Matthew 17:1-9
What an amazing experience the disciples just had. Seeing Jesus transfigured with Moses and Elijah all in the same place at the same time.
And no wonder they had a bit of trouble comprehending what was going on.
The great leaders from the past are right there in front of them, with their friend his face shining like the sun
And who can blame them for falling down on their faces and wanting to make shelters and being a little bit overwhelmed by the whole thing.
It was an amazing experience.
Absolutely overpowering
But the thing that happened when all the bright lights had gone and the transfiguration was over, was really simple.
Jesus touched them gently and said ‘don't be afraid.’ He spoke to them, calmed their fears reassured them.
And Jesus is the only one that they could see.
Jesus is the one standing there with them
Jesus is the one walking down the mountain with them.
He didn't leave them there, he didn't let their worries consume them, he was there walking with them.
He was there with them, in the midst of their emotions and experience. He was there to provide comfort and support
Even in this situation where the disciples must be feeling dazed and excited and bewildered and unsure there is Jesus.
And this is actually a really good experience. A time when the great leaders from the past were there with the son of God. And the power of God shone through them so that they looked as bright as the sun.
And yet the disciples were overcome by it and needed the touch, voice and support of Jesus.
And what about us?
Matt 17:1-9 19 Feb 2023 St Marks Farnborough 1
Let's look around at what's happening in the world around us. Let’s start on the bigger scale
There’s the ongoing war in Ukraine and the international tensions that go with that. There’s the aftermath of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria,
that must have been a terrifying experience, and really unsettling and worrying since then and looking ahead.
There’s the ongoing cost of living crisis. There's the strikes
that are causing disruption across this country.
There's the lack of trust and communication that seem to be perpetuating the strikes.
There are families concerned about their loved onesmissing, or hurt, or in fear.
There seems to be an awful lot of stuff going on that could cause us to feel worried. And that’s before we get into the things that are going on in our lives.
Some will be good, and others could make us feel worried, and the combination could lead to us feeling a bit overwhelmed.
But then we remember Jesus.
Jesus was with the disciples.
He was the one that gently touched them and spoke kindly to them, to reassure them.
And then he walked with them.
He was with them on the journey from the top of the mountain, down to the valley. And his presence was with them.
And it's the same for us.
Jesus is with us.
His presence is always available, to reassure, to calm, to share, to be with.
Sometimes it’s a more direct experience. And we feel the love of the creator, the love of Jesus, and the Holy Spirit and the comfort she brings.
Sometimes it's through a smile,
or a word, or someonespending time with us. Walkingalongside us.
Do you see the parallel?
Do you see how the Jesus who walked alongside and reassured his disciples then, is the same Jesus that walks alongside and reassures his disciples now.
Matt 17:1-9 19 Feb 2023 St Marks Farnborough 2
Jesus is always there.
In every moment, and in every place, ready to walk with us.
All we need to do is exactly what the disciples did on that mountain. They allowed Jesus to reach out, and to walk alongside them. In today’s story it's literally walked alongside.
And today he uses others to do the walking as part of the mission of God, the missio Dei that we’re all called to.
So this morning I exhort us all to keep an eye out, to be aware of Jesus being there with us, and seeking to continue our walks with him, and each other.
