The meaning of transfiguration
Children's sermon
Object:
a glass of water and an Alka-Seltzer tablet
Good morning, boys and girls. Today is a special day in the church year, called the Transfiguration of the Lord. Does anyone know what the word transfiguration means? (let them answer) It is a big word!
Let me show you something special. I have a glass of water here. It's the kind you and I drink everyday. I'm going to take this glass of water in one hand and drop a tablet into it with the other hand. Let's watch and see what happens. (drop in the Alka-Seltzer and watch it fizz) What do you think? Is our glass of water sparkling now? (let them answer)
If you think this is sparkling, you should have seen Jesus on the day of the Transfiguration. Jesus asked three disciples, Peter, James, and John to climb a mountain with him. As they got to the top of the mountain things began to happen. First, the disciples noticed that Jesus' face was as bright as the sun. Then, his clothes became dazzling white. I think the word dazzling means there were almost sparks flying from his clothes. And then, Peter, James, and John saw the living bodies of Moses and Elijah, the great leader and prophet. It was amazing and Jesus was talking with them like they were old friends. Although he could hardly speak, Peter went to Jesus and asked if the disciples could build a place for them to stay on the mountain.
The Bible says that while Peter was still talking, a bright cloud came over them and from the cloud came a big voice. The voice said, "This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!" Can you imagine the fear that the three disciples felt? (let them answer) They were so afraid that they fell to the ground and covered their heads and faces. Then Jesus came to them and said, "Get up and do not be afraid." When they looked up they saw no one but Jesus. There was no Moses, no Elijah, and no big cloud with a large voice.
There was no doubt in the mind of Peter, James, and John that they had been in the presence of God. It was God's voice, which called Jesus the Son. It was God's voice that spoke of how pleased he was with Jesus. This was truly a special day.
The next time you hear the word transfiguration, try to remember that it was a day when Jesus was changed into a brilliant white light that some called dazzling. It was also the day that God spoke and said how pleased he was with his Son.
Let me show you something special. I have a glass of water here. It's the kind you and I drink everyday. I'm going to take this glass of water in one hand and drop a tablet into it with the other hand. Let's watch and see what happens. (drop in the Alka-Seltzer and watch it fizz) What do you think? Is our glass of water sparkling now? (let them answer)
If you think this is sparkling, you should have seen Jesus on the day of the Transfiguration. Jesus asked three disciples, Peter, James, and John to climb a mountain with him. As they got to the top of the mountain things began to happen. First, the disciples noticed that Jesus' face was as bright as the sun. Then, his clothes became dazzling white. I think the word dazzling means there were almost sparks flying from his clothes. And then, Peter, James, and John saw the living bodies of Moses and Elijah, the great leader and prophet. It was amazing and Jesus was talking with them like they were old friends. Although he could hardly speak, Peter went to Jesus and asked if the disciples could build a place for them to stay on the mountain.
The Bible says that while Peter was still talking, a bright cloud came over them and from the cloud came a big voice. The voice said, "This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!" Can you imagine the fear that the three disciples felt? (let them answer) They were so afraid that they fell to the ground and covered their heads and faces. Then Jesus came to them and said, "Get up and do not be afraid." When they looked up they saw no one but Jesus. There was no Moses, no Elijah, and no big cloud with a large voice.
There was no doubt in the mind of Peter, James, and John that they had been in the presence of God. It was God's voice, which called Jesus the Son. It was God's voice that spoke of how pleased he was with Jesus. This was truly a special day.
The next time you hear the word transfiguration, try to remember that it was a day when Jesus was changed into a brilliant white light that some called dazzling. It was also the day that God spoke and said how pleased he was with his Son.
