Dear Christian friends:

The basic need of us humans is to receive recognition, praise, honor and glory, not only from our fellow man, but also from God Himself. We all strive for this glory whether we are aware of it or not.

However, due to our fallen sinful nature we take the wrong paths to Glory and are in danger of not receiving it, the true, lasting glory.

In our text, which is the Gospel Lesson for this Sunday, we can learn the:


Previous to the events of our text the disciples had seen amazing things during Jesus' ministry. His miracles such as the changing of water to wine etc. But now, they gain a glimpse into His divine nature. "There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light." (Matthew 17:2) Peter still wasn't convinced, (Matthew 17:4) until, God the Father spoke. (Matthew 17:5) But that nature and glory had to remain hidden. (Matthew 17:9)

In order to save us, Jesus chose the path to glory that led through the cross. We know the story well. On Easter Sunday He arose in glory! And He will come again one day in all His glory with all the armies of heaven! The path to glory which Jesus took is the path that we must learn if we hope to share in His glory.

We must to listen to Him!

When the Father spoke from the cloud saying that Jesus was His Son whom He loved and in whom He was well pleased, He commanded the disciples to "listen to Him" (Jesus) (Mathew 17:5)

This command is not a general exhortation to hear the teachings or words of Jesus. But it is a specific command to take to hear the divinely ordained order of events. First, comes humble service and a cross. Then only will the glory emerge. (Read Matthew 16:22-27)

St. Paul says: "Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. (Romans 8:17)

This is the only true understanding of Jesus Himself! And of God the Father. This is the only true understanding of what it means to be Jesus' disciples! May the Holy Spirit through the Word give us this understanding!

That we are the sons of God our present life is a hidden one, and there are crosses waiting for us. Not Jesus' cross, for only He, the God-Man, could endure that cross and save all mankind.

However, as we believe in Him and witness of Him there will be self-sacrifices, persecutions and temptations galore! As we meet these crosses He promises to give us the faith and courage to bear them however severe. (Tell the story about Corrie Ten Boom and her father, internet searchable)

But the promise of glory is certain! Listen to Jesus: First the cross, then the crown!

Amen.