February 10, 2002

Matthew 17:1-9

Six days later, three of them saw [the Son of Man in kingdom] glory. Jesus took Peter and the brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain. His appearance changed from the inside out, right before their eyes. Sunlight poured from his face. His clothes were filled with light. Then they realized that Moses and Elijah were also there in deep conversation with him.

Peter broke in, "Master, this is a great moment! What would you think if I built three memorials here on the mountain--one for you, one for Moses, one for Elijah?"

While he was going on like this, babbling, a light-radiant cloud enveloped them, and sounding from deep in the cloud a voice: "This is my Son, marked by my love, focus of my delight. Listen to him."

When the disciples heard it, they fell flat on their faces, scared to death. But Jesus came over and touched them. "Don't be afraid." When they opened their eyes and looked around all they saw was Jesus, only Jesus.

Coming down the mountain, Jesus swore them to secrecy. "Don't breathe a word of what you've seen. After the Son of Man is raised from the dead, you are free to talk."

<The Message >

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1. Contrast Mary treasuring great moments in her heart and Peter talking about building memorials. How do you deal with extra-ordinary events in your life? Are you a treasurer or a monumentalist?

2. Have you ever been the focus of delight?

If yes -- when, where, of whom? How long did that last? For a while, from then to now? What would you give to be so focused on again?

If no -- how do you think it would be for you to have delight focused on you? Scary, delightful? Are you currently working toward or away from being so focused upon?

3. Have you ever focused your delight on another?

If yes -- when, where, on whom? How long were you able to focus? For a few minutes, for a day, a year, since then? What keeps you from so focusing again?

If no -- what do you imagine would happen to you or another if you were to focus your delight upon them? Would it destroy you both, complete you both? How close are you to attempting to focus your delight on another?

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