WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:20.219 Turn to Matthew 17. Matthew chapter 17. Which is on page 822. And next Sunday morning, James Brilla 2 from Manila, Philippines is going to be speaking. 00:00:20.219 --> 00:00:29.940 ! That's something I look forward to. He's coming for a catalyst this week. And Paul Miners flew over, if you remember, for that long weekend in Manila to be at his ordination service. 00:00:30.079 --> 00:00:46.920 It would be really good to have him. Matthew 17 verses 1 to 13. So sometimes glimpses of glory, glimpses of glory can keep us going, especially through tough times and dark days, can't they? 00:00:46.920 --> 00:01:00.219 So imagine, just for a moment, you're a mountain climber, and you're climbing Ben Nevis, or Mont Blanc, or perhaps Kilimanjaro, or even Snowden. 00:01:00.219 --> 00:01:13.480 And you're absolutely shattered, and you feel like giving up. And every muscle in your body aches, and you can't feel your fingers and toes. Your rucksack that you're carrying, it feels like lead. 00:01:13.480 --> 00:01:19.560 And you just want to turn back home, and you just want to turn back home, and get in the bed. 00:01:20.560 --> 00:01:28.780 But you notice, above you as you're climbing, the clouds begin to part, and you see the most glorious view. 00:01:28.880 --> 00:01:33.080 You see this vista of a snow-capped mountain. 00:01:33.079 --> 00:01:37.879 And you think, how good is this view from here? 00:01:38.379 --> 00:01:42.840 And so imagine how good it's going to be if I can get to the top, if I can make it there. 00:01:43.159 --> 00:01:46.439 The glimpses of glory keeps you going in the grind. 00:01:46.439 --> 00:01:52.399 And so you get to the top of the mountain, and you're so glad. 00:01:53.000 --> 00:01:54.219 You're so glad that you kept going. 00:01:57.359 --> 00:02:00.259 So can you see the view of glory in Matthew 17? 00:02:02.099 --> 00:02:10.699 For a brief moment, God the Father is revealing the true glory of God the Son. 00:02:10.699 --> 00:02:14.799 And we sing the hymn, don't we, from heaven you came helpless. 00:02:15.359 --> 00:02:19.280 Babe, entered our world, your glory veiled. 00:02:20.259 --> 00:02:21.239 And that's true, isn't it? 00:02:21.259 --> 00:02:28.259 When Jesus entered the world, when God became man and took on flesh, his glory was veiled. 00:02:28.939 --> 00:02:32.139 You look at Jesus in the manger, you think, normal baby. 00:02:32.739 --> 00:02:33.579 Nothing special. 00:02:35.459 --> 00:02:39.859 But here for a moment, God the Father draws back the veil. 00:02:39.860 --> 00:02:40.840 Just for a brief moment. 00:02:42.080 --> 00:02:48.460 And so Peter, James and John, they get, for a brief moment, a glimpse of Jesus' glory. 00:02:48.780 --> 00:02:53.300 The glory that he had before he entered the world as a man. 00:02:54.480 --> 00:02:58.760 And the glory Jesus will have one day when he returns. 00:02:59.700 --> 00:03:00.980 With all his only angels. 00:03:02.400 --> 00:03:05.000 And so look at chapter 16 and verse 27. 00:03:05.420 --> 00:03:06.460 Do you remember what Jesus said? 00:03:06.600 --> 00:03:07.800 I didn't deal with this verse last week. 00:03:09.860 --> 00:03:17.400 He says, doesn't he, the Son of Man is going to come with his angels, in the glory of his Father, with the glory of his Father. 00:03:17.540 --> 00:03:19.760 And then he will repay each person according to what he's done. 00:03:22.060 --> 00:03:27.980 Truly I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom. 00:03:29.680 --> 00:03:30.500 Well, what's that about? 00:03:30.500 --> 00:03:34.379 Remember what Jesus said? 00:03:35.979 --> 00:03:41.819 I don't know about you, but I sometimes find it hard to believe that Jesus will come back. 00:03:42.599 --> 00:03:44.620 Jesus will come back, has he, for 2,000 years? 00:03:44.719 --> 00:03:46.780 There's no real sign of him coming back. 00:03:48.840 --> 00:03:50.479 Will he come back in his glory? 00:03:50.479 --> 00:03:59.179 Which is why he says that verse, which ends Matthew 16, seems so puzzling, doesn't it? 00:03:59.199 --> 00:04:05.219 Jesus promises that some of his disciples who are standing there, they will not die until they see the Son of Man. 00:04:06.239 --> 00:04:07.819 That's the Lord Jesus coming in his kingdom. 00:04:09.399 --> 00:04:12.259 Does that refer to Jesus' second coming? 00:04:12.379 --> 00:04:15.359 Does that return to his coming in glory? 00:04:16.480 --> 00:04:17.319 His return. 00:04:17.319 --> 00:04:21.599 Well, all those disciples have died and Jesus still hasn't come back. 00:04:21.680 --> 00:04:23.920 Well, look at 17 verse 1, six days later. 00:04:24.740 --> 00:04:28.339 Jesus takes up with him on a high mountain his three closest friends. 00:04:29.399 --> 00:04:30.379 Peter, James and John. 00:04:31.819 --> 00:04:36.959 And if you've read your Bible at all, you will know that mountains in the Bible are very significant. 00:04:37.500 --> 00:04:43.560 There are huge parallels with what happened here, with when Moses went up onto Mount Sinai. 00:04:44.680 --> 00:04:46.379 And so here is the better Moses. 00:04:46.379 --> 00:04:48.240 Here is the greater Moses. 00:04:49.939 --> 00:04:54.159 And he goes up Mount Hermon, near Luke Galilee. 00:04:55.139 --> 00:04:58.100 And he gives these three disciples a glimpse of his glory. 00:04:58.279 --> 00:05:00.240 It's what is known as the transfiguration. 00:05:00.819 --> 00:05:05.219 And they see, don't they, for a brief moment, the Son of Man coming in his kingdom. 00:05:05.220 --> 00:05:12.020 So they and we can be sure that Jesus will come back one day. 00:05:13.480 --> 00:05:15.280 I've got three questions this morning. 00:05:15.600 --> 00:05:18.480 First of all, I want us to think, why this glimpse of glory was needed? 00:05:19.060 --> 00:05:20.960 Why this glimpse of glory was needed? 00:05:22.680 --> 00:05:25.960 When we read our Bible, I think it's the most important question to ask. 00:05:26.160 --> 00:05:26.500 Why? 00:05:26.500 --> 00:05:28.019 Why is this here? 00:05:29.480 --> 00:05:30.500 Put it another way. 00:05:31.399 --> 00:05:35.579 Why is the transfiguration at this point in Jesus' life? 00:05:36.240 --> 00:05:38.819 What is it doing here in Matthew chapter 17? 00:05:39.319 --> 00:05:42.680 Well, the context helps us, as it always does. 00:05:43.680 --> 00:05:45.079 Think about what we've studied. 00:05:45.199 --> 00:05:47.100 We've seen that Jesus has been up north, hasn't he? 00:05:47.800 --> 00:05:49.980 He's been in Galilee and there's been huge euphoria. 00:05:51.319 --> 00:05:52.639 He's become a celebrity. 00:05:53.019 --> 00:05:56.879 And then we see that Peter reveals Jesus' true identity. 00:05:57.199 --> 00:05:58.939 You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. 00:05:59.019 --> 00:05:59.800 Do you remember that two weeks ago? 00:05:59.800 --> 00:06:05.860 And then we see the euphoria shut it really quickly. 00:06:07.280 --> 00:06:10.319 Because the Lord Jesus says, well, this is the kind of Christ I'm going to be. 00:06:11.240 --> 00:06:14.439 I will go to Jerusalem, I will suffer and I will die. 00:06:15.960 --> 00:06:17.600 It'll mean death for the Lord Jesus. 00:06:18.720 --> 00:06:23.620 And the transfiguration happens between two predictions of Jesus' death. 00:06:23.900 --> 00:06:25.620 So look at chapter 16, verse 21. 00:06:27.759 --> 00:06:29.400 There's a prediction of Jesus' death there. 00:06:29.800 --> 00:06:33.180 And then if you flick over to chapter 17 and verse 12. 00:06:35.759 --> 00:06:38.060 The Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands. 00:06:39.439 --> 00:06:41.439 Two predictions of suffering. 00:06:43.120 --> 00:06:44.620 And not only that, do you remember? 00:06:44.879 --> 00:06:48.420 Not only must the Christ die, but those who follow him will die as well. 00:06:48.519 --> 00:06:49.360 16.24. 00:06:50.960 --> 00:06:55.220 And so the question is, what is going to keep Jesus going? 00:06:56.500 --> 00:06:58.660 And what are the followers of Jesus? 00:06:58.660 --> 00:07:01.880 How are they going to keep going knowing that the cross is death away? 00:07:01.879 --> 00:07:07.519 What keeps you and I going as we take up our cross? 00:07:08.439 --> 00:07:11.980 What will keep you going this week as you try to live as a follower of the Lord Jesus? 00:07:12.600 --> 00:07:20.360 As I look around this morning and I imagine that there are some of us here right now this morning who are finding it very hard to follow Jesus. 00:07:20.360 --> 00:07:24.580 It feels like climbing a really high mountain. 00:07:26.920 --> 00:07:30.660 Maybe you're the only person in your school who's a Christian. 00:07:30.660 --> 00:07:38.800 Maybe you're the only person in your family who is really serious about trying to love the Lord Jesus and do what he says. 00:07:40.180 --> 00:07:49.660 And maybe you feel kind of ground down, pressed down by the pressure and the constant assault of being a Christian in this country. 00:07:49.660 --> 00:07:59.560 I wonder what we'd say to our brothers and sisters that we prayed for this morning in those countries like Northern Nigeria and Pakistan and Pakina Faso. 00:08:00.820 --> 00:08:01.520 Who are suffering. 00:08:01.780 --> 00:08:03.180 What would we say to encourage them? 00:08:03.720 --> 00:08:04.520 To keep on going? 00:08:04.980 --> 00:08:06.860 What will it be that keeps us going? 00:08:08.340 --> 00:08:09.140 Well here it is. 00:08:09.139 --> 00:08:12.459 Here is what will keep you going and it is this. 00:08:12.860 --> 00:08:15.979 Glimpsing the glory of Jesus Christ. 00:08:18.019 --> 00:08:20.620 The glimpse of glory kept Jesus going. 00:08:21.819 --> 00:08:25.219 And it kept Peter and James and John going and it will keep you going. 00:08:26.779 --> 00:08:33.220 And so I want to show you from this passage that there is no one more glorious than Jesus Christ. 00:08:33.220 --> 00:08:39.160 And there is no one more excellent and there is no one more beautiful and no one more majestic. 00:08:39.420 --> 00:08:42.120 And there is no one more worth listening to. 00:08:43.000 --> 00:08:44.420 And no one more worth following. 00:08:45.800 --> 00:08:49.960 And no one more worth beholding than Jesus. 00:08:52.480 --> 00:08:53.940 The devil is very clever isn't it? 00:08:53.940 --> 00:08:56.200 We've seen that in our series on Sunday nights. 00:08:57.740 --> 00:09:00.000 The devil is very clever but the devil has no glory. 00:09:00.000 --> 00:09:05.159 And so what the devil does is he tries and he transfers. 00:09:06.159 --> 00:09:11.259 He transfers the glory that rightly belongs to Jesus to other things. 00:09:12.519 --> 00:09:13.639 And he's very good at it. 00:09:15.019 --> 00:09:18.059 And so that glory transfer, he transfers to Allah. 00:09:19.519 --> 00:09:20.600 And to football. 00:09:21.940 --> 00:09:23.019 And to shopping. 00:09:24.220 --> 00:09:25.360 And to work. 00:09:26.220 --> 00:09:27.059 And to sex. 00:09:27.860 --> 00:09:29.500 And all manner of other things. 00:09:30.000 --> 00:09:33.919 But this passage shows you and I where true glory belongs. 00:09:35.860 --> 00:09:37.879 So we've considered how this glimpse of glory was needed. 00:09:38.000 --> 00:09:38.759 Let's think secondly. 00:09:39.139 --> 00:09:41.080 How this glimpse of glory was revealed. 00:09:42.100 --> 00:09:45.259 How this glimpse of glory was revealed. 00:09:45.799 --> 00:09:48.360 And it's revealed by a vision and a voice. 00:09:48.580 --> 00:09:49.820 So first of all let's look at the vision. 00:09:52.039 --> 00:09:54.620 Look at what Peter, James and John saw that day in Mount Hermon. 00:09:54.620 --> 00:09:55.019 Verse 2. 00:09:55.019 --> 00:09:56.639 They saw Jesus transfigured. 00:09:57.620 --> 00:09:58.360 Before them. 00:09:59.379 --> 00:10:01.159 Jesus was changed. 00:10:02.740 --> 00:10:04.519 Jesus was transformed. 00:10:05.299 --> 00:10:07.860 Literally metamorphosed. 00:10:09.460 --> 00:10:10.840 So much so that verse 2. 00:10:11.240 --> 00:10:11.779 Look what it says. 00:10:11.939 --> 00:10:13.480 His face shone like the sun. 00:10:14.639 --> 00:10:16.360 And his clothes became white as light. 00:10:16.360 --> 00:10:21.060 And whenever people glimpse the glory of Jesus. 00:10:21.279 --> 00:10:24.419 They are overwhelmed by the brilliance of his beating. 00:10:25.519 --> 00:10:26.700 So you think of Saul. 00:10:27.300 --> 00:10:27.879 And there he is. 00:10:27.919 --> 00:10:29.080 He's on the road to Damascus. 00:10:29.200 --> 00:10:30.820 He's been persecuting Christians. 00:10:30.919 --> 00:10:32.000 He's been killing Christians. 00:10:32.840 --> 00:10:34.759 And in Acts chapter 9 in verse 3. 00:10:35.279 --> 00:10:39.000 Tells us that suddenly a light shines from heaven. 00:10:39.000 --> 00:10:40.960 And it flashes all around him. 00:10:41.299 --> 00:10:45.480 Because the all glorious Jesus was revealing himself to Saul. 00:10:47.220 --> 00:10:50.179 And so bright was the light that it blinded him for three days. 00:10:51.100 --> 00:10:53.039 And then you think of John in exile. 00:10:53.519 --> 00:10:54.659 On the Isle of Patmos. 00:10:55.700 --> 00:10:58.120 And Revelation chapter 1 verse 16. 00:10:58.240 --> 00:11:01.600 Tells us what the face of this glorious Christ is like. 00:11:01.700 --> 00:11:02.320 It says. 00:11:02.820 --> 00:11:07.559 His face was like the sun shining in its noonday strength. 00:11:07.559 --> 00:11:13.059 His face was like the sun shining in its noonday strength. 00:11:15.419 --> 00:11:16.739 Do you remember the sun? 00:11:18.799 --> 00:11:20.139 This time last year isn't it? 00:11:20.159 --> 00:11:20.479 Do you remember? 00:11:20.639 --> 00:11:21.659 You'd get up in the morning. 00:11:21.819 --> 00:11:24.859 Just cast your mind back to those glorious days. 00:11:26.139 --> 00:11:27.439 You'd get up in the morning. 00:11:27.959 --> 00:11:28.459 And the sun. 00:11:28.599 --> 00:11:29.899 It wouldn't be high in the sky. 00:11:30.199 --> 00:11:32.219 You'd drink your coffee looking out. 00:11:32.339 --> 00:11:34.039 And everything felt great. 00:11:35.319 --> 00:11:37.379 You'd be able to look at the sun rising. 00:11:37.559 --> 00:11:41.779 And there was heat wasn't there when you'd go out of bed. 00:11:43.799 --> 00:11:45.279 But you can look at the sun. 00:11:45.439 --> 00:11:47.439 But when the sun was at its brightest. 00:11:47.579 --> 00:11:50.319 You know in London when it's really really bright. 00:11:50.379 --> 00:11:51.079 And the sun is bright. 00:11:51.199 --> 00:11:52.859 And it kind of shines off the streets. 00:11:53.139 --> 00:11:55.139 You can't at that point then look at the sun. 00:11:55.219 --> 00:11:55.500 Can you? 00:11:57.479 --> 00:11:58.539 Because it's too bright. 00:11:58.839 --> 00:11:59.799 Damages your eyes. 00:11:59.799 --> 00:12:03.479 You can't watch it for long. 00:12:03.679 --> 00:12:04.620 Because it's so bright. 00:12:04.620 --> 00:12:08.220 And when it comes to noon. 00:12:08.299 --> 00:12:10.120 And it's one of those really really hot days in London. 00:12:10.240 --> 00:12:12.259 None of us can look at the sun without being blind yet. 00:12:14.500 --> 00:12:16.019 And so here in Matthew 17. 00:12:16.139 --> 00:12:17.860 The sun is beginning to rise. 00:12:19.019 --> 00:12:21.039 Not the sun S-U-N. 00:12:21.159 --> 00:12:22.539 But the sun S-O-N. 00:12:24.019 --> 00:12:25.659 And it won't fully rise. 00:12:25.740 --> 00:12:27.259 Until he's raised from the dead. 00:12:27.320 --> 00:12:28.539 And he's ascended into heaven. 00:12:28.539 --> 00:12:30.339 And he's returning in glory. 00:12:31.719 --> 00:12:33.159 But here Peter, James and John. 00:12:33.240 --> 00:12:34.199 They see the sunrise. 00:12:35.740 --> 00:12:38.599 They see a glimpse of the true face of Christ. 00:12:39.779 --> 00:12:41.379 It's been veiled in humanity. 00:12:41.620 --> 00:12:43.399 But suddenly the veil is taken away. 00:12:44.819 --> 00:12:45.779 And in verse 3. 00:12:45.939 --> 00:12:48.439 They see Moses and Elijah talking with Jesus. 00:12:48.879 --> 00:12:51.059 Remember Moses the first great law giver. 00:12:52.279 --> 00:12:54.699 Elijah in many ways the first great prophet. 00:12:54.959 --> 00:12:57.139 And together they represent the whole of the Old Testament. 00:12:57.139 --> 00:12:58.879 The law and the prophets. 00:13:00.319 --> 00:13:03.580 And Luke tells us that Moses and Elijah were talking to Jesus about his death. 00:13:04.779 --> 00:13:06.500 And that strengthens this theme doesn't it? 00:13:06.639 --> 00:13:08.399 That the purpose of the vision. 00:13:08.860 --> 00:13:10.500 For Peter, James and John. 00:13:10.620 --> 00:13:11.639 And for Jesus. 00:13:12.120 --> 00:13:14.860 Was to prepare him and all who follow him. 00:13:15.299 --> 00:13:16.039 To endure death. 00:13:17.500 --> 00:13:19.299 This fight a bright cloud overshadows them. 00:13:21.399 --> 00:13:24.019 That's unusual isn't it? 00:13:26.319 --> 00:13:26.799 Clouds. 00:13:27.139 --> 00:13:28.580 When they overshadow. 00:13:28.759 --> 00:13:29.500 What colour are they normally? 00:13:30.679 --> 00:13:31.659 They're dark aren't they? 00:13:32.919 --> 00:13:33.960 Clouds which are bright. 00:13:34.120 --> 00:13:35.980 Don't normally overshadow. 00:13:38.480 --> 00:13:39.699 But this is not a dark cloud. 00:13:39.799 --> 00:13:40.620 It's not a rain cloud. 00:13:40.779 --> 00:13:41.679 It's a bright cloud. 00:13:42.939 --> 00:13:44.220 It's quite like any other cloud. 00:13:45.639 --> 00:13:46.740 Why is it like that? 00:13:47.019 --> 00:13:47.819 Well you know that don't you? 00:13:47.860 --> 00:13:49.580 Because it's the cloud of God's presence. 00:13:50.580 --> 00:13:51.659 All through the Old Testament. 00:13:51.659 --> 00:13:55.659 The cloud is a symbol of God's presence. 00:13:56.459 --> 00:13:58.480 The cloud of God's glory. 00:13:59.639 --> 00:14:01.759 Which appeared at various times in the Old Testament. 00:14:02.279 --> 00:14:06.279 Now that cloud hovers over the transfer to Jesus. 00:14:06.279 --> 00:14:09.779 And it's from that cloud of voice speaks. 00:14:11.000 --> 00:14:11.799 And so we've seen the vision. 00:14:11.879 --> 00:14:12.579 Let's hear the voice. 00:14:12.819 --> 00:14:14.459 And then Peter, James and John and Jesus. 00:14:14.919 --> 00:14:16.339 And indeed Moses and Elijah. 00:14:16.699 --> 00:14:18.240 They heard the voice of God the Father. 00:14:18.339 --> 00:14:18.959 Verse 5. 00:14:18.960 --> 00:14:24.879 This is my son. 00:14:25.080 --> 00:14:25.980 My beloved son. 00:14:26.900 --> 00:14:28.040 With whom I'm well pleased. 00:14:28.280 --> 00:14:28.800 Listen to him. 00:14:31.420 --> 00:14:32.600 You've heard that voice before. 00:14:32.720 --> 00:14:33.460 This is a replay. 00:14:35.400 --> 00:14:36.019 Same thing. 00:14:37.080 --> 00:14:37.980 Same voice. 00:14:38.940 --> 00:14:39.500 And it's baptism. 00:14:39.720 --> 00:14:40.780 This is my son. 00:14:44.960 --> 00:14:46.100 Those of us who are children. 00:14:46.360 --> 00:14:47.340 We know something of this. 00:14:47.340 --> 00:14:49.460 We know some of the deep love. 00:14:49.620 --> 00:14:50.700 And the deep pride. 00:14:50.879 --> 00:14:53.460 That a parent can have. 00:14:54.060 --> 00:14:54.740 For a child. 00:14:58.340 --> 00:14:58.820 Yesterday. 00:14:59.160 --> 00:14:59.840 And Jasper. 00:15:00.840 --> 00:15:01.759 Five years old. 00:15:01.840 --> 00:15:03.500 Ran park run for the first time. 00:15:03.700 --> 00:15:04.399 It's amazing isn't it? 00:15:04.879 --> 00:15:06.060 I can imagine as. 00:15:06.720 --> 00:15:07.660 Jono as he crosses. 00:15:07.899 --> 00:15:08.620 Jono thought. 00:15:08.759 --> 00:15:09.639 That's my boy. 00:15:09.840 --> 00:15:10.040 Isn't it? 00:15:10.160 --> 00:15:10.980 That's my boy. 00:15:11.680 --> 00:15:12.840 You see your child doing. 00:15:13.519 --> 00:15:13.920 Something. 00:15:14.879 --> 00:15:15.280 Wonderful. 00:15:15.540 --> 00:15:15.800 You say. 00:15:16.019 --> 00:15:17.180 That's my boy. 00:15:17.340 --> 00:15:18.120 That's my girl. 00:15:22.120 --> 00:15:23.740 My heart filled with joy. 00:15:24.120 --> 00:15:25.639 Even though I am evil. 00:15:26.580 --> 00:15:27.500 And even though I'm evil. 00:15:27.560 --> 00:15:28.940 I can feel that towards my earthly son. 00:15:29.000 --> 00:15:30.040 How much more does God. 00:15:30.080 --> 00:15:31.080 Who is the perfect father. 00:15:31.540 --> 00:15:32.420 Feel that towards his. 00:15:33.200 --> 00:15:33.820 Own son. 00:15:34.180 --> 00:15:34.899 His heavenly son. 00:15:35.000 --> 00:15:36.040 Who's from all eternity. 00:15:36.500 --> 00:15:37.320 And God looks. 00:15:37.440 --> 00:15:38.399 At God the son. 00:15:38.460 --> 00:15:39.220 And he says. 00:15:39.220 --> 00:15:39.960 Amen. 00:15:42.920 --> 00:15:43.740 That's my boy. 00:15:46.100 --> 00:15:47.940 Let me just give you a little sidebar here. 00:15:48.080 --> 00:15:50.660 I want you to notice that God is a happy God. 00:15:54.180 --> 00:15:55.980 Children and young people growing up in this church. 00:15:56.080 --> 00:15:56.879 I never. 00:15:57.000 --> 00:16:00.220 I never ever want you to think that God is a scolding headmaster. 00:16:00.220 --> 00:16:03.560 God is a happy God. 00:16:04.879 --> 00:16:06.040 God is not grumpy. 00:16:07.279 --> 00:16:08.399 God is not mean. 00:16:12.680 --> 00:16:13.680 He's generous. 00:16:14.040 --> 00:16:15.160 God is joyful in him. 00:16:16.000 --> 00:16:16.960 And he delights. 00:16:17.120 --> 00:16:17.840 And he is glorious. 00:16:17.840 --> 00:16:22.420 He delights in his glorious son Jesus. 00:16:22.980 --> 00:16:24.700 He's pleased with his beautiful son Jesus. 00:16:24.820 --> 00:16:27.200 And he wants you to listen to his son Jesus. 00:16:28.620 --> 00:16:29.960 And you see how the voice. 00:16:30.399 --> 00:16:31.940 From heaven confirms the vision. 00:16:32.040 --> 00:16:33.060 The voice is the commentary. 00:16:33.480 --> 00:16:33.940 You know you. 00:16:34.200 --> 00:16:36.300 I can never understand what an audio commentary is. 00:16:36.340 --> 00:16:36.780 On a film. 00:16:36.920 --> 00:16:37.940 But there is such a thing. 00:16:37.980 --> 00:16:38.320 Isn't there? 00:16:39.019 --> 00:16:40.680 There's audio commentary on this vision. 00:16:45.259 --> 00:16:46.960 And it's so that Peter, James and John. 00:16:46.960 --> 00:16:47.940 And all of us who come after. 00:16:48.040 --> 00:16:49.080 We know what we're seeing. 00:16:49.500 --> 00:16:50.280 And it is striking. 00:16:50.460 --> 00:16:52.259 That it's only after the voice. 00:16:52.379 --> 00:16:53.740 That they fall on their faces. 00:16:54.800 --> 00:16:55.320 In terror. 00:16:55.920 --> 00:16:57.879 It's the voice that explains the vision. 00:17:00.240 --> 00:17:02.540 It is the voice that says to the disciples. 00:17:02.680 --> 00:17:04.700 You're not in the presence of three great men. 00:17:04.960 --> 00:17:05.920 That's what Peter thought. 00:17:06.019 --> 00:17:07.900 Peter thought it was kind of the top trumps. 00:17:07.900 --> 00:17:08.980 Of Old Testament religion. 00:17:10.920 --> 00:17:12.400 Jesus, Moses and Elijah. 00:17:12.400 --> 00:17:13.779 They're the three all time great. 00:17:13.880 --> 00:17:15.259 So let's build three tents. 00:17:16.180 --> 00:17:16.460 Booths. 00:17:16.460 --> 00:17:17.319 For each of them. 00:17:18.240 --> 00:17:19.680 But they're not three great men. 00:17:20.920 --> 00:17:22.980 There is one son of God. 00:17:24.000 --> 00:17:26.120 And the other two are simply pointing at him. 00:17:27.980 --> 00:17:29.539 And the message is quite emphatic. 00:17:29.680 --> 00:17:29.840 Isn't it? 00:17:29.860 --> 00:17:30.579 You can't listen. 00:17:30.700 --> 00:17:31.500 You can't miss it. 00:17:31.559 --> 00:17:32.960 If you can give another interpretation. 00:17:33.140 --> 00:17:34.120 Please see me afterwards. 00:17:34.620 --> 00:17:36.279 The interpretation is listen to him. 00:17:36.279 --> 00:17:41.539 And so when Peter comes later in life as an older man. 00:17:41.740 --> 00:17:43.859 To recall this day of transfiguration. 00:17:44.220 --> 00:17:44.920 It's really interesting. 00:17:45.039 --> 00:17:46.660 It is the voice in 2 Peter 1. 00:17:47.799 --> 00:17:49.639 More than the vision that he focuses on. 00:17:49.640 --> 00:17:52.780 The voice commands you to listen to Jesus. 00:17:52.780 --> 00:17:53.660 To listen to him. 00:17:55.600 --> 00:17:57.100 When he says he is the Christ. 00:17:57.180 --> 00:17:58.360 The son of the living God. 00:17:58.820 --> 00:17:59.220 Well. 00:17:59.500 --> 00:18:00.720 There's all sorts of voices. 00:18:00.720 --> 00:18:02.860 That will tell you different things about Jesus. 00:18:03.259 --> 00:18:04.020 Don't listen to them. 00:18:04.019 --> 00:18:06.700 God the father is saying. 00:18:06.799 --> 00:18:08.819 Listen to Jesus about Jesus. 00:18:10.400 --> 00:18:11.619 Listen to Jesus about. 00:18:12.839 --> 00:18:14.799 What kind of Jesus he is. 00:18:15.240 --> 00:18:16.500 And what it means to follow Jesus. 00:18:16.579 --> 00:18:17.920 So there's lots of people out there. 00:18:18.180 --> 00:18:18.940 Who will tell you. 00:18:19.559 --> 00:18:21.759 Actually to be a Christian is like this. 00:18:22.379 --> 00:18:24.839 Or to be a Christian is like that. 00:18:24.839 --> 00:18:28.039 And they've reinterpreted what the New Testament says. 00:18:28.299 --> 00:18:29.559 But listen to Jesus. 00:18:30.039 --> 00:18:32.019 He should know he is the son. 00:18:34.019 --> 00:18:35.220 And listen to Jesus. 00:18:35.220 --> 00:18:36.740 When he says he is coming back. 00:18:36.799 --> 00:18:38.039 With the glory of his father. 00:18:38.400 --> 00:18:39.279 Well in verse 7. 00:18:39.639 --> 00:18:41.299 Jesus calms his friends fear. 00:18:41.639 --> 00:18:42.700 And when they dare to look up. 00:18:42.720 --> 00:18:43.400 What do they see? 00:18:44.059 --> 00:18:44.539 Verse 8. 00:18:45.539 --> 00:18:46.599 They see only Jesus. 00:18:46.720 --> 00:18:47.339 The vision is over. 00:18:49.839 --> 00:18:50.759 The voice is gone. 00:18:50.839 --> 00:18:51.740 They begin to go down the mountain. 00:18:51.900 --> 00:18:52.420 As they do. 00:18:52.700 --> 00:18:53.879 Notice what Jesus says to them. 00:18:53.900 --> 00:18:54.379 Verse 9. 00:18:56.359 --> 00:18:57.480 Jesus commands them. 00:18:59.779 --> 00:19:01.039 Tell no one the vision. 00:19:01.420 --> 00:19:02.879 Until the son of man is raised from the dead. 00:19:02.940 --> 00:19:03.160 Why? 00:19:04.019 --> 00:19:05.319 Why? 00:19:05.579 --> 00:19:06.180 Well because. 00:19:06.900 --> 00:19:08.440 This glimpse of glory. 00:19:09.319 --> 00:19:10.639 Is only a foretaste. 00:19:13.500 --> 00:19:14.900 It's only a trailer isn't it? 00:19:14.980 --> 00:19:15.180 So. 00:19:15.940 --> 00:19:17.339 On buses ever at the moment. 00:19:17.519 --> 00:19:20.019 And you can see the trailer for Toy Story 4. 00:19:22.400 --> 00:19:24.319 But you haven't seen the whole film yet have you? 00:19:24.379 --> 00:19:25.799 Because it's only a trailer. 00:19:25.799 --> 00:19:31.319 And this here is only a trailer for Peter, James and John. 00:19:31.460 --> 00:19:33.119 It's not the whole film. 00:19:33.119 --> 00:19:39.699 This is the sunrise. 00:19:39.699 --> 00:19:40.819 It's not the midday sun. 00:19:40.919 --> 00:19:46.879 You've still got the crucifixion and the resurrection and the ascension and the glorification of Jesus to come. 00:19:46.880 --> 00:19:50.300 And that's why they had to wait until after the resurrection. 00:19:50.640 --> 00:19:52.920 To fully understand this glimpse of glory. 00:19:53.660 --> 00:19:55.140 And until then they must keep stern. 00:19:57.100 --> 00:19:58.100 But again notice here. 00:19:58.140 --> 00:19:58.860 Which is really interesting. 00:19:58.920 --> 00:20:00.500 I had not really seen this until this week. 00:20:00.600 --> 00:20:01.580 Notice what. 00:20:01.579 --> 00:20:03.579 Who the transfiguration is for. 00:20:03.899 --> 00:20:05.599 Whose benefit is it for? 00:20:06.539 --> 00:20:08.899 It's for the benefit of Peter, James and John. 00:20:09.179 --> 00:20:10.019 Do you see verse 1? 00:20:10.379 --> 00:20:12.939 Jesus took them with him. 00:20:15.240 --> 00:20:17.480 Jesus took them up by themselves. 00:20:19.399 --> 00:20:20.740 Verse 3. 00:20:24.740 --> 00:20:27.279 Moses and Elijah appear before them. 00:20:28.639 --> 00:20:31.379 And the cloud envelops them. 00:20:32.399 --> 00:20:34.759 And the voice speaks to them. 00:20:35.220 --> 00:20:37.399 And notice the voice says this is my son. 00:20:37.439 --> 00:20:39.220 It doesn't say you are my son. 00:20:39.899 --> 00:20:40.379 Isn't that interesting? 00:20:42.399 --> 00:20:44.460 Because the voice was not for Jesus' benefit. 00:20:46.359 --> 00:20:47.980 It was for his followers' benefit. 00:20:48.319 --> 00:20:49.740 And now they come down the mountain. 00:20:50.299 --> 00:20:52.599 And they come back to the reality of a troubled world. 00:20:53.819 --> 00:20:56.199 And Peter, James and John. 00:20:56.399 --> 00:20:57.679 They find themselves. 00:20:58.059 --> 00:20:59.619 We'll deal with it in the next couple of weeks. 00:20:59.619 --> 00:21:01.059 They find themselves. 00:21:01.059 --> 00:21:03.899 The disciples unable to help a demon possessed boy. 00:21:06.319 --> 00:21:07.459 We'll look at that in two weeks. 00:21:07.659 --> 00:21:09.439 But just look at the contrast for a moment. 00:21:09.739 --> 00:21:12.919 Look at the contrast between the glory on the mountain top. 00:21:13.279 --> 00:21:15.239 And the reality of life at the bottom of the mountain. 00:21:15.240 --> 00:21:19.059 I was telling you to say to me. 00:21:19.059 --> 00:21:19.559 I was telling you to say to me. 00:21:19.559 --> 00:21:21.779 I was telling you to say to me. 00:21:21.779 --> 00:21:23.539 And he said to me. 00:21:23.639 --> 00:21:26.379 You'll be using Raphael's painting. 00:21:27.339 --> 00:21:27.799 Won't you? 00:21:30.440 --> 00:21:31.079 And I said. 00:21:31.799 --> 00:21:32.519 Of course. 00:21:33.879 --> 00:21:34.819 And went home. 00:21:35.339 --> 00:21:37.359 And googled who Raphael was. 00:21:37.720 --> 00:21:38.779 And then his painting. 00:21:39.639 --> 00:21:41.180 And his painting is for the Transfiguration. 00:21:41.639 --> 00:21:42.660 And hangs in the Vatican. 00:21:42.660 --> 00:21:43.980 And let me tell you. 00:21:44.380 --> 00:21:46.279 Drawing all my history knowledge. 00:21:46.400 --> 00:21:47.259 It's an unusual painting. 00:21:48.300 --> 00:21:50.040 Because it's a painting in two halves. 00:21:51.600 --> 00:21:54.960 And the two halves depict these two incidents. 00:21:55.540 --> 00:21:56.279 In Matthew 17. 00:21:56.680 --> 00:21:57.700 Captures really well. 00:21:57.820 --> 00:21:58.620 According to the experts. 00:21:59.100 --> 00:22:01.060 The contrast between the top of the mountain. 00:22:01.500 --> 00:22:02.460 And the bottom of the mountain. 00:22:02.460 --> 00:22:04.880 And the upper half of the picture. 00:22:04.880 --> 00:22:06.380 Shows the Transfiguration. 00:22:06.960 --> 00:22:08.079 While the lower half. 00:22:08.480 --> 00:22:09.799 Depicts the disciples. 00:22:10.000 --> 00:22:10.880 Attempting unsuccessfully. 00:22:11.940 --> 00:22:13.220 To heal this demon possessed boy. 00:22:14.779 --> 00:22:16.720 And I think that's the point Matthew's kind of made. 00:22:18.779 --> 00:22:20.819 The key to living down the mountain. 00:22:20.920 --> 00:22:21.779 With all its mess. 00:22:21.880 --> 00:22:22.440 And its misery. 00:22:22.620 --> 00:22:23.259 Is to glimpse. 00:22:23.559 --> 00:22:24.440 The glory of Christ. 00:22:25.180 --> 00:22:26.059 Who is up on the mountain. 00:22:27.579 --> 00:22:28.039 And so again. 00:22:28.100 --> 00:22:30.100 I don't know what difficulties are represented. 00:22:30.279 --> 00:22:31.039 Here this morning. 00:22:32.460 --> 00:22:33.620 I don't know what your troubles are. 00:22:33.640 --> 00:22:34.480 There are troubles aren't there. 00:22:36.420 --> 00:22:37.640 I know something in my own heart. 00:22:37.700 --> 00:22:38.340 In my own struggles. 00:22:40.440 --> 00:22:42.380 And I know that there will be some really big things. 00:22:42.380 --> 00:22:44.000 Going on in your lives. 00:22:44.200 --> 00:22:45.700 In the lives of those of us who have gathered here. 00:22:46.980 --> 00:22:48.259 And I don't want to sound glib. 00:22:48.620 --> 00:22:49.840 And I don't want to sound trite. 00:22:49.940 --> 00:22:50.940 And I don't want to sound simplistic. 00:22:51.120 --> 00:22:52.500 But the answer to our troubles. 00:22:52.500 --> 00:22:54.340 Is to behold the glory of Christ. 00:22:58.600 --> 00:22:59.960 One of the best books on preaching. 00:23:00.079 --> 00:23:01.059 In the last 30 years. 00:23:01.220 --> 00:23:02.299 Is John Piper's book. 00:23:02.299 --> 00:23:03.779 The Supremacy of God in Preaching. 00:23:05.839 --> 00:23:07.039 It's a really wonderful book. 00:23:08.419 --> 00:23:09.240 In the introduction. 00:23:09.460 --> 00:23:11.099 He tells the story. 00:23:11.859 --> 00:23:13.659 Of him preaching a New Year's Day sermon. 00:23:15.000 --> 00:23:16.000 On Isaiah 6. 00:23:16.159 --> 00:23:16.639 We sang it. 00:23:16.659 --> 00:23:17.180 Isaiah 6. 00:23:17.240 --> 00:23:18.000 Holy, holy, holy. 00:23:18.200 --> 00:23:19.019 Lord God Almighty. 00:23:19.919 --> 00:23:21.779 The amazing vision of the holiness of God. 00:23:21.859 --> 00:23:22.680 And Piper says that. 00:23:23.379 --> 00:23:24.940 On that first Sunday of the year. 00:23:25.039 --> 00:23:27.460 He decided to kind of test himself. 00:23:27.559 --> 00:23:29.359 He wanted to display the majesty. 00:23:29.359 --> 00:23:30.619 And the glory of God. 00:23:30.619 --> 00:23:31.599 He had a test with himself. 00:23:31.699 --> 00:23:33.899 He decided to preach a sermon without any application. 00:23:35.779 --> 00:23:36.859 And normally rightly he says. 00:23:36.959 --> 00:23:38.339 Preachers should always give application. 00:23:38.500 --> 00:23:39.199 But on that day. 00:23:39.299 --> 00:23:40.379 He decided not to give any. 00:23:41.819 --> 00:23:43.439 He wanted to show his people. 00:23:43.819 --> 00:23:45.579 The greatness of God. 00:23:45.779 --> 00:23:47.759 And see that that would meet the needs. 00:23:47.979 --> 00:23:48.659 Of his congregation. 00:23:48.660 --> 00:23:53.140 What John Piper didn't know. 00:23:53.320 --> 00:23:54.880 That was sitting in the congregation. 00:23:56.080 --> 00:23:56.940 Was a family. 00:23:57.100 --> 00:23:58.040 Who a few weeks earlier. 00:23:58.220 --> 00:23:58.680 Had discovered. 00:23:59.480 --> 00:24:01.180 That their child was being sexually abused. 00:24:01.259 --> 00:24:02.019 By a close relative. 00:24:03.500 --> 00:24:04.480 And they were there that day. 00:24:04.640 --> 00:24:05.320 First Sunday of the year. 00:24:05.400 --> 00:24:05.800 They heard. 00:24:06.140 --> 00:24:07.340 At a sermon on Isaiah 6. 00:24:07.440 --> 00:24:08.220 And a few weeks later. 00:24:08.320 --> 00:24:09.420 They give to see John Piper. 00:24:09.500 --> 00:24:10.320 He meets with the family. 00:24:10.400 --> 00:24:11.040 And he discovers. 00:24:11.040 --> 00:24:12.360 What's happened in their family. 00:24:12.359 --> 00:24:15.059 And the father says to him. 00:24:15.119 --> 00:24:15.539 John. 00:24:18.759 --> 00:24:20.679 These have been the hardest years of my life. 00:24:21.079 --> 00:24:22.019 Hardest months of my life. 00:24:22.839 --> 00:24:23.879 But you know what's got us through. 00:24:25.719 --> 00:24:26.479 What's got us through. 00:24:26.559 --> 00:24:28.319 Is the vision of the greatness of God's holiness. 00:24:28.859 --> 00:24:30.579 That you gave us in the first week of January. 00:24:31.959 --> 00:24:33.679 That's been a rock on which we can stand. 00:24:33.680 --> 00:24:37.019 And Piper concludes wonderfully. 00:24:37.140 --> 00:24:38.400 As kind of Piper does so well. 00:24:38.500 --> 00:24:39.000 He says. 00:24:39.240 --> 00:24:40.580 The glory of God is relevant. 00:24:42.380 --> 00:24:43.840 It doesn't matter if surveys. 00:24:43.980 --> 00:24:45.539 Turn up a list of perceived needs. 00:24:45.539 --> 00:24:46.600 That does not include. 00:24:46.720 --> 00:24:47.900 The supreme greatness. 00:24:48.660 --> 00:24:49.580 Of the God of grace. 00:24:50.860 --> 00:24:52.799 But that is the deepest need of our people. 00:24:54.259 --> 00:24:56.279 Our people are starving for God. 00:24:58.640 --> 00:25:00.180 And we could similarly say. 00:25:00.519 --> 00:25:00.920 The greatness. 00:25:01.340 --> 00:25:02.539 And the glory of Jesus. 00:25:02.539 --> 00:25:04.420 Are relevant. 00:25:04.700 --> 00:25:06.019 Whatever you're going through this morning. 00:25:07.180 --> 00:25:08.619 And whatever you go through this week. 00:25:08.960 --> 00:25:10.059 And whatever you go through this summer. 00:25:11.319 --> 00:25:13.399 What you need is to behold the glory of Jesus. 00:25:15.139 --> 00:25:15.500 Okay. 00:25:15.879 --> 00:25:16.440 Let me finish. 00:25:16.539 --> 00:25:17.319 How do we do that? 00:25:17.720 --> 00:25:18.519 How do we do that? 00:25:18.559 --> 00:25:19.319 That's the last question. 00:25:20.879 --> 00:25:22.299 Well we do that by following. 00:25:22.659 --> 00:25:23.819 God the father's command. 00:25:23.980 --> 00:25:25.119 What is God the father's command? 00:25:25.279 --> 00:25:26.039 Listen to him. 00:25:27.460 --> 00:25:28.420 And I want to finish up. 00:25:28.599 --> 00:25:30.279 By turning to 2 Corinthians chapter 3. 00:25:30.480 --> 00:25:30.599 Okay. 00:25:31.279 --> 00:25:31.920 I said come with me. 00:25:31.920 --> 00:25:33.240 To 2 Corinthians chapter 3. 00:25:36.140 --> 00:25:37.080 2 Corinthians chapter 3. 00:25:37.140 --> 00:25:37.860 If you don't know where it is. 00:25:38.100 --> 00:25:39.380 The person next to you will help you. 00:25:39.600 --> 00:25:40.779 2 Corinthians chapter 3. 00:25:44.200 --> 00:25:45.200 And I want us to notice. 00:25:45.400 --> 00:25:46.820 In verse 18. 00:25:46.940 --> 00:25:48.480 Of 2 Corinthians chapter 3. 00:25:48.480 --> 00:25:53.700 How Paul describes the Christian life. 00:25:56.579 --> 00:25:58.220 He's describing the Christian life. 00:25:58.420 --> 00:26:00.000 And he says the Christian life. 00:26:00.200 --> 00:26:03.079 Is about beholding the glory of the Lord. 00:26:05.700 --> 00:26:07.480 So that is why you read your Bible. 00:26:07.480 --> 00:26:11.700 And that is why you go to Bible study. 00:26:12.860 --> 00:26:15.099 That is why you come to church on a Sunday. 00:26:15.420 --> 00:26:17.799 To behold the glory of the Lord. 00:26:21.160 --> 00:26:22.960 One day all those who see Jesus. 00:26:23.079 --> 00:26:25.160 Will see Jesus face to face. 00:26:25.360 --> 00:26:26.400 That's what we long for. 00:26:26.980 --> 00:26:28.460 And we'll see him by sight. 00:26:28.460 --> 00:26:31.319 But now we don't see him by sight. 00:26:31.400 --> 00:26:32.400 We see him by faith. 00:26:32.559 --> 00:26:33.279 In his words. 00:26:33.360 --> 00:26:33.779 The Bible. 00:26:34.160 --> 00:26:35.400 And do you see that in verse 18. 00:26:35.579 --> 00:26:36.880 What happens when we do that. 00:26:37.880 --> 00:26:38.779 And we. 00:26:38.920 --> 00:26:40.539 With unveiled face. 00:26:42.259 --> 00:26:44.039 Beholding the glory of the Lord. 00:26:44.240 --> 00:26:44.840 Are being. 00:26:47.720 --> 00:26:48.160 Transfigured. 00:26:50.340 --> 00:26:50.700 Transformed. 00:26:50.700 --> 00:26:54.100 Into the same image. 00:26:54.220 --> 00:26:55.840 From one degree of glory to another. 00:26:58.840 --> 00:26:59.720 We're transformed. 00:26:59.980 --> 00:27:00.400 We're transfigured. 00:27:00.480 --> 00:27:00.960 It's the same word. 00:27:02.799 --> 00:27:05.900 Same word that is used of Jesus in Matthew 17. 00:27:06.220 --> 00:27:07.340 He is transfigured. 00:27:07.660 --> 00:27:09.380 And as we look at him in his word. 00:27:09.480 --> 00:27:10.420 We are transfigured. 00:27:11.759 --> 00:27:12.559 And so. 00:27:12.920 --> 00:27:13.340 Friends. 00:27:13.500 --> 00:27:15.500 The way that we behold Jesus. 00:27:15.759 --> 00:27:18.000 And the way that we become more and more like Jesus. 00:27:18.160 --> 00:27:19.500 Is to gaze on him in his word. 00:27:20.700 --> 00:27:25.779 So have you noticed that you hum the music that you listen to? 00:27:28.059 --> 00:27:31.660 And have you noticed that you speak with the area that you grew up in? 00:27:33.340 --> 00:27:38.799 And have you noticed that you imitate the people that you admire most? 00:27:41.140 --> 00:27:42.880 And those who you like isn't it? 00:27:42.960 --> 00:27:44.880 Some of you dress a bit like them. 00:27:45.600 --> 00:27:46.960 You sound a bit like them. 00:27:50.700 --> 00:27:54.700 And so it is with Jesus Christ. 00:27:56.100 --> 00:27:58.440 That as we fix our attention on him. 00:27:58.519 --> 00:28:00.500 That as we listen to him. 00:28:01.620 --> 00:28:03.880 That as we behold his glory. 00:28:04.039 --> 00:28:05.019 We are changed. 00:28:05.200 --> 00:28:07.400 We start to sound a bit like him. 00:28:07.400 --> 00:28:11.840 And so when we do this. 00:28:11.980 --> 00:28:13.720 That seeing is not only believing. 00:28:14.800 --> 00:28:15.980 It is also becoming. 00:28:16.100 --> 00:28:17.180 We become more like him. 00:28:17.259 --> 00:28:19.080 We are changed and transformed. 00:28:21.200 --> 00:28:24.220 And so do you see how a glimpse of glory this week can keep you going? 00:28:25.740 --> 00:28:29.360 One day all who love Jesus will see Jesus with our own eyes. 00:28:29.359 --> 00:28:33.899 But until that day we see him by faith in his word. 00:28:35.179 --> 00:28:36.399 And we can listen to him. 00:28:37.479 --> 00:28:39.099 And we can behold his glory. 00:28:39.339 --> 00:28:41.019 And that makes all the difference doesn't it? 00:28:41.039 --> 00:28:42.000 To life down the mountain. 00:28:43.199 --> 00:28:43.959 In all the mess. 00:28:44.919 --> 00:28:46.259 And all the misery. 00:28:47.759 --> 00:28:48.659 And all the pain. 00:28:48.660 --> 00:28:51.279 Because it is Jesus Christ. 00:28:52.160 --> 00:28:53.160 And seeing him. 00:28:54.000 --> 00:28:54.900 That will get you through. 00:28:55.700 --> 00:28:56.200 Let's pray.