Sermon Recap

Preaching Text: Mat. 17:1-13

This text is bookended by darkness: talk of death and crosses on one side and a resilient demon on the other. In the midst of that darkness, we see plainly that:

Jesus is the Glory of God

In our darkness, our Lord gives us glimpses of his glory. But often, we don’t see it. When we do, the result is awe that should change everything for us. The problem, however, is that most people forget who Jesus is and thus, live in the lukewarm middle. Look again at his glory revealed here:

1. The glory of his purity. The glowing white garments point to his sinless perfection. He is the spotless lamb who is able to make atonement for our sin.

2. The glory of divine favor. The cross is not a result of God’s displeasure with Jesus. Instead the Voice from the cloud says otherwise. “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. Listen to him.”

3. The glory of suffering. The cross of Christ is his glory. It shows us what kind of God we worship. He is willing to suffer death as a love offering to the Father and also out of love for us. All faithful preaching has the cross as the central message. Without the cross, it is NOT good news.

Here are two appropriate responses to these truths. First, we must respond with worship, ascribing honor and glory to him. When we do so, his glory is exposed and we are transformed increasingly into his glorious image. Secondly, hold on loosely to the things of this life that are passing away. “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,” (2 Cor. 4:17).