Untitled Sermon

1. Today’s reading is about the transfiguration

a. Jesus goes up a high mountain with Peter, James and John

b. While they are up there, Jesus’

i. Face shines like the sun

ii. His clothes become dazzling white

iii. Moses and Elijah appear.

c. Peter says; “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”

d. As he is saying this a bright cloud overshadowed them and God’s voice says; “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!”

e. The disciples fall to the ground, shaking with fear. And Jesus came and touched them saying “Get up do not be afraid”, and when they looked up everything had returned to normal.

f. Key phrase is “Get up do not be afraid”

That’s what I want to think about now, and I want to make three points

2. Sometimes there are good reasons for being afraid.

a. It was quite reasonable for the disciples to be afraid.

3. Jesus isn’t saying “Don’t be silly, there’s nothing to be afraid of.” He’s saying “Don’t be afraid, I’m with you

a. I love the little detail about touching

b. God is more powerful than anything we are frightened of

c. God loves us; “Perfect love casts out fear”

d. God had been with the disciples all along, and God is with us. We need to stay close to him like a small child stays close to their parents in a crowded shop

4. Jesus says “Get Up”

a. Sometimes we just have to get up and get on with it

b. Its only when we do things, that we discover how trustworthy God is