Message Notes

INTERMEDIATE SUNDAY SCHOOL 24 March 2024
STUDIES IN THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW
Text: Matthew 17

Subject: The Transfiguration of the Lord Jesus

INTRODUCTION

1. Special Memorable Events

a) The Baptism of the Lord Jesus Matthew 3:13-17

b) The Transfiguration of the Lord Jesus Matthew 17:1-9

2. Why they are memorable

a) Different

b) Distinctive

c) Declaration from God

LOCATION

1Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves;
2 and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.
3 And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him.
4 Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
5 While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!”
6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid.
7 But Jesus came and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.”
8 When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.
9 Now as they came down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, “Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead.”

Matthew 17:1-9

1. On a Mountain

2. Not specifically stated

a) Mount Tabor

b) Mount Hermon

c) Mount Miron

IN ATTENDANCE

1. The Lord Jesus Christ

2. Three Disciples

a) Peter

b) James

c) John

3. Special Guests

a) Moses

b) Elijah

4. God the Father

WHAT IS TRANSFIGURATION?

1. The word “transfiguration” means “Complete Change”

2. The Description of the Lord Jesus

a) “His face shone like the sun”

b) “And His clothes became as white as the light”

3. Light

a) A symbol for “glory”

b) And absolute purity

4. The Guests of the Lord Jesus

a) Moses

b) Elijah

c) They were talking to the Lord Jesus

5. What did they symbolize?

a) They represented

i) The Law

ii) The Prophets

b) They also represented

i) Reality of the Hereafter

ii) Moses and Elijah were no dead heroes!

THE RESPONSE OF PETER

1. It is good

“Lord, it is good for us to be here;”

Matthew 17:4a

2. Three tabernacles

if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

Matthew 17:4b

3. His words

a) Unwise

b) Uncalled for

c) Lacking in understanding

THE VOICE OF GOD THE FATHER

While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!”

Matthew 17:5

1. A bright cloud overshadowed them

2. A Voice came out of the cloud

a) Honouring the Lord Jesus as the Son of God

“This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

b) Appropriate Response

“Hear Him!”

3. The fear of the Disciples

a) They sensed the Presence of God

b) They sensed their unworthiness

c) They sensed the Majesty of the LORD

CONCLUSION

1. This was a very special experience

2. But the Disciples were instructed not to speak of it

a) Until the Lord Jesus had accomplished His task

b) And He had risen from the dead

3. The Testimony of Peter

16 For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17 For He received from God the Father honour and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” 18 And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.

2 Peter 1:16-18