Rev. Spencer Shaw reflects on the Transfiguration of Jesus and the significance of both mountaintop experiences and the journey back down into everyday life. While Peter, James, and John witnessed Jesus shining in divine glory alongside Moses and Elijah, their experience wasn’t meant to end on the mountain—it was meant to prepare them for what lay ahead. Shaw draws connections between this moment and Moses' shining face after meeting God, as well as how Jesus immediately engages in healing and ministry upon returning to the crowds. The sermon challenges believers to recognize that spiritual encounters with God should lead to transformation and mission, not isolation. Instead of seeking to stay in moments of spiritual clarity, disciples are called to bring the light of Christ into a world in need of healing.

Introduction:

• Reflection on past Transfiguration sermons and how God brings new insights each time.
• The Transfiguration (Luke 9) as a moment of divine revelation for Peter, James, and John.
• The temptation to stay in the spiritual high versus returning to the world.

I. The Mountaintop Experience

1. Jesus Transfigured in Glory:
   • Peter, James, and John witness Jesus shining brightly with Moses (the Law) and Elijah (the Prophets).
   • A clear confirmation of Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s plan.
2. Peter’s Impulse to Stay:
   • Peter wants to build shelters, to stay in the moment, but this isn’t the purpose of the experience.
   • Spiritual highs are not meant for escape but for equipping us for the journey ahead.

II. Coming Down the Mountain: Living Out the Glory

1. Moses' Shining Face & Transformation:
   
   
   
   • Like Moses returning from Mount Sinai, the disciples were changed by their encounter with God.
   • True encounters with God leave us different, affecting how we live and serve.
2. Jesus Immediately Returns to Ministry:
   
   
   
   • The next day, Jesus and the disciples come down to face the crowd.
   • A father cries out for Jesus to heal his tormented son, showing the real brokenness of the world.
   • The disciples struggle to cast out the spirit, showing the challenge of applying faith in difficult moments.

III. The Call to Bring God's Presence into the World

1. Faith Is Lived in the Valleys, Not Just the Peaks:
   
   
   
   • Mountaintop moments fuel us for service and mission, not for retreat.
   • The glory of God must be shared, not just experienced personally.
2. Jesus' Example: Engaging the World’s Brokenness:
   
   
   
   • Jesus doesn’t stay on the mountain—He walks straight into pain, need, and healing work.
   • Believers are called to carry the presence of God into their daily lives, not keep it for themselves.

Conclusion:

• Encountering God should lead to transformation and mission.
• The Transfiguration prepares disciples to go back down the mountain and live out the faith.

As believers gather at the Communion table, they are reminded of Christ’s presence and the call to reflect His light in the world.