Once back to town, Peter, James and John were not to tell who they saw.  Had they, who would have believed it anyway?  2,000 years later, do you?  Standing on the mountain under God's cloud next to the radiant white Jesus, we are supposed to believe Elijah (who lived 850 years before Mary and Joseph reached Bethlehem) and Moses (who faced the Pharaoh in ancient Egypt) were talking to the Lord Jesus.  In some ways it is easier to believe Jesus rose from the dead.  Well... does it make a difference?  Here are three I come up with:

God cares enough about His soon to be troubled disciples (they were about to witness their Master's crucifixion) to encourage them with a visit from two honored servants.  He uses the true stories of Moses and Elijah to encourage us. 

Hiking up the mountain with the three disciples, we see that God really is the God of the living.  It's true, "He who lives and believes in me will never die."  Moses and Elijah have now been alive a long time.  By His forgiving grace and Baptism into Christ Jesus, we live forever. 

Do you think Jesus cares more about Peter and John than He does about you.  No way.  Jesus in His invisible but Resurrected glory is always, always standing next to you.  Lonely? Maybe afraid?  The One who talked to Moses and Elijah to encourage Peter, James and John made you a promise.  "I will be with you, always."

It is Transfiguration Sunday this weekend.  Bring a friend.  Jesus is  bringing Moses and Elijah. 

Pastor Shoup