February 19, 2023 —
This Sunday brings the Epiphany Season to a close with the Festival of Transfiguration. Before His journey up to Jerusalem in the closing months of His public ministry, Jesus took three of His disciples—Peter, James and John—up a mountain where God the Father strengthened Him for what awaited Him, His suffering and death. In so doing, the Lord also strengthened His disciples, reminding them ahead of time that despite what looked like weakness, Jesus is fully divine and allowed Himself to be captured and crucified.
Our Gospel Lesson is Matthew’s retelling of the story. Two Old Testament saints appeared with Jesus and encouraged Him to fulfill what had been planned for our salvation from the foundation of the world, and the Father once again reminded Jesus’ disciples “This is my Son whom I love. Listen to Him!”
Peter later recalled the day and spoke of its significance in our Epistle Lesson: “To be sure, we were not following cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the powerful appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. …We also have the completely reliable prophetic word. You do well to pay attention to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the Morning Star rises in your hearts….”
Our Old Testament Lesson recounts the story of how Moses, who appeared with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration had been granted a similar experience along with the High Priest Aaron, his sons, and the 70 elders of Israel.
After He was transfigured, Jesus told His disciples to keep it to themselves until after He was glorified. Now that He is, we must tell the world of Jesus’ glory! Our Mission Festival sermon text reminds us to do so. Pastor Kerkow’s sermon theme: “May Your Certain Hope in Christ
Overflow to Others.”
This Week’s Lessons:
Exodus 24:9–18
2 Peter 1:16–21
Matthew 17:1–9
Romans 15:13 (sermon text)
Psalm 96