Transfiguration A: Timely Words

Matthew 17:1-9 Dear Partner in Preaching, “Listen to him.” “Be raised up.” “Do not be afraid.” If there were ever three words of instruction, command, and promise I need to hear right now, it’s probably these. Just to set the scene: six days after Peter’s confession that Jesus is the Messiah – and Jesus’ rebuke of Peter’s understanding of what it means to be the Messiah – Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a mountain and is transfigured. That is, his appearance is literally changed right in front of them, so that while they recognize their Lord they also perceive his heavenly glory in a way they had not before....