The Sunday of the Transfiguration – February 09, 2025
The portions of God’s Word used in this worship flyer have been taken from The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version Copyright 2019, The Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission Music and lyrics, as needed, are used with permission via OneLicense.net #A712831
A Mountaintop Experience
for Jesus, His Disciples, and Us
Once upon a time, there was a seminary student who nearly made a fatal mistake. He was in the seminary
chapel for a special worship service. As he read through the order of service, he groaned aloud. The middle–aged lady sitting next to him asked what was wrong. The student replied, “It’s the preacher. He’s my faculty advisor. And he’s the dullest man alive — utterly boring.” “Oh,” said the woman, “Do you know who I am?” The student looked at her and said “No, Ma’am.” “Well,” said the woman, “I’m the preacher’s wife!” The student said faintly, “And do you know who I am?” “No,” said the professor’s wife. “Hallelujah,” said the student….as he scurried away from her and out of the chapel.
Anonymity has its advantages I suppose. But there is One Whom God the Father wants everyone to know. His name is Jesus. Today, we’ll get to see Him displaying His majesty as the true God on the Mount of Transfiguration before Peter, James, and John. Our Sermon Text and Gospel Lesson give us a revealing glimpse of Christ’s identity and work. Along with those three apostles we will see two events taking place on that holy mountain. The first is Christ’s transfiguration itself, while the second is His conversation with Moses and Elijah. Looking through the eyes and ears of faith, these events will enable us to see more clearly the true identity and mission of Jesus as the Messiah-Savior.
Today’s Worship Service and Lessons
The words of today’s Sermon Hymn capture the apostle Peter’s expression of joy at being in the presence not only of Moses and Elijah, but especially His “transfigured Lord.” In our Gospel Lesson we see that Peter wanted to stay on that mountaintop, basking in the glory of God, far removed from the mundane matters and wearying pressures of daily life. But, just as Jesus had to come down from the mountaintop in order to continue His mission that would inevitably lead to Him climbing one more mountain, Calvary, on which He would suffer death by crucifixion to carry out His mission of saving sinful mankind, so Peter had to come down from the mountain and go back to the less-awesome (and arguably more arduous) side of life.
In our Sermon for this morning, we’ll look at the events of the Transfiguration, recognizing that His display of glory on that mountain was certainly a proof of Jesus’ deity, both for the benefit of His disciples faith and for our own confidence in Him as our Savior and God. What’s more, Jesus’ Transfiguration (and His encounter with Moses and Elijah) reveals the depth of His love for us, points ahead to the glory that will one day be ours in heaven, and provides us with direction and motivation as we live out our lives of faith in this world for Him
Like Peter whose faith was strengthened through being an eyewitness to Jesus glorious transfiguration (Peter later speaks about this to encourage others in today’s Epistle Lesson), we must leave the spiritual safety of this house of worship later today and go back into the world in which we live while we serve our Lord here on earth. Most important, again like Peter, we need to bear in mind that we never come down from this mountaintop alone, nor do we traverse the other mountains of life all by ourselves; Jesus is always with us, promising to cheer and direct us as we go through every change and challenge of life. In today’s Old Testament Lesson we see God’s glory revealed to His people, Israel, on the day when Solomon led them in dedicating the much-anticipated Temple in Jerusalem. Accepting their offerings with fire from heaven, the LORD blesses the temple by filling it with His glory.
Finally, through today’s Children’s Lesson we’ll talk about the problems that people had in Jesus’ day (and today) in recognizing Jesus as the LORD God. We’ll also give thanks that we are able to believe in Jesus as the One, true God….as well as our Savior from sin and for heaven..
Transfiguration Sunday’s Place on the “Church Calendar
As the “Sunday of the Transfiguration,” we use this day recall the glory and power that belong to Jesus as the Almighty God (and which He laid aside during His state of humiliation). It was His divine glory which our Savior manifested for His disciples on the Mount of Transfiguration. That day Christ also shared with His “inner circle” of apostles that, although He would be put to death by His enemies, He would rise three days later as the Victor over sin, Satan, and the grave.
Prayer Upon Entering Church – Heavenly Father, You showed Your grace by bringing me to faith in Christ through the work of Your Holy Spirit, and then by giving me the blessing of being called Your child. Though what I offer You today is so small, compared to all You have done for me, please accept my humble offerings of praise and thanksgiving, as well as my gifts. Also, Lord, help me gladly hear and take to heart the Good News of salvation from sin for me and all people through faith in Your Son, my Savior. Renew and invigorate me with Your Holy Spirit today and every day, that I might live a confident life of faith and love to Your glory, and that I might share, by all possible means, at every opportunity, the same Good News of salvation through Christ which has filled my life with peace and purpose. Amen.
Prayer upon entering the sanctuary
Pre-service Music
Pre-Worship Hymn singing, starting at 9:25 a.m.
We Praise Our God
Welcome and Introduction to Worship
The Invocation
Pastor We begin this service
Congregation In the name of the Father
Pastor Who gave us our lives through His almighty power.
C: And of the Son
P: Who redeemed our lives with His precious blood.
C: And of the Holy Spirit
P: Who gave us eternal life through faith in Christ Jesus.
P: Amen.
The Psalm for Today Psalm 8
Pastor O LORD, our LORD, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!
Congregation You have set Your glory above the heavens.
P: Out of the mouths of babies and infants
C: You have established strength because of Your foes, + to still the enemy and the avenger.
P: When I look at Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place,
C: what is man that You are mindful of him, the Son of Man, that you care for Him?
P: Yet You made Him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned Him with glory and honor.
C: You have given Him dominion over the works of Your hands;
P: You have put all things under His feet:
C: all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas.
P: O LORD, our LORD
C: How majestic is Your name in all the earth!
After which the Congregation will be seated for
The Opening Hymn “Jesus, Take Us To The Mountain”
sung to the melody of “Come, O Come, Life-Giving Spirit”
text by Jaroslav Vajda, CPH 1991
used with permission, Onelicense.net # A715676
Jesus take us to the mountain, Where, with Peter, James and John
We are dazzled by Your glory, Light as blinding as the sun.
There prepare us for the night, — By the vision of that sight.
What do You want us to see there That Your close companions saw?
Your divinity revealed there Fills our humble hearts with awe.
Clothed in flesh like ours You go, — To defeat our deadliest foe.
What do You want us to hear there That Your dear disciples heard?
Once again the voice from heaven Says of the incarnate Word:
“Listen, listen, ev’ryone; — This is My beloved Son!”
Take us to that other mountain Where we see You glorified,
Where You shouted, “It is finished!” Where for all the world You died.
Hear the stunned centurion: “Truly this was God’s own Son!”
We who have beheld Your glory, Risen and ascended Lord,
Cannot help but tell the story, All that we have seen and heard.
Say with Peter, James and John: “You are God’s beloved Son!” Amen
after which the Congregation will rise
We Make Confession Of Our Sins To God
Pastor God, our Heavenly Father, invites us to come into His presence and to worship Him with humble and penitent hearts. Therefore, let us now turn to Him, acknowledging our sinfulness and seeking His forgiveness for all our sins.
Congregation Holy and merciful Father, I confess that I am by nature sinful and that I have disobeyed You in my thoughts, words, and actions; I have done what is evil in Your sight and have failed to do what is good. For this I know that I deserve Your punishment, both now and for eternity. But I am truly sorry for all my sins, and trusting in the perfect life and innocent death of my Savior, Jesus Christ, I plead: God have mercy on me, a sinner.
Pastor Our gracious Lord and Master has shown us His mercy: He has given His one and only Son to save us from all our sins. And now, carrying out my office as a called servant of Christ, and according to His command and authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. May the peace of God rest upon all of you. Amen.
In joyful response to this reassurance of God’s love and forgiveness for us in Christ, please join me now as we sing the praises of our gracious and majestic Lord:
“Majesty” written by Jack Hayford, Rocksmith Music
used with permission, CCLI # 13666699
Majesty, worship His majesty.
Unto Jesus, be all glory, honor and praise.
Majesty….Kingdom authority, flow from His throne,
unto His own, His anthem raise.
So exalt – lift up on high, the name of Jesus.
Magnify, come glorify, Christ Jesus the King.
Majesty, worship His majesty. Jesus Who died.
Now glorified. King of all Kings.
Our Prayer for Today
Almighty Father, in the glorious transfiguration of Your Son, + You confirmed the truth about or salvation, and affirmed Your Son as the Object of our faith. + You did this through the encouraging testimony of Moses and Elijah, + as well as by Your own testimony from the bright cloud that covered Your Son. + Be merciful to us this morning and every day, + preserving us in our faith, as Your dear children, + so that we might share forever the heavenly glory of Your Son, + our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ, + Who lives and rules with You and the Holy Spirit + as the One true God, + now and forever. Amen.
After which the Congregation may be seated as
We Hear God’s Word
The Old Testament Lesson II Chronicles 7:1-4
When Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices. The Glory of the Lord filled the house. 2 The priests were not able to go into the House of the Lord because the Glory of the Lord filled the House of the Lord. 3 When all the people of Israel saw the fire coming down and the Glory of the Lord over the house, they bowed to the ground with their faces on the pavement, and they worshipped, giving thanks to the Lord: “Truly, he is good, because his mercy endures forever.” 4 The king and all the people were offering sacrifices before the Lord. 5 King Solomon offered a sacrifice of twenty-two thousand cattle and one hundred twenty thousand sheep. The king and all the people dedicated the House of God.
The Epistle Lesson II Peter 1:12-21
12 That is why I intend always to keep reminding you of these things, even though you already know them and are established in the truth you now have. 13 I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to keep you wide awake by reminding you, 14 because I know that the putting off of my tent is going to happen soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. 15 I will also make every effort so that after my departure you always have a reminder of these things.
16 To be sure, we were not following cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the powerful appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For he received honor and glory from God the Father, when the voice came to him from within the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” 18 We heard this voice, which came out of heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain.
19 We also have the completely reliable prophetic word. You do well to pay attention to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the Morning Star rises in your hearts, 20 since we know this above all else: No prophecy of Scripture comes about from someone’s own interpretation. 21 In fact, no prophecy ever came by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were being carried along by the Holy Spirit.
After which the Congregation will rise for
The Gospel Lesson Matthew 17:1-23
Six days later Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John the brother of James; and he led them up onto a high mountain by themselves. 2 There he was transfigured in front of them. His face was shining like the sun. His clothing became as white as the light. 3 Just then, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Jesus.
4 Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you want, I will make three shelters here: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
5 While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them. Just then, a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him.”
6 When the disciples heard this, they fell face down and were terrified. 7 Jesus approached and as he touched them, he said, “Get up, and do not be afraid.” 8 When they opened their eyes, they saw no one except Jesus alone. 9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Do not tell anyone what you have seen until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”
10 His disciples asked him, “Then why do the experts in the law say that Elijah must come first?”
11 Jesus answered them, “Yes, Elijah is coming and will restore all things, 12 but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him. Instead they did to him whatever they desired. In the same way the Son of Man will also suffer at their hands.” 13 Then the disciples understood that he was talking to them about John the Baptist.
14 When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt in front of him. 15 “Lord,” he said, “have mercy on my son because he has seizures and is suffering terribly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. 16 I brought him to your disciples, but they were not able to cure him.”
17 Jesus answered, “O unbelieving and perverse generation! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring him here to me.” 18 Jesus rebuked the demon, and it went out of the boy, and he was cured from that hour.
19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why were we unable to drive it out?”
20 He said to them, “Because of your little faith. Amen I tell you: If you have faith like a mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. 21 But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”
22 While they were gathering together in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men. 23 They will kill him, but on the third day he will be raised.” And they were greatly distressed.
The Congregation will then be seated as we offer – set to song –
The Apostles’ Creed to the melody of “What A Friend We Have in Jesus”
I believe in God the Father, Maker of the heav’ns and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, our Savior, God’s own Son, of human birth.
Virgin born, the Lord incarnate, Whom the Spirit did conceive,
Suffered under Pontius Pilate; Our salvation to achieve.
Crucified, was dead and buried, Down to hell in victory;
From the dead He rose the third day; Up to heav’n triumphantly.
There at God’s right hand He’s ruling, By His will the world is led.
He will come to judge the nations, Both the living and the dead.
I believe in God the Spirit, In His Church, His chosen band.
They are joined in close communion, Holy in His sight they stand.
I believe in sins forgiven; That the dead will rise again;
I believe in life eternal. Amen! Amen! A – – men!
The Children’s Lesson John 1:10,14
He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him…..The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, Who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
What Do You See In Jesus?
The Hymn of the Day Hymn 95 How Good, Lord, To Be Here”
1 How good, Lord, to be here! Your glory fills the night;
Your face and garments, like the sun, Shine with unborrowed light.
2 How good, Lord, to be here Your beauty to behold,
Where Moses and Elijah stand, Your messengers of old.
3 Fulfiller of the past, Promise of things to be,
We hail your body glorified And our redemption see.
4 Before we taste of death, We see your kingdom come;
We long to hold the vision bright And make this hill our home.
5 How good, Lord, to be here! Yet we may not remain;
But since you bid us leave the mount, Come with us to the plain.
The Pre-Sermon Salutation
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ! And grace and peace to you from Him Who is, and Who was, and Who is to come. Amen.
The Sermon Text Matthew 17:1-13
The Message Behind The Mountaintop Experience
after the Sermon, the Congregation will rise for the post-sermon blessing
The Post-Sermon Blessing
Now to Him Who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, to Him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus, throughout all generations, for ever and ever. Amen.
We Offer Our Gifts and Prayers to the Lord
We offer you the following suggestions for providing God with Your thank-offerings through our ministry:
1) Those in the chapel can place their offerings in the offering plates
2) You can send a check (no cash) in the mail to Grace Lutheran Church (415 N. 6th Place, Lowell, AR 72745)
3) Or, go online to our website (www.gracelutherannwa.com) and use the giving option there.
Our Offerings of Love to our Lord
after the offerings are brought forward, the Congregation will rise for
P: Heavenly Father, You revealed Your glory in the transfiguration of Your Son, Who lived among us in the flesh. Through the appearance of Moses and Elijah, You reveal to us that all that the Law and the Prophets teach about our salvation in the Promised Savior have been fulfilled in our Lord Jesus Christ. Please put Your blessing upon pastors and servants everywhere throughout Your Church, so that their preaching and teaching always, clearly expresses a proper understanding of Christ and His redeeming work for our eternal salvation. Lord, in Your mercy, please
C: hear our prayer.
P: Almighty God, bless all that are part of this family of believers here at Grace Lutheran Church. Grant us steadfast faithfulness, humility and patience in our various vocations and activities as we strive daily to love You and our neighbor in all we say, think, and do. Lord, in Your mercy, please
C: hear our prayer.
P: O Lord, bless every family and household in this congregation, so that parents will teach the one, true Christian faith to their children, and that the light of Your forgiveness of all our sins and salvation in Christ might shine forth brightly and consistently from all our households. We especially pray that you would bless Katie and James Boatright as they await the blessing of celebrating the safe and healthy arrival of their newborn son. Also, Lord, thank you for allowing Janice and Steve Davis to celebrate their wedding anniversary tomorrow. We are grateful for the example of marital faithfulness that they continue set for us, and we pray that their love for each other, founded on Your greater love for them, will continue to grow in the years ahead. Lord in Your mercy please,
C: hear our prayer.
P: Lord of the nations, You have established all authority to be agencies through which You bless Your people. Be with all those who have been entrusted with civil authority here and in every place, enabling them to serve You and their constituencies with all wisdom and integrity. Lord, in Your mercy, please,
C: hear our prayer.
P: God of all comfort and love, we ask that You would look with compassion on the sick and suffering, especially our brother and sister, Tim and Diane Pfortmiller; as well as our sister, Carol Ruiz; and our brother, Murray Mansch, so that they might be strengthened by knowing Your peace that surpasses all human understanding, and that they might each receive healing and renewed strength according to Your gracious will. Also, please be near to all who mourn, comforting them with the sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life. Lord, in Your mercy, please,
C: hear our prayer.
P: Merciful God, as You have gathered us, Your people, in fellowship today around Your e Word, please also comfort and encourage all those who are lonely, as well as everyone who is housebound, with Your providential presence and love. Lord, in Your mercy,
C: hear our prayer.
P: Lord God, Heavenly Father, we gratefully remember on this day the glorious manifestation of Your Son’s divinity on the Mount of Transfiguration, both as an encouragement to Him as He pursued His redemptive work for us, and to strengthen the faith of His disciples of all ages….us, included. Enable each us, through Your Holy Spirit’s working in our hearts, to gladly listen to Jesus and to keep our faith every focused on Him and His righteousness, innocent sufferings, death and resurrection, for our forgiveness and salvation. By Your grace and mercy, strengthen us to remain faithful to You in all circumstances of life, from our successes and joys, to our trials and temptations. Preserve the faith that You have implanted in us to the end of our days here on earth, that we might die a blessed death believing in Your only-begotten, beloved Son with Whom You are well pleased. We humbly ask this in the name of that same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord and Savior, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, as the one true God, now and forever. And in Whose name we also join in praying:
Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil; For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
We Leave With The Lord’s Blessing
The Benediction
The LORD bless you and keep you.
The LORD make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you.
The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace. Amen.
The Closing Hymn “Christ’s Majesty Displayed, How Fair!”
(Sung to the melody, “From Heav’n Above To Earth I Come”; cwh 2001)
Christ’s majesty displayed, how fair! A glimpse of what the Church shall share.
His glory on the mount He showed When brighter than the sun, He glowed.
From age to age the Word declares: To Peter, James and John, all there
With Moses and Elijah….He Revealed His heav’nly de — i – ty.
The Father’s voice, from up above Proclaims “This is the Son I love,
With all He does I am well-pleased. Let all unto His wo — rds give heed.”
This radiant Lord, God’s sinless Son, Upon the cross the vict’ry won –
For sinners He His life laid down To earn for us our heav’nly crown.
With shining face and bright array Christ manifests for us today
The glory of His dwelling place Which we’ll enjoy through fai — th, by grace. Amen.