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Dear Friends,
Like a teacher who’s stoked when students read ahead for class, preachers really dig it when worshippers read the Scripture passages before Sunday. We hope it deepens your engagement with the Word and opens up more room for curiosity and conversation. To that end, take a look at Matthew 17:1-9 from the Common English Bible translation:
1 Six days later Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them to the top of a very high mountain. 2 He was transformed in front of them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light.
3 Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Jesus. 4 Peter reacted to all of this by saying to Jesus, “Lord, it’s good that we’re here. If you want, I’ll make three shrines: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
5 While he was still speaking, look, a bright cloud overshadowed them. A voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son whom I dearly love. I am very pleased with him. Listen to him!” 6 Hearing this, the disciples fell on their faces, filled with awe.
7 But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” 8 When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.
9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Don’t tell anybody about the vision until the Human One is raised from the dead.”
So, I invite you to read this passage, what comes before and after it, and begin “poking around.” Some questions to ponder…
Why do you think Jesus chose to reveal his glory to only Peter, James, and John at this moment?
The Transfiguration comes right after Jesus predicts his suffering and death. What can this teach us about following Jesus, especially in adversity?
Can you recall a time when God felt especially near or real to you? What was happening around you then? Have there been moments when encountering God felt unsettling rather than comforting?
Have you ever had a “mountaintop” moment of faith, a powerful experience that gave you clarity or strength? What stuck with you after the moment passed? What helps you trust God when those vivid experiences feel distant or unavailable?
Where do you (or we) most need to hear “Do not be afraid” right now?
Curiously,
Pastor Bart
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