TRANSFIGURATION

Speaker: Lance Odegard Date: 10.25.09 Texts: Matthew 17:1-9; Mark 9:2-10; 2 Pet. 1:16-18; John 1:14; 2 Cor. 3:7-18; Heb. 1:3, Psalm 24:7-10 TRANSFIGURATION The transfiguration comes at a point where perspective is needed. Jesus has just predicted his passion, a way that includes suffering, rejection and death. He has revealed a shocking truth that his way involves going to the cross and he calls his followers to do the same. Jesus reveals that his identity includes being a crucified messiah. Now on the mountain with Peter, John, and James, Jesus reveals another part of his identity the glorified Son of God. On the mountain we are given a vantage point, a view that looks backwards and forwards: back to Israels story in the Old Testament and forward to Jesus empty tomb and the ascension, where Jesus stands in glory at Gods right hand. After Jesus reveals that his journey involves going to the cross, he reveals what will follow the cross- resurrection. The transfiguration provides a glimpse at the only source of hope for the transfiguring of a disfigured world. Here we see more clearly who Jesus is, as the transfiguration reveals the ultimate goal of his journey to the cross. And its too much to take in.