Reflections-02-26-17

Change, Transformation, Listening, Fear

“Are you willing to be changed, transformed”

Matthew 17:1-9

  1. Does change happen easily for you? Can you think of examples where you changed your life?
  2. Our lesson has Jesus “transfigured” with his face shining like the sun and clothes dazzling white, and ancient Biblical characters coming to life. Are you open to the supernatural?
  3. What changes you?
  4. Paul writes: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind….” How do you know if you have become conformed to this world?
  5. God (the voice of the cloud) says, “listen to him” (Jesus). Would you call yourself a good listener? Is listening to God different than listening to another person, media, or newspaper?
  6. Who possesses your ears? Who do you find yourself listening too?
  7. The disciple Peter always wanted “to do something”, which caused him to miss information. Is there some Peter inside of you?
  8. How much does “the fear factor” change your behavior? Can you think of a time when you haven’t done something because of your fear?
  9. There is a lot of scary things in this world; political unrest, disease, financial struggle, broken relationships, etc. What causes you to push through your fear?

Matthew 17:1-9

17Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. 2And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. 3Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 4Then Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I* will make three dwellings* here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ 5While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved;* with him I am well pleased; listen to him!’ 6When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. 7But Jesus came and touched them, saying, ‘Get up and do not be afraid.’ 8And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.

9As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, ‘Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.’