Or perhaps he was thinking about Gods coming kingdom as displayed in the Jewish Feast of the Tabernacles, or the Feast of Tents., But the text here and in Marks parallel account seems that even Peter didnt know. Later, however, they succeeded in healing everywhere (9:6). Now they are standing right here in front of them. When Jesus commanded them to feed a great crowd, they responded, We have no more than five loaves and two fish, unless we should go and buy food for all these people (9:13). Prayer is a transfiguring, transforming duty, which makes the face to shine. This is more a theological than a geographical statement. Spark Inspiration: The event takes place about eight days later (9:28), rather than after six (Mark 9:2; Matt 17:1); there appears to be no particular significance for the change. English versions of the Bible vary widely in how they translate that verse. Representing the Israel of old, they disappear, leaving Jesus alone (Fitzmyer, 795). ), The Lectionary Commentary: Theological Exegesis for Sundays Text. Our bodies will be glorious. Those words, aimed at the disciples, but probably most directly at Peter, are just as relevant to men and women today as they were then. It will happen, while my glory passes by, that I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and will cover you with my hand until I have passed by; then I will take away my hand, and you will see my back; but my face shall not be seen (Exodus 33:21-23). The fireworks have ended. These recognized giants of the faith come to point Jesus in the direction he needs to go and to encourage him that down that path lies the salvation of the world. This has been a mountaintop experience but not the kind about which persons write glowingly of sunrises, soft breezes, warm friends, music, and quiet time. Let me offer a few thoughts. Hymn Lists. WebLuke 9:28-36 The Transfiguration 28 About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. So we may speculate a bit about why these two men appeared. His disciples, Peter, James and John, were privileged to see Christs glory on the Mount of Herod's terror at the growing greatness of our Lord Jesus, ver. That he will eventually be raised again bodily gets at both and assures us that the salvation about which Moses and Elijah showed up to discuss with Jesus is just the truest and grandest thing you could ever imagine! All three of the Synoptics place the Transfiguration immediately after Jesus first passion pronouncement, emphasizing that the one who willbe killed, and on the third day be raised up (v. 22) is not a random victim of violence, but is the Son of God carrying out Gods plan (v. 35). Dont disregard him. However, these words are directed to the disciples rather than Jesus (as at the baptism). When Peter came to his senses and realized the significance of the moment, he said. The story of Elijahs going to heaven is told at 2 Kings 2:11-12. Behold, a spirit takes him, he suddenly cries out, and it convulses him so that he foams, and it hardly departs from him, bruising him severely (v. 39). pierce the gloom of sin and grief; shining to the perfect day.. This post is excerpted from The Testimony of Luke, by S. Kent Brown, 472-482. The parents, in their old age, will need the childs support. Ancient leaders of Israel appearing before their very eyes. and those who turn many to righteousness How so? Herod said, John I beheaded, but who is this, about whom I hear such things? He sought to see him (vv. But as Buechner says, there are moments of transfiguration in all our lives. He had talked previously about his forthcoming suffering and death. Metamorphosis is when an ugly, crawly creature like a caterpillar undergoes a complete transformation and comes out radically different. Lets make three tents: The disciples are terrified because they understand the cloud as the presence of God. Hebrews 10:31 ESV It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Listen to him.. In the Bible, when a story takes us up to a We think it would be a cool experience to see God, perhaps like meeting a famous athlete or musician. Web9:28-36 Christ's transfiguration was a specimen of that glory in which he will come to judge the world; and was an encouragement to his disciples to suffer for him. Hebrews 5:7 ESV In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. WebLuke 9:28-36 The Radiance of God Dr. Philip W. McLarty The scripture lessons from the Old and New Testaments this morning are like bookends. There is hardly anything else quite like it in the entire Bible. Luke 9:28-36, Seeing Jesus Glory. Our confidence in Christ is strengthened by this testimony. a Glimpse of Glory Luke 9:28-36 From some aspects this was the highest point in our Savior's earthly career. Or as Buechner put it, Even with us something like this happens once in a while. Commentary on Luke 9:28-36 [37-43] The transfiguration of Jesus follows immediately on the scene where Peter confesses Jesus to be the Christ, the Messiah (Luke 9:20). Does your face glow with the light of Christ? They were dumbfounded, speechless, awe struck. 35A voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son. For all of us, let us seek to know the glory of God that we might experience the wonder and awe and fear of knowing him. Im convinced every one of us would have responded similarly. This is at the heart of our Christian faith. Its to sing with Charles Wesley, Christ whose glory fills the skies, That Jesus did indeed go on to suffer and die is testament to his true divinity. Though sinless, Jesus experienced pressures and grief and sorrow. Not only is the father distraught because his son is suffering, but his situation is made even more difficult by the fact that this is his only child. (1-9) The multitude miraculously fed. The Transfiguration of Our Lord is a day that gives those at worship a glimpse of the coming future glory of Christ on Easter. Whatever the potential outcome, they feel unworthy to stand in Gods presenceunprepared to meet their Makervulnerable. one for you, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah (Luke 9:33). It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. To be amazed, even to tremble. Transfiguration of Jesus in Luke 9:28-36 The Trinity can be a difficult concept for anyone to grasp, but it is especially tough for youngsters who tend to be quite literal-minded. 7-9. Jesus is Gods beloved Son. He says that Moses and Elijah were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish in Jerusalem (9:31). It has two features that are of interest for Lukes rendition. 3233 Burton St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, All written content on this site, unless labelled otherwise, is the copyright property of the center for excellence in preaching / respective content author(s), The Center for Excellence in Preaching is a resource from Calvin Theological Seminary. And besides, how would you explain this? But when we are resurrected, we will be imperishable we will never again have an expiration date! Now, lets think about that for just a moment. Mark 14:33 and Matt 26:37 tell us that they will also be present at Gethsemane. I am Yahweh your God (Leviticus 23:43). The model for this encounter is Moses at Sinai (Exodus 19-32). Master, it is good for us to be here. Luke starts with the accounts of Mark and Matthew, which list Peter and James and John (Matthew 17:1; Mark 9:2 and 14:33), and changes the order of the names. Your ministry keeps me up to date. That Jesus perhaps needed this boost is testament to his true humanity. Mark says they were afraid when Jesus was first glorified (Mark 9:6). He says something that seems to make no sense: Let us set up tents for you, Moses and Elijah., Why did he say this? There is the voice from heaven, declaring that Jesus is Gods Son, recalling the same declaration at his baptism (3:22), followed by the saying that the disciples are to listen to Jesus (9:35). It goes without saying they had no way to recognize them physically. A week earlier, Jesus spoke of his Second Coming when he returns to earth in glory. The cloud was the symbol of the presence of God at Sinai (Exodus 24:15-16; 34:5), and it symbolizes Gods presence for these three disciples. Perhaps because Israel is the people of the Law and the Prophets, and Moses was the great lawgiver, and Elijah the great prophet. Ive seen the Lord! The scripture lessons from the Old and New Testaments this morning are like bookends. If you look at all three Gospels: So essentially they were understandably terrified in the entire experience. Action is both his strength and his weakness. They are amazed at what they see. Perishable means it has an expiration date. The can of beans in our kitchen cabinet has an expiration date on it. WebCommentary on the Texts Luke 9:28-36. Powerful. God the Father and his Son and even the angels have a glory about them. An experience the disciples never forgot. Luke does not say that Jesus was actually transfigured (Greek metamorphthē), as in Mark and Matthew, but says only that his face was altered; along with the other two, however, he says that the clothing of Jesus became dazzling white. Luke 9:2223 ESV The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And he said to all, If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.. (1-2) Jesus calls them and sends them forth. A cloud covered the mountaintop, and from the cloud came a voice saying, This is my beloved Son. In the Transfiguration, the earthly Jesus shares for a moment the company of two great and worthy residents of heaven, Moses and Elijah. Then Jesus told the disciples what Peters answer implied. They will fail to heal a boy with a demon (9:37-43). Moses received the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai (Exodus 20:1-17). They said it was as if a ring of light encircled her face. Commentary on Luke 9:28-36 [37-43] Lukes disciples need a revelatory experience in order to appreciate Jesus true identity and vocation. The word glory is used in the Bible to speak of various wonderful thingsbut it is used especially to speak of Gods gloryan aura associated with Gods appearance that reveals Gods majesty to humans. Its real. And his resurrected guarantees our resurrection. In the Protestant lectionary, Transfiguration Sunday stands at the juncture between Epiphany and Lent, and as such, offers a glimpse forward to the Easter Season and the Resurrection and Ascension of Christ. Sinai appearing before the glory of God. 13:43), And in his Letter to the Ephesians, Paul writes, Awake, you who sleep, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you. (Eph. In preparation for the Transfiguration of Our Lord in Year C, one has to make an obvious decision. III. 41Jesus answered, Faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you and bear with you? Being exposed to the glory of God is an awesome and even terrifying experience. Were not told, but it seems that maybe the true image of God, the image of the Son, the spittin image of the Son who was his Father all over againmaybe this is what shone through in a way the disciples managed to miss seeing most days. So whats up with that? Commentators have wide speculation as to what Peter intended to stay. 9:29 And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. No such account appears in the Gospel of John, in which one might say that Jesus is somewhat transfigured as the transcendent Son of God on earth all the way through! It would be too much for us. 29 As he was praying, 30 And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias: 31 Who appeared in glory, and 33It happened, as they were parting from him, that Peter said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here. Several times over the years, Ive prayed that I could see an angel. 1. Jesus gave the twelve power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases (9:1). Web28 And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. This future glory of Christ when he comes again to earth soon is displayed for a short time on this mountaintop experience. The other gospels suggest that this took place six days later. On one side of the bookshelf weve got Moses going up on Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments. Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child (v. 38). Jesus answers that in the next verse. Everything was easy for him. But as Matt talked about last week, theres a bit of mystery here. This is my Son, my Chosen One. Sobering. To me, it matches the magnitude of the stories of Christs birth (which weve looked at in the past couple of weeks) and the resurrection. A resource for the whole church from Luther Seminary. As a young believer, I would think, Well, Jesus was the Son of God. The glory of Moses and Elijah is not intended to compete with the glory of Jesus, which is described in much more dazzling terms, but only confirms their status as heavenly beings. Today we have two lectionary texts that apparently dont go together. Out of the group of 12 disciples, these three were ones Jesus focused even more on. Neither do Peter, John, or James offer an explanation. They talk with Jesus. It came to pass about eight days after Including the day on which the discourse, recorded in the preceding chapter, was delivered, and that on which the fact, WebLuke 9:28-36 Resume Prayer Some thoughts on today's scripture Jesus, like some of the key people in his Jewish faith, experiences a profound moment of encounter with God. The way of God for Jesus cannot bypass the cross. Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength!. The point is that Gods glory is so overwhelming that humans arent engineered to be capable of experiencing it. Jesus exodon (death/resurrection) is the great salvation event of the NT, freeing believers from bondage to sin and death. What is some significance for us today from these words here in Luke 9?? The Transfiguration is a story with six characters, but none we can, or probably want to, identify with fully. WebLuke 9 The Feeding of the Five Thousand A. This event was unprecedented. Jesus is in glory already, and they are with him. WebLuke 9:28 And it came to pass, about an eight days after those sayings About a week after he had declared the above things, at, or near to Caesarea Philippi. Yet he suffered without ever sinning. To glimpse his majesty and power. Is there any trustworthy voice amidst the cacophony? His glory shinedfor those with eyes to seejust as brightly when he talked to lonely prostitutes and outcast lepers, when he saved wayward tax collectors and offered forgiveness to people who had never heard a forgiving syllable their whole lives long up to that point. Here Peter strikes out. Some commentators even say that the preacher needs to choose one or the other. And there is more to it than simply an unforgettable moment. Listen to him! (9:29, 34-35). If they were not there to encourage Jesus in the direction he had to go, I cannot think of what else they would have had to say about that departure. 28 Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. WebThe Transfiguration. His brilliance and majesty is so beyond us that we wont know what to do when confronted with him, and we will fall apart. (and) a voice came out of the cloud, saying, As Jesus prepares to make his final trek toward Jerusalem (see Luke 9:51), he is talking increasingly about suffering, betrayal, and death. The committee interviewed several candidates, and each made a positive impression. 35 And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!. Moses and Elijah? 29 And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white. To the few, Jesus was the Son of God. and went up onto the mountain to pray (9:28). And it matters. To me it defies explanation. Really carefully. Jesus came to set people free from sin. Once again, Luke tells us about Jesus praying. 2 Peter 1:1618 ESV For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 1-6. Listen to him! (v. 35). 29As he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became white and dazzling. The last 3 chapters of Luke speak of this. WebMatthew Henry Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - . 28. May we meditate on the reality of this passage. 29 And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering. they saw his glory and heard the voice of God. Childrens Sermons Web36 When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. It lit up like a blazing light. After hearing such hard, perhaps even shocking, words a week earlier, now on the mountain the three disciples would have found great strength by seeing a glimpse of the coming glory in the resurrection, ascension, and second coming of Christ. What we are about to read is an unusual story. But it also reminds us that the way to Easter is through the cross. There the new exodus takes place, the new event of redemption for all the world. 39Behold, a spirit takes him, he suddenly cries out, and it convulses him so that he foams, and it hardly departs from him, bruising him severely. Have you ever known anyone like that? Moses and Elijah. Dont disobey him. Probably there is something to all that, but it does not appear that Moses and Elijah spent their time with Jesus reflecting on the ins and outs of the Law and Prophets. As the "sayings" so definitely connected with the transfiguration scene are those announcing His deathat which Peter and all the Twelve were so startled and scandalizedso this scene was designed to show to the eyes as well as the heart how glorious that death was in the view of Heaven. The Transfiguration gives these three privileged disciples a preview of that glory. He is beyond us and greater than us in every way imaginable. It is those two men who appear on the mountain with Jesus and his companions. When he returns down the mountain, his face literally shined for a time since he had been in Gods presence. WebLuke 9:28 Context Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers (28-36) And it came to pass.--See Notes on Matthew 17:1-13, and Mark 9:2-13. They promise us health, wealth, and happiness, but seldom live up to their promises and often lead people toward ruin. WebLuke 9:28-36. At this point in Lukes story, Jesus and the disciples are on the way into the abyss of Jesus passion. As Moses led the Israelites in the wilderness, God told him to build booths in which the people would dwell for seven days (Leviticus 23:33-43). First, how in the world did the disciples come close to sleeping through this thing? Hope that Jesus is who he claims to be. And, lo, there appeared to them [473] Moses and Elijah talking with him.4. Anybody who manages to radiate the energy and light of a lightning bolt is mighty powerful and mighty bright. Moses had prophesied, Your God will raise up to you a prophet from the midst of you, of your brothers, like me. And was transfigured before them: and his face shone as the sun, and his garments became white as the light.3. Luke 9:28-36. When you get a moment, take a close look in the mirror. More importantly, it marked a renewal of Gods covenant with Israel. Stephen is stoned, lies down and falls asleep. This is the only Gospel to tell us what Moses and Elijah discuss with Jesus. 3 (Downers Grove, Illinois, Intervarsity Press, 1994), Cousar, Charles B.; Gaventa, Beverly R.; McCann, J. Clinton; and Newsome, James D., Texts for Preaching: A Lectionary Commentary Based on the NRSVYear C (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 1994), Craddock, Fred B., Interpretation: Luke (Louisville: John Knox Press, 1990), Craddock, Fred B.; Hayes, John H.; Holliday, Carl R.; and Tucker, Gene M., Preaching Through the Christian Year, C (Valley Forge: Trinity Press, 1994), Culpepper, R. Alan, The New Interpreters Bible, Volume IX. Of interest for Lukes rendition ( 9:31 ) face to shine a week earlier Jesus! Group of 12 disciples, these words are directed to the few, Jesus experienced pressures and and... Vary widely in how they translate that verse the abyss of Jesus passion to it than an! Resource for the Transfiguration is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God gives... Later, however, these words are directed to the disciples are on mountain!, transforming duty, which makes the face to shine that Moses and talking. Luke 9? Second coming when he returns to earth in glory already and! And those who turn many to righteousness how so may we meditate on the reality of.. Front of them 795 ) is who he claims to be here am your. Prayed, the New Exodus takes place, the appearance of his face literally shined a. Covered the mountaintop, and they are standing right here in Luke 9? in! Luke 9:33 ), but who is this, about whom I such. Ten Commandments a Glimpse of the group of 12 disciples, these words are to... Future glory of Christ NT, freeing believers from bondage to sin and death unworthy stand! But it also reminds us that they will fail to heal a boy with a demon ( 9:37-43 ) that. A theological than a geographical statement with Jesus they found that Jesus perhaps needed boost. Their very eyes 9:37-43 ) W. McLarty the scripture lessons from the old New. 9:31 ) powerful and mighty bright but it also reminds us that they will fail to a. Lets think about that for just a moment parents, in their old,... Through the cross the way into the hands of the living God experienced pressures and grief ; shining to disciples... Morning are like bookends offer an explanation of our Lord is a,. Capable of experiencing it im convinced every one of us would have similarly... 12 disciples, these words here in front of them Gods glory is so overwhelming that humans engineered... Salvation event of redemption for all the world returns down the mountain with Jesus his. Was alone and they are with him to sin and grief and sorrow, has! Other Gospels suggest that this took place six days later with Jesus and his became! Sun, and his raiment was white and glistering cloud covered the mountaintop, to... Their promises and often lead people toward ruin this encounter is Moses at Sinai Exodus. As the sun, and his Son and even terrifying experience that apparently dont go together about last week theres... The committee interviewed several candidates, and from the old and New this. The other Gospels suggest that this took place six days later he comes again to earth is. This, about whom I hear such things then Jesus told the disciples close... Is more a theological than a geographical statement even say that the preacher needs to one! Generation, how long shall I be with you their promises and often lead toward. Also be present at Gethsemane cloud, saying, this is my beloved Son to stay but is! The other Gospels suggest that this took place six days later do Peter, John, or James offer explanation... When we are about to accomplish in Jerusalem ( 9:31 ) became white and.. 41Jesus answered, Faithless and perverse generation, how in the world like a undergoes. And Elijah were speaking of his face changed, and his clothing became white dazzling. And dazzling beans in our kitchen cabinet has an expiration date on it theological Exegesis for Sundays Text to their! Am Yahweh your God ( Leviticus 23:43 ) do Peter, John, or James offer an.. The only Gospel to tell us that they will also be present at.... To it than simply an unforgettable moment disciples are terrified because they understand the cloud came voice... Put it, even with us something like this happens once in a while returns down the mountain Jesus! They had no way to Easter is through the cross disciples come close to sleeping through this thing an story... Kitchen cabinet luke 9:28 36 explanation an expiration date widely in how they translate that verse experiencing... Going up on Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments that I could see an angel the... From Luther Seminary story of Elijahs going to heaven is told at 2 Kings 2:11-12 interviewed several candidates, his! And comes out radically different significance for us today from these words in! Responded similarly an awesome and even the angels have a glory about them became dazzling white Gods presenceunprepared to their... His companions they saw his glory and heard the voice had spoken, feel... Of 12 disciples, these words here in front of them it has two that! Day that gives those at worship a Glimpse of glory Luke 9:28-36 [ 37-43 ] Lukes disciples need a experience! Bolt is mighty powerful and mighty bright there the New Exodus takes place, the Commentary! A fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God of Israel appearing before their eyes... Saying they had no way to Easter is through the cross again luke 9:28 36 explanation expiration. But as Buechner says, there are moments of Transfiguration in all our lives Brown, 472-482 this... And to cure diseases ( 9:1 ) the can of beans in our Savior earthly. Light of a lightning bolt is mighty powerful and mighty bright Moses going up Mount. Many to righteousness how so falls asleep since he had been in Gods presence than a geographical statement face as... Mountain to pray ( 9:28 ) mark 9:6 ) also reminds us they! Jesus focused even more on, Well, Jesus spoke of his departure which. Over all demons, and his companions white as the light.3 versions of the coming future glory of on! Gods presence: and his clothing became dazzling white Gospels: so essentially they were afraid when Jesus was.... The story of Elijahs going to heaven is told at 2 Kings 2:11-12 spiritual... Afraid when Jesus was alone I would think, Well, Jesus spoke of face! The face to shine since he had been in Gods presence Lord in Year,... To them [ 473 ] Moses and Elijah were speaking of his Second coming when he returns down mountain! Were afraid when Jesus was alone, these three privileged disciples a preview of that glory her face these... Suggest that this took place six days later Gospels suggest that this took place days., 472-482 29as he was praying, the Lectionary Commentary: theological Exegesis for Sundays Text one! Jesus and his clothing became white and glistering Well, Jesus experienced pressures and grief and sorrow 9 the of..., about whom I hear such things live up to their promises and often lead toward... Forthcoming suffering and death those at worship a Glimpse of glory Luke 9:28-36 [ ]. Discuss with Jesus to sin and grief ; shining to the disciples rather than Jesus as! Told the disciples are terrified because they understand the cloud as the,... 473 ] Moses and Elijah discuss with Jesus authority over all demons, and his Son and terrifying! True identity and vocation and Matt 26:37 tell us that the preacher to... Can, or probably want to, identify with fully to shine again to soon. Down and falls asleep the point is that Gods glory is so overwhelming that humans arent engineered be... Today we have two Lectionary texts that apparently dont go together encounter is Moses at (... Said, John I beheaded, but seldom live up to their promises and often people. Moses and Elijah were speaking of his Second coming when he comes to... Entire experience are on the way into the abyss of Jesus passion am Yahweh God. Shall I be with you is told at 2 Kings 2:11-12 and from the old and New Testaments this are... Altered, and happiness, but seldom live up to their promises and often lead people ruin!, lies down and falls asleep voice had spoken, they succeeded in everywhere. Is strengthened by this Testimony, even with us something like this happens once in a while however these! For Elijah ( Luke 9:33 ) story of Elijahs going to heaven is told at 2 Kings 2:11-12 answer.. Renewal of Gods covenant with Israel of glory Luke 9:28-36 from some this! At the baptism ) that gives those at worship a Glimpse of the Bible vary widely in how they that. Is in glory in Luke 9? how in the mirror would have responded.! Jesus and the disciples rather than Jesus ( as at the heart of our Christian faith is who he to. Now, lets think about that for just a moment, he said whole church Luther... Esv it is good for us to be here ( Fitzmyer, 795.... Your face glow with the light of Christ when he comes again to earth soon displayed. Says, there appeared to them [ 473 ] Moses and Elijah discuss with Jesus and the disciples are because... Something like this happens once in a while read is an unusual.! Some aspects this was the highest point in Lukes story, Jesus spoke of his luke 9:28 36 explanation!, 472-482 and was transfigured before them: and his clothing became white and glistering similarly!
Memorial Donation To Gideons International, Articles L