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In touch

Up-to-the-minute jumping-off points for sermons, linking the reading to the latest news and global issues.

A light shining in a dark place (2 Peter 1:16-21)

Context

‘I was there’ is not good news at the moment. The release of documents related to the late Jeffrey Epstein name the wealthy and powerful ‘elites’ to whom he is supposed to have given money and favours. Politicians, royalty and wealthy people in industry have issued denials about being part of Epstein’s abuse of women and girls. Association with sleaze, corruption and criminality is ‘sticky’ and nobody wants it on them. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s top aides have resigned because of it. Nobody wants to say ‘I was there’ because it leads to shame and downfall.

By complete contrast, St Peter joyfully tells us ‘I was there’ at the revelation of Jesus’ nature and God’s purposes in the story of the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-9; 2 Peter 1:16-21). It is a story of breakthrough, a completely different kind of witness. Peter wants everyone to know that he was there to see the doxa, the radiance of God’s glory, as Jesus is confirmed as the beloved Son. Jesus’ truth leads to hope and salvation.

 

Reflection

As documents get reported in the press and pored over by social media, we hear how dark God’s world can become in the hands of the wicked who think they are beyond accountability and justice. At the heart of the Epstein affair are the many untold stories of women and girls, treated like commodities to be served like cocktails, and tossed aside like empty glasses.

So we need the breakthrough brightness of the Transfiguration more than ever today, not just to see Jesus as a shining counterpoint to the mire of sin wielded by the powerful, but as a way of describing truth and hope. Jesus fulfills the Law and prophecies of Moses and Elijah in a completely unexpected way: not by joining the power struggles of the great elites, but by raising up the voiceless, the powerless and the hurt. The disciples have to learn this and do so by literally seeing Jesus in a different light, confirmed as the Son of God. We need to be there too in this light in the darkness, when we wonder how to respond to human evil.

 

Ideas for a sermon, talk or conversation

What should we do about a ‘shameful’ past? We might cover it up or lie about it, especially if it could cost us our job, or even life. Even Peter lied about his association with Jesus, and he knew Jesus was the Son of God (Luke 22:54-62)! Why is it necessary to witness to the truth no matter the cost?  And why is it so hard for people in power?

 

Questions for discussion

• ‘I was there!’ – what event would you want to talk about?
• What do you think the disciples talked about after Jesus was transfigured?
• How does our faith in Jesus help us cope with stories of evil-doing in current affairs?

Dr Anne Richards is part of the National Public Policy Team at the Church of England, focusing on modern society, popular culture, contemporary spirituality and apologetics.

 

Check-in

Connecting faith with everyday, real-life issues for young people

After the Super Bowl halftime show, many Christians took to social media to share strong reactions to Bad Bunny’s performance. For some, the style, music, or cultural expression felt uncomfortable, and the backlash was loud and immediate. Moments like this invite an important question: How are Christians called to respond when culture challenges or confuses us?

It’s okay to have personal boundaries. Not every form of music or performance will line up with our values. But our faith calls us to consider not only what we believe, but how we respond. Jesus never told us to agree with everyone; He told us to love everyone.

Bad Bunny’s performance reflects a specific culture and identity. For many, it was an expression of creativity and heritage. When our first response is criticism or dismissal, we may miss an opportunity to listen, learn, and reflect Christ’s love.

Jesus consistently chose compassion over condemnation. He met people where they were, not where others thought they should be. As His followers, we are called to engage with the world thoughtfully, not fearfully and with humility rather than outrage.

In a world where backlash spreads fast, choosing grace is countercultural. And sometimes, that’s exactly what following Jesus looks like.

 

Questions

• What was your initial reaction to the backlash around the halftime show?
• How can we hold personal convictions without judging others?
• What can Jesus’ example teach us about engaging with cultures or styles we don’t understand?
• Why do you think it’s easier to criticize unfamiliar things than to listen?
• What does it mean to be “in the world but not of the world” when it comes to pop culture?
• How can Christians show love even when they disagree?
• How can your response to cultural moments point people toward Jesus?

Emmanuel Chiweshe is an associate leader for Reach Nottingham, a multi-site church.

 

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