Matthew took an account that affirmed Jesus’ divinity and crafted it into a lesson on the power of faith.

The story of the transfiguration is a story about faith and the insights faith confers.

God’s kingdom is worth the wait, worth the labor and worth the sacrifice.

Jesus knew the same risks we would face, and still taught us to “grow together.”

Matthew’s community struggled to understand why so few believed in Jesus. How was it possible, they wondered, that friends and loved ones heard the same message but did not grasp its implications?

Jesus offers the same yoke that he bears, the saving mission he receives from the Father.

We need to speak Christ’s words in our own voice.

The fearless, risky speech of Jeremiah and Jesus is both an example and a command to the church throughout time.

Jesus’ body was a place of action. In his body, Jesus healed, fed, forgave, called and taught.

As Jesus received direction and strength from his Father, so the disciples receive direction and strength from the risen Christ.