Sermon Notes

“There and Back Again”

The Hobbit

Jesus and his inner circle go on a getaway to the mountain top

“After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone.”

Something strange happens

“There he was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.”

Peter, James, and John aren’t sure what’s going on

Peter - "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters--one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.)

As they (Peter, James and John) were coming down the mountain…They kept the matter to themselves, discussing what "rising from the dead" meant.

What does, “rising from the dead mean?”

On the mountain top truth is revealed

Down in the valley they learn what it means.

Individuals and organizations

Weekly in worship then out into the world

Many times we wish to linger on the mountain top

Key to traveling through the valleys

"This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!"

Peaks and Valleys = Transformation