Sermon for 2/10/13

Sermon from Luke 9:28-36 “Changed”

1) It’s in Jesus’ nature and practice to pray, enjoying fellowship with the Father and the Holy Spirit.
   He often takes his disciples with him.
   When we enter into prayer, especially when we pray closely based on the Word of God, we are entering into that same kind of fellowship, for it is our Lord, the Living Word who is praying in and through us.
2) Jesus’ prayer here reveals his divine nature.
  appearance changes - compare to Moses who glowed after speaking with God
  shows that Jesus is in living fellowship with the living and the dead faithful (Moses and Elijah)
  What could they have been talking about as Jesus prayed?
      Jesus’ work - his departure, his fulfillment
  How does our prayer reveal our nature?
3) How do we respond when God reveals his glory?
  Peter, James and John struck down “sleepy” - not in normal consciousness, overwhelmed
  Eventually the reality of God’s presence starts to sink in
  Peter proposes a plan, a program, something to do which will bring honor
  The voice of God commands our plan, hear Jesus

In Jesus’ transfiguration we see his glory. We also see our sin and weakness. This is why the day of Transfiguration is always celebrated right before Ash Wednesday. The revelation of God’s glory in Christ shows us our need for repentance. We see that we are the least in the kingdom of God. Yet our Lord has called us to himself through Word and Sacrament so we can be partakers of his transfiguration. We are being changed into his image.

But God leaves us with a stark command. Hear Jesus.

Lord, grant us repentance. Give us a season of hearing our Lord and Savior. Transform us into Your image.