Sonship and demands obedience. This is the essence of Christianity: faith & obedience / relationship & Lordship / grace & truth; they are inseparable.

> Who needs to hear “You are my beloved”
> What are you NOT listening about with Jesus?
> What is your posture: facedown (humble) or discontent demands (pride)?

9 And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead.” 10 And the disciples asked him, “Then why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?” 11 He answered, “Elijah does come, and he will restore all things. 12 But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands.”[4]

Every trip up a mountain requires a return trip down. Life is not lived on the mountain top. Mountain top experiences with God are the fuel for ministry with people. Mountains are made for motivation but valleys are made for living. We cannot freeze frame past experiences with the glory of God. We must continue walking with God so that every milestone is part of the mission God has for us.

Every trip up a mountain requires a return trip down. Life is not lived on the mountain top. Mountain top experiences with God are the fuel for ministry with people. Mountains are made for motivation but valleys are made for living. We cannot freeze frame past experiences with the glory of God. We must continue walking with God so that every milestone is part of the mission God has for us.

APPLY/TAKEAWAY

*Jesus illuminates everything, especially those in darkness.

          Jesus was approaching suffering on cross… wuteva you’re facing, Jesus understands.
          Jesus pulls back the curtain to provide access to GOD.

*Jesus advances discipleship, especially those feeling unworthy.
          Transfiguration was a mount top experience to fuel the church

God (worship)
Others (family group)
Spiritual Growth (serve)
Prayer (unity / meaningful relationships)
Evangelism (sent/share story)
Legacy (lead generations)

          Habits Aug 18                                      / Doctrine & Apologetics / Leadership

[1] See https://www.merriam-webster.com/wordplay/words-that-used-to-mean-something-different

[2] For more on this topic, along with a list of resources and our practice for how to respond to those with this experience, see: https://growinggodlygenerations.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/god-and-a-church-relating-to-lgbtq.pdf.

[3] Matthew & Mark say 6-days, but Luke says “about 8-days.” Error? No disagreement just different perspectives.

[4] Daniel M. Doriani, “Matthew,” in Matthew–Luke, ed. Iain M. Duguid, James M. Hamilton Jr., and Jay Sklar, vol. VIII, ESV Expository Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2021), 260.

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