Title: On the Mountain/Matthew 17:1-8
Contents Our country has many mountains. These days, there is a lot of talk about people climbing the mountain called Minsan, but anyway, the purpose of people climbing the mountain is different, such as to study the ecosystem, to dig herbs, to cultivate the way, for health, etc.
Jesus also often climbed the mountain, and he went to the mountain to pray. As a secluded and quiet place, I think I liked the mountain the most.
Today's text is also the story of Jesus ascending a mountain. However, the mountain you climbed this time is not just a mountain, it is called “a mountain that you put down.” It can be seen that Jesus purposely ascended a high mountain, and there is a foreboding that something special is about to happen.
In verse 2 we can see that fact. Amazing events that took place in the mountains are recorded. Jesus' appearance was transformed.
First of all, Jesus' face shone like the sun. The light from his face spread like sunlight in all directions, illuminating the surroundings. Second, the clothes are shining white. A white light is coming out of the clothes, and this light is shining without mixing with the bright light from Jesus' face. In addition, Moses and Elijah, the Old Testament figures, were standing next to Jesus.
When Peter saw this amazing sight, he said to Jesus, "Let's build a tent here and live together." But Jesus did not respond to this. It sounds like nonsense, so you seem to think there is no need to scold and scold.
How are you saints?
Please consider what Peter said in verse 4. And do you believe that it is an absurd statement, and a sound that does not sound like a word at all? Then we can dig out why Peter was so absurd. And we, too, will be able to reflect on whether we have never said such a absurd thing like Peter did in the face of the amazing miracles and mysteries of Jesus.
First, let's look at what Peter was like at the moment when Jesus was so transfigured. This event is also recorded in the Gospel of Luke, and it is well documented there.
9:32// "Peter and those with him were weary and fell asleep, and were awake and saw the glory of Jesus and the two men standing with him."
I was sleeping. When they woke up, they were amazed to see the glory of Jesus and the beauty of heaven unfolding before their eyes. That's exactly what caused it to sound weird. Peter teaches us that a person who wakes up from sleep will say something absurd, no matter how holy the image of Jesus is in front of his eyes or how much he stands in the glorious glory of Jesus.
What does "to be respected" mean in a religious sense?
It means being preoccupied with and immersed in the work of the flesh. When you say that you are working hard on the work of the flesh and of the world and suddenly change your scene on the morning of the Lord's Day and go out for morning worship, is that worship proper? The question is, wouldn't it be a worship service that would come out with an absurd sound and an absurd confession of faith?
To a person who is immersed in the things of the flesh, no matter how much Jesus appears and shows Himself in divine glory and holiness, only worldly things can come out of that person's mouth.
saints,
We need to be spiritually awake every day. Only then will we be able to see and meet Jesus, the Son of God, and we will be able to receive emotional confessions and praises.
It was the first time Jesus had seen such a transformation, not only with Peter, but with two others. But think carefully. There is a duality in the face of Jesus. One is the face and appearance that the disciples have always seen at the foot of the mountain. He healed the sick/ He showed mercy to a woman who was desperately in need of being beaten to death/ He looked up to Zacchaeus and said something, and he prayed earnestly with blood and sweat. But today, Jesus stands before the disciples in the form of glory and holiness.
The word “transformed” in verse 2 is
It means that something has gone wrong in its original form and has been changed into a different form. However, this word has another meaning. In other words, it is said to be deformed even when it deviated from a certain form and returned to its original form or form. Jesus on the mountain did just that. When he came to this earth, he came in human form and was with people. However, on the mountain, Jesus was restored to his original form as the Son of God. Peter was the first to see this real face of Jesus. I was shocked the first time I saw it. And more importantly, because I have lived with Jesus without imagining such a thing, the changed appearance of Jesus was shocking.
When we meditate on and read the words of Jesus, it is very good if we can feel close and friendly without feeling distant while meeting Jesus in human form. But here lies the most dangerous element of our faith today.
They only understand Jesus as a workman for the poor, a person who heals the sick, and a person who blesses the business well. Jesus is the Son of God, the King of the living earth, and he has no intention of seeing the holiness and glory of Jesus. Because you have no expectations at all. In other words, the human side expects and desires, but the divine side is not interested. That is why, even by accident, if you talk about such a glorious figure or the divine authority of Jesus, you will be repulsed or utter nonsense like Peter.
Dear saints,
Expect and hope for the glory of God and the power of God in Jesus. And want to see it with your eyes a lot. So, I hope that God's divine image, power, and power will be familiar, familiar, and always welcome.
Now, finally, I hope that you, the saints, will realize the wonderful truth from Peter's words, "It is good that we are here."
Peter never said anything like this anywhere under the mountain, but now he said this in a high mountain.
Was it because that mountain was as beautiful as Mt. Geumgang? Clearly, such a voice came out of Peter's mouth, not because the mountain itself was beautiful, but because the place where Jesus stood was transformed into a place of peace and joy. Because that place has changed like heaven.
The world we live in is full of darkness and lies, deceit and hypocrisy. However, in this world, those who overcome death and truly meet the risen Jesus can experience and enjoy the field of heaven on earth as Peter felt and saw it on the mountain. The risen Lord is always with you. Don't forget this.
See verses 7 and 8.
He told the disciples, who were trembling in fear when they heard a voice from heaven, get up. Because now we have to go down the mountain. The glory is good, and it is good that the mystical experience continues, but we have to go back to reality. It is a difficult and dark world, but with that mysterious experience, you must live as a witness of Jesus in this world.
The disciples got up. I opened my eyes wide and looked around and saw nothing but Jesus. I hope that all members of the church will learn, see, and meet only Jesus while reading the Bible and meditating on Him, making Him the lamp of faith and making Him a symbol of faith.
If you take people as your model and mirror, you may be disappointed and go wrong, but if you make Jesus your goal, there will be only victory. That is why we earnestly pray that the mystical experience of witnessing Jesus as the Son of God and standing in that glory will occur in your life today as well.