March 2, 2025 Transfiguration Sunday
Readings: 2nd Corinthians 3:12-4:2; Luke 9:37-43
An Astounded Crowd
Several times as I grew up, I would ask my dad’s advice, especially when I was not sure about a decision or when I was curious about the right answer. I would hear him say; “You’ll know it when you see it.” That phrase can wreak havoc on even the most confident people. Worry and wonder often overload those who lack absolute confidence and trust in those who influence their lives. These are not necessarily unique emotions. Yet, the sudden realization of the moment of truth or arrival at the destination can bring on liberating and even joyous sensations. Sometimes it can even be surprising or shocking to the senses if we are not prepared for what meets us there. (insert stories) Sometimes the moment demands our undivided attention, listening, watching as our senses adjust after the initial shock.
Contemplate this, the feeling when a blindfold is removed, light switches are turned on in the dark office, window shade darkened room, windows suddenly open without warning, an unexpected camera flash; it is unmistakable when that moment of glory arrives. When revealed, what one has hoped for stands out and more so when the surprise is better and bigger than one could have expected. Then again think back to Christmas morning as a child and seeing all those presents strategically placed around the tree. For many of us, such sudden realization and revelation can be awe-inspiring, while also blinding us from seeing the factual or true meaning of what is there, if we aren’t ready for the reveal. I just hit the pastor in the gut, I just swore at the Pastor. Or is it?
In the segment of the Gospel just prior, the disciples, were not ready for what this time away with Jesus would bring. Jesus went for strengthening prayer. They knew they had journeyed up the mountain with Jesus, but the glory that comes from following him was not even on their radar. They lacked awareness or understanding of the mystery of Jesus’ mission and were not anticipating anything to this magnitude. They were overcome in their fatigue until, suddenly, they were shocked beyond their human senses by the glory that shone so brightly. The experience of seeing Jesus in prayer now revealed an obvious truth that they were just too tired to process this accurately. His glory was revealed so much that Jesus’ face had changed in its appearance. Even his clothes took on a dazzling white.
Peter does not know what he is asking when he reacts to this encounter by offering to building tents for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. Jesus is the light of the world, the glory of the people of Israel. However, at this moment, we see the transition for Jesus’ life, in the divine conversation he has with Moses and Elijah. These are plans for the good of all God’s people and plans that will influence the lives of those who follow Jesus. However, the Disciples living in the moment cannot see it.
Through the eyes of Peter, we see how the disciples do not yet understand the lessons they have been taught while following Jesus in his prayer life. They were caught up in the moment, forgetting that coming down from the mountain, away from the place of this experience, was needed. The disciples were led into what was initially a bright and joy-filled splendor, but they were not ready. They were led to witness this manifestation of the glory of God, but Peter responded in ignorance, which turned to terror as the disciples were deprived of their natural senses when this cloud enveloped them, and the voice of God spoke of Jesus as God’s chosen one. They learned through this experience not to depend on their own understanding, but to trust God, and look only to Jesus. Once their senses returned, with the glory of Jesus was no longer in plain sight.
The disciples on the mountain benefited from the freedom of distraction when the voice of God spoke. They were forced to listen and pray. His disciples were likely distracted, seeing in themselves this divine situation rather than completely trusting the teachings of Jesus. They were unable to heal the boy who was brought to Jesus from the crowd at the foot of the mountain, and Jesus did not mince words in his frustration. How we long for such an experience and yet we fall short just as they did. (insert story of mountaintop) Jesus embodies what many of us seem to forget. He shows us the importance of setting time apart in prayer before coming back to see all the people informed in the fullness of God’s glory. In him, we are reminded to trust in the essential directions we have been provided to pray, listen, and care for the holistic needs of people.
Before leaving our own mountaintop experiences with Jesus; at church, in retreats, on vacations, we are faced with a sobering truth. The places, occasions, and experiences of joy are not something to hold fast to and try to make last forever within structures of our own creation. We will not always have the benefit of the focus that comes from being desensitized from the world and embraced in a cloud filled with God’s voice. Yet, we have prayer, just as Jesus had, and can rely on the inspiration and discernment of the Holy Spirit left for us.
God has a plan for all of us, just as Jesus for his life in death and resurrection. We are called to go back to the people, especially to those now hurting, as a guide to follow Jesus back down the mountain. Jesus recognized the need for what he had to offer and the lack of faithfulness that permeated his followers. Even though he exclaimed his frustration to this generation of believers, he then casts out the evil spirit and heals the son. Much like Peter, the people needed to recognize the glory of God. Faithfulness to God and commitment to the people is foundational to what it is to be a disciple of Jesus, to “make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world” (the mission of The United Methodist Church).
We are challenged to follow the directions of Jesus to this destination faithfully and to trust that how we are being led is enough. We are to trust that the destination of the coming of God’s kingdom for all the people, it is worth the anticipation and staying awake for. If we grow more concerned with following Christ, then we will be closer to living by faith and leading the people to do the same. This is why questioning our faith is good and by faith, we will be ready whenever God’s glory shines.
Take notice that not only the father of the healed son benefited from this much anticipated experience of seeking Jesus’ help as his destination for healing. Surely the father was anxious, even though he knew Jesus was the destination. Surely the crowd looked on with anticipation, even if believing Jesus could do this for the man. Even the disciples who could not do what Jesus was then able to do must have felt an uneasiness or guilt in the pit of their stomachs. Their lack of full confidence in the power of Jesus was released in great joy as the crowd was overwhelmed by God’s great and glorious power.
Remember that just as the disciples on the mountain needed to see the glory of God revealed, so the people needed to see it as well. And, just as Jesus prayerfully prepared for continued work among the people, so we as disciples of Jesus must prepare ourselves, go up on our mountains in prayer, and bring the glory of the Lord to all people, in all places, by faith. Read Goliath must Fall page 131
We must see all the people because we have been divinely gifted to do so. The disciples who could not heal the boy taught us that being present is not enough. Knowing the needs of the people we encounter is not enough. We must do more than look around for God’s glory to shine in others or in some outward provision. We must be the light and seek to spread God’s glory among the people as we meet them wherever they are and however they are in need.
The transfiguration of Jesus need not be left for the mountain-top experience. We must bring the transfiguration to all the people.
