Matthew 17:1-9
Lead in: In Matthew, the summits of mountains are places of spiritual encounter. Jesus encountered the devil in the mountains of the desert (Mt. 4). Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount on a high hill (Mt. 5). Now in Mt. 17, on Mount Tabor Jesus is transfigured in the glory that is yet to come.
Prompt: What have been the mountain top spiritual experiences that have given you a taste of the glory to come?
Lead in: When Jesus was transfigured, “His face shone like the sun.” You might say the glow on Jesus’ face was the glow of one in love with God and with life itself. When you’re in love, you speak enthusiastically about the one in whom you find such delight. Such is the thrill of the falling in love experience.
Prompt: If the falling in love experience is so intense that it can change how we see the world, what would it take to fall in love that way with God?
Lead in: On the mountain that day when Peter saw the transfigured Jesus aglow, like sunlight was pouring through Jesus’ face, Peter’s instinct was to hold onto that moment forever. But, mountain top experiences need to be lived out in the valley of our lives.
Prompt: In the repetitious routine of the ordinary of daily life, what do you do to make every day an exciting day?
Lead in: When Jesus was transfigured before the disciples, Peter was so overwhelmed by what he saw that he was moved to say, “Lord, it’s good to be here.” It’s good to be able to appreciate the moment. But it’s not an excuse for avoiding the challenges that you know you must face.
Prompt: Reflect on a time when you were so comfortable that you wanted to simply stay with what you were doing as a way of avoiding the challenge before you.
Lead in: When the disciples heard the voice from above, they were so afraid they fell to the ground. Jesus came and touched them and said, “Do not be afraid.”
Prompt: Reflect on a time when you were overwhelmed by fear. Was there ever a time when,
seemingly out of nowhere, you felt the touch of God’s hand on you, and with that touch, you found peace within and the strength to carry on?
Lead in: In Genesis 12, God blessed Abraham and he became a blessing for others.
Prompt: Think of three ways you experienced God’s blessing this past week.
Prompt: How can you be a blessing for others in the coming week?