Jesus: the first transformer!
Artist Carl Heinrich Block depicts the transfiguration of Jesus – a moment that propelled his followers to become transformers.
Jesus’ transforming journey invites us to our own transformation. When we follow his Way, we, too, become transformers. God transforms us through daily acts of love, kindness and justice — seasoned with a big dose of humility before our Creator. Working through our transformed selves, God transforms the world around us.
Don’t feel confident about that? No worries. God can even work through our in-the-process-of-becoming-transformed selves. Even our not-yet-transformed selves!
Such love the Creator has for us! At PEACE Lutheran Church, we pray for God’s transforming love in our lives every day. We are eager to share with you God’s love and the work of transforming our world. (Read more about today’s lesson below.)
Today’s Bible readings: Exodus 24:12-18; Psalm 2; 2 Peter 1:16-21; Matthew 17:1-9. Read them here.
The Rev. Eileen Smith Le Van preaches today.
Happening at PEACE
- VIA Christ – Vibrancy in Action Through Christ is an initiative at PEACE to help us renew our commitment to mission and outreach. With God’s help, we live out our faith, together and with others. Meet with us at 9:45 a.m. TODAY, between worship services. We welcome your support and participation!
- Ash Wednesday – Lent starts Wednesday, March 1. Start your transforming journey with a service of reflection and prayer, then receive the mark of ashes on your forehead. They symbolize our humble desire for God’s forgiveness. Services at 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. Wednesday.
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“The King of Kings” – Cecil B. DeMille’s classic silent film depicts the life and passion of Jesus.
“The King of Kings” – 4 p.m. Sunday, March 5 – Free! Enjoy this silent film classic the way it was originally intended: with live music! Director Cecil B. DeMille’s story of the life of Jesus comes to our Sanctuary with the stirring organ performance of our very own Walt Strony. Did you know: Walt is one of the nation’s foremost performers of theater organ (the type used to accompany silent films).
- Lenten Prayer Breakfast – 8-10 a.m. Wednesday, March 22, in the Fellowship Center. $10. Continental breakfast followed by a Prayer Service. Pastor Jason Bense will share information about “Declaration on the Way,” a document that describes the ways areas in which Lutherans and Roman Catholics agree on matters of faith. Registration forms and a sign-up are in the Atrium. For more information, contact Brian Smith at rfd177@gmail.com
- Coming Up – See the PEACE calendar of events.
Adult Bible Study
The Adult Forum meets in the Old Fellowship Hall at 10 a.m. Pastor Eileen leads. Stop in the Fellowship Center around the corner to pick up coffee & baked goods!
Sunday School
Meet at 9:45 a.m. in the Youth Room downstairs. Young people of all ages are welcome!
Youth @ PEACE is our all-ages Bible study, where young disciples learn the core stories of our faith and what it means to walk the Jesus Path. This winter, we are learning about the life of Jesus (he was a kid, too). We welcome all who yearn to learn more about our loving, gracious Creator!
Bring your questions, doubts and challenges to God, the Bible and the Church – they are welcome here!
Bible memory verses: Kids can earn Bible Bucks for verses they memorize and redeem them for cool prizes! Our goal is for young people to bring God’s word deep into their hearts, supporting a lifetime of faith.
Toddler Time – God welcomes even the tiniest of disciples. Toddler Time is for all children from babies to 4 years old. Parents are welcome to stay and participate, or leave their little ones and attend Adult Forum. We start out with music in our all-ages Sunday School opening at 9:45 a.m., downstairs in the Youth Room. Then, parents and tots head upstairs to the Nursery. Our 45-minute “Frolic” curriculum is fun for children and parents. Call Youth & Outreach Coordinator Trina Kleist at (530) 575-6132 to learn more.
MORE ABOUT TODAY’S LESSON
Today is “Transfiguration Sunday.” This title refers to an event we’ll read in today’s Gospel: Jesus leads his closest followers up onto a tall mountain (probably Mount Tabor). There, his followers see Jesus filled with a dazzling light. Suddenly, two of the most important figures in Jewish history – the Exodus leader Moses and Israel’s prophet Elijah – appear with Jesus, and the three of them have a chat. Just as suddenly, the whole scene snaps back to normal.
“Jesus was transfigured before them.” – Matthew 17:2
Jesus’ followers hear a voice: “This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” Very similar to what they heard when Jesus was baptized, at the beginning of his ministry.
Now, Jesus is in the late stages of his three-year ministerial journey. He saw Jerusalem, his suffering and crucifixion on the horizon. His own followers didn’t understand it, but they also were on a journey.
The word “transfigure” in this sense means “a complete change of form or appearance into a more beautiful or spiritual state.” When Jesus’ followers saw him transfigured, they took a big step on their own transforming journey. They saw that their long tradition of faith, embodied in Moses (the Law) and Elijah (the Prophets) led to this Jesus, the Messiah, God’s Anointed One.
Soon, they would become transformers themselves, their faith sparking an exciting new movement that changed the world.