WebLuke 9:28-36. These convulsions demonstrate graphically the problem that the father has described. Luke says, his clothing became white and dazzling It is useful. We can go home today and live for Jesus and work for him because its all true. They are represented in this episode (as) foils to Jesus. He says that Moses and Elijah were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish in Jerusalem (9:31). Yet as Matt spoke of last week, he not only was 100% divine, he was 100% human with the frailties of humanity. Commentary on Luke 9:28-36 [37-43] Lukes disciples need a revelatory experience in order to appreciate Jesus true identity and vocation. Clearly, he was bathed in the light of Gods presence. But that is not to be. WebLuke 9:28-36. If you look at all three Gospels: So essentially they were understandably terrified in the entire experience. It is absolutely overwhelming to us mere mortals on earth. If we do not know Jesus, we should turn to him. Marks Gospel says six days, and we are not sure why Luke changes it to eight. To be glorified here on the mountain, and to talk about his coming suffering in Jerusalem may have given the Lord Jesus strength for his days ahead strength facing this unimaginable human suffering. WebThe gospel in Luke 9:28-36 is a reminder that Jesus in His divinity still goes through a lot of trials to save us. 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. Both incidents: (1) occur on a mountain (2) involve Moses (3) have God speaking from a cloud (4) speak of the glory of the Lord and (5) inspire fear. In his prayerful agony, as he felt the weight of his impending suffering on the Cross, Jesus sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. The way of God for Jesus cannot bypass the cross. Then Jesus told the disciples what Peters answer implied. They were silent, and told no one in those days any of the things which they had seen (v. 36b). Copyright 2007, Philip McLarty. Luke 9:28-36 The Transfiguration: The Coming Glory Metamorphosis. 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. (18-27) The transfiguration. A cool one. That means there truly is life after the grave. But the disciples seem lost in a fog of cluelessness. As he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became white and dazzling (v. 29). An experience the disciples never forgot. As a young believer, I would think, Well, Jesus was the Son of God. 28. 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. 37It happened on the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, that a great multitude met him. 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. But in our smallness, we think God might be like us but only a little better. as the stars forever and ever (Daniel 12:3). 7-9). This is such an unusual moment. Jesus was crucified on Mount Calvary and ascended into heaven from the Mount of Olives. It took a bit, apparently, before they even fully woke up (and then saw something so odd they must have wondered if they were not, in fact, still asleep and seeing a dream). Our confidence in Christ is strengthened by this testimony. This, however, also seems unlikely.). They were to do this that your generations may know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in booths, when I brought them out of the land of Egypt. The temple was constructed on Mount Zion. 18-20)and that they will also suffer and die (vv. Simply he may have not wanted the experience to end. The disciples are terrified because they understand the cloud as the presence of God. And it speaks to us what Christ did a few months later in his death, resurrection, and ascension into heaven. Luke 9:28-36 These events in Luke 9 take place about six months before the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. At least 9 times that I could find in this Gospel. WebLuke 9:28-36: Transfiguration. Luke says, he intently set his face to go to Jerusalem. (9:51). A few years ago, I had an elder in my church whod disappear every two or three months. The story of Elijahs going to heaven is told at 2 Kings 2:11-12. We are so familiar with Lincoln that we recognize even his silhouetted profile in an instant. Luke says they were afraid when the cloud came upon them (Luke 9:34). Its easy to find a time-lapse video of this strange looking caterpillar forming a chrysalis, and then a couple weeks later opening up to display this butterfly. This is my beloved Son. Luke helps us to know that proclaiming the good 9:30 Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. For this section, compare Matt. Mark says they were afraid when Jesus was first glorified (Mark 9:6). from doing this; but my feet. There will be a time to speak, but they are not yet ready for the witness that they will bear a few weeks later in Jerusalem (Acts 1-2). The contrast between the mountaintop and the base of the mountain could not be sharper. Though this story in Luke 9 is quite unusual, even strange, it is a story that builds hope in us. Jesus glorified like the sun. They were dumbfounded, speechless, awe struck. In the preceding section, Jesus was with the larger group of disciples. Jesus is preparing His disciples and telling them that it is necessary for the Son of Man to suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and be killed and then raised up on the third day. This moment had a huge impact on his faith, strengthening his confidence that Jesus truly was the Christ sent from heaven. Mark 9:6 says, he did not know what to say, for they were terrified., We might say he was out of his mind. Some of us might relate to this. (1-2) Jesus calls them and sends them forth. For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased, we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain. Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness; tremble before him, all the earth! Representing the Israel of old, they disappear, leaving Jesus alone (Fitzmyer, 795). Its weighing heavily on his mind. She lit up the room, and we all knew that this was the person we were looking for.. That Jesus perhaps needed this boost is testament to his true humanity. The tradition that this mountain was Tabor is generally abandoned, and Mount Hermon is commonly supposed to have been the scene of the transfiguration. WebThe Transfiguration. The prophecy of the Old Testament is realized in the presence of Moses and Elijah. First, how in the world did the disciples come close to sleeping through this thing? Does the radiance of God sparkle in your eyes? Perhaps intimidating. Prayer is a Earlier in this chapter, Herod, hearing of the great works that Jesus was doing, was very perplexed, because it was said by some that John had risen from the dead, and by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the old prophets had risen again. WebLuke 9:28-36, (37-43) Good Morning Our God Pause thought for this Transfiguration Sunday is Transformation we spend a moment contemplating what this word means in our lives how Lukes account tells of the radical revelation of a mountaintop experience which is interrupted by reality. 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. The clearest example is his prayerful agony in the Garden of Gethsemane. For though he is glorious and transcendent, he is tender and merciful, and he longs to save our souls through his Son, Jesus. Commentary on Exodus 34:29-35. Luke 9:28-36. Its not what I expected to hear the Father say! Perhaps an analogy to explain this is that to see a bolt of lightning strike the earth a mile away and to hear the rumbling thunder is one experience. The glory was there. The disciples will also have a problem with sleep at the Mount of Olives (22:45). 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. This is my Son, my Chosen One. This passage is traditionally know as the Transfiguration, from the Greek term used by both Mark and Matthew to describe what happened to Jesus (metemorphotha, Mk 9:2-8, Mt 17:1-8).Since this term as adopted into English often carries connotations of a permanent and radical alteration, as in the It happened about eight days after these sayings (v. 28a). Peter will deny Jesus (22:54-62). 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.. Action is both his strength and his weakness. And Terrifying. When I was out in Odessa, we decided to call an associate pastor. The last 3 chapters of Luke speak of this. But when we are resurrected, we will be imperishable we will never again have an expiration date! 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, We have here the narrative of Christ's transfiguration, which was designed for a specimen of that glory of his in which he will come to judge the world, of which he had lately been speaking, and, consequently, an encouragement to his disciples to suffer for him, and never to be The Third Readings: The Gospels (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2001), Fitzmyer, Joseph A., S.J., The Anchor Bible: The Gospel According to Luke I-IX (New York: Doubleday, 1970), Gilmour, S. MacLean & Knox, John, The Interpreters Bible, Volume 8. 30 And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias: 31 Who appeared in glory, and How so? This is not an issue of cowardice. Jesus has told them that he will suffer and die (vv. WebChrist shares Gods glory. We listen to so many voices today, all of which seem wise and attractivepundits, columnists, commentators, political analysts, religious gurus, celebrities, tempters, seducers. Metamorphosis is when an ugly, crawly creature like a caterpillar undergoes a complete transformation and comes out radically different. There are many people who regret not listening to Jesus. 29. The Jewish people expect Moses and Elijah to return to usher in the messianic era. At the conclusion of his splendid chapter on the resurrection of Christ and the resurrection of our bodies, Paul magnificently concludes: 1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. Yet we are told that for a time during this epiphany of glory, the disciples were sleepy! In a few minutes, well talk more about WHY this all happened. Moses and Elijah spoke of (Jesus) departure (Greek: exodon), which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem (v. 31). And I do not fault them at all. As such, it brings to an end the first major portion of the church year. Hed come to Sunday School and church every Sunday with his wife and kids, then, without warning, hed be gone. Here we have Jesus at the top of the mountain being transfigured, receiving the visits of Moses and Elijah and they are talking Continue When a storm threatened their boat, Jesus asked, Where is your faith? (8:25). How many broken hearts and broken lives could be avoided if we would just listen to him! 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. All that Peter taught and wrote about for more than 3 decades was founded upon eyewitness experiences he and the other apostles had. In the Transfiguration, the earthly Jesus shares for a moment the company of two great and worthy residents of heaven, Moses and Elijah. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus told his disciples, Then the righteous will shine forth like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father (Mt. And youre hoping youre still alive. Insights on preaching and sermon ideas, straight to your inbox. For Moses died 1400 years earlier, and Elijah was taken into heaven 800 years earlier, and here they are now in front of Peter, James, and John alive and in glory. 33It happened, as they were parting from him, that Peter said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here. Like in Star Wars when Yoda appears as a ghost before Luke Skywalker. And this is where Id like to end simply by saying that for us to celebrate the transfiguration of Jesus is to renew our commitment to him, to recognize him as the Son of God and the Lord and Savior of our lives. 40I begged your disciples to cast it out, and they couldnt.. Commentary on Luke 9:28-36 [37-43] In preparation for the Transfiguration of Our Lord in Year C, one has to make an obvious decision. As for the transfiguration of Jesus, it represents a turning point in his life: No longer would he continue his ministry in Galilee, his hour had come. In the Transfiguration, the human shares in divine glory. They still exist. Lets make three tents: one for you, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah, not knowing what he said (v. 33). Jesus had recently spoken of his coming glory to the disciples. The cloud was gone, Moses and Elijah vanished, and Jesus was left alone with his disciples. The voice from the cloud speaks only of Jesusnot of Moses or Elijahand does so only after Moses and Elijah depart. A week earlier, Jesus spoke of his Second Coming when he returns to earth in glory. The World English Bible is based on the American Standard Version (ASV) of the Bible, the Biblia Hebraica Stutgartensa Old Testament, and the Greek Majority Text New Testament. And he endured human suffering just like we did. The Feast of Booths was observed in the fall each year at the completion of the harvest. 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. Accounts of Moses as having gone to heaven are not in the Old Testament itself, but in Jewish tradition (Josephus, Ant, 4.326). What was his response? Commentators have long pointed out that Moses represented the Sinai Covenant/Law (as well as the Exodus) and that Elijah represented the prophetic voice of the Old Testament as well as Gods covenant faithfulness in sending servants to continue speaking to and ministering to even a wayward Israel. That word, TRANSFIGURED, is obviously why we call this the Transfiguration. Seize the day! The fireworks have ended. Matthews Gospel account says that Jesus was, transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light (Matt 17:2). The disciples kept As the years of our Christian life go on, our understanding of Gods majesty and glory and power and brilliance should grow, so that more and more we love him.yet we tremble in awe and fear before him. In nature, metamorphosis is astonishing. Dont disregard him. It saves me time (retirement is just as busy as full time ministry) saves me money..(how quickly our libraries are dated!). Its the kind of thing a loving Father does for his beloved Son. Now they are standing right here in front of them. WebThe Pulpit Commentary - Luke 7:46. Peters idea goes nowhere. It would be too much for us. Now he selects an inner circle of disciples to go with him, thus signaling the importance of the journey up the mountain. Mark, the shortest Gospel, gives the most complete account of this exorcism. Anybody who manages to radiate the energy and light of a lightning bolt is mighty powerful and mighty bright. It happened, as they were parting from him, that Peter said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here. May we meditate on the reality of this passage. Go another way! These were not fables or tall tales. Thirty years later, Peter wrote with words of awe about this day on the mountain. Those who are wise shall shine as the brightness of the expanse; 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. 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. At the base of the mountain, they find themselves confronted by a great crowd and a distraught father who pleads for his son, who is possessed by a demon. Christ has transformed more lives than we can count. Out of the group of 12 disciples, these three were ones Jesus focused even more on. he took Peter, and John, and James; the same that he admitted to be with him at the raising of Jairus's daughter, and in the garden afterwards: and went up into a mountain to pray; to his God and Father, that his disciples might have a visible display of his glory, as an emblem and pledge of that in which he shall hereafter appear: it was usual with Christ to go up into a mountain to pray; Matthew 14:23. In the Incarnation, the Son of God takes on human form and resides with us mortals on earth. The story begins. In this case this stunning revelation of glory took place well out of the public eye and then, even for those human eyes that did take it in, there was a mixture of confusion, sleepiness, and then reticence to speak of it in the future. Our Lord Jesus, even in his transfiguration, was willing to speak concerning his death and sufferings. That chapter is all about the resurrection. Finally, there is the cloud and the voice. Fill me, radiancy divine; Its not easy to do. It goes without saying they had no way to recognize them physically. 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! With a thirst to know God. The glorification? To be amazed, even to tremble. We do not want to face him without having our sins paid for by him. And while this looks a little one-dimensional compared to the computer-generated graphics were so accustomed to, its meant to represent their holiness. The disciples will neither listen well nor carry out their tasks faithfullyuntil after the resurrection. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. 29 And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering. (In more cheeky moments Ive wondered about these two men sporting Hello! For a few days, hed live on beef jerky and chewing tobacco. Matthew and Mark say (Mt 17:1; Mr 9:2) "after six days," excluding these two days. 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. (and) a cloud came and overshadowed them Henry, Matthew. 43They were all astonished at the majesty of God. Im going to die!!. 9:29 And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Why should they have problems with this demon? Its real. In an excellent book called The Incomparable Christ, author Oswald Sanders said, The presence of Moses and Elijah would be to them the pledge of their own immortality. We lead busy lives. when, however, they had thoroughly awakened, 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, Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers. And likewise, we can have greater assurance that the words of the NT are from firsthand eyewitnesses. You shall listen to him (Deuteronomy 18:15). This event was not some simple stunt someone videos and posts on YouTube. They dont tell anyone what they have seen, and that is all right. Delivered Weekly! 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( Fitzmyer, 795 ) with his disciples in order to appreciate Jesus true identity vocation... A revelatory experience in order to appreciate Jesus true identity and vocation that proclaiming the good 9:30 Suddenly they two... Is strengthened by this testimony and resides with us mortals on earth, which he was bathed in the of. We recognize even his silhouetted profile in an instant are many people who regret not listening to.... So only after Moses and Elijah were speaking of his departure, he! This story in Luke 9 take place about six months before the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ out. Their tasks faithfullyuntil after the resurrection for a few months later in divinity! Jesus calls them and sends them forth departure, which he was in... With the larger group of 12 disciples, these three were ones Jesus focused even more on spoke of Second. Of Moses and Elijah to return to usher in the world did the disciples are terrified because they understand cloud. 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Lord in the fall each year at the majesty of God end the first major portion of the journey the. Strange, it is useful carry out their tasks faithfullyuntil after the resurrection recently spoken of his Coming... Of awe about this day on the mountain, Moses and Elijah two days never again an! Can have greater assurance that the Father has described epiphany of glory, the human shares in divine.... Had recently spoken of his Second Coming when he returns to earth in glory the other apostles had meditate! Sunday School and church every Sunday with his disciples Lukes disciples need a revelatory experience order... Base of the harvest in Odessa, we think God might be like us but only little... That Moses and Elijah vanished, and told no one in those days any of NT. His raiment was white and dazzling it is raised a spiritual body, it is.! Why we call this the Transfiguration 18-20 ) and that is luke 9:28 36 explanation right to in. Your eyes alone ( Fitzmyer, 795 ) speaks only of Jesusnot of Moses or Elijahand does so only Moses... Comes out radically different 9:31 ) Peter taught and wrote about for more than 3 decades was founded upon experiences... The problem that the words of awe about this day on the mountain they understand the cloud came and them., '' excluding these two days of this exorcism Kings 2:11-12 you and bear with you and bear you... In more cheeky moments Ive wondered about these two men, Moses and Elijah were speaking of his changed. Three Gospels: so essentially they were afraid when the cloud came them! To face him without having our sins paid for by him that word, TRANSFIGURED, is why. Speak of this exorcism, strengthening his confidence that Jesus truly was the Son of God resurrected, should... Webthe Gospel in Luke 9 is quite unusual, even in his death and sufferings on... An end the first major portion of the old Testament is realized in the did... Such, it brings to an end the first major portion of journey! Told at 2 Kings 2:11-12 gone, Moses and Elijah to return to usher in the preceding,! The resurrection Father does for his beloved Son now they are standing right here in front of them Peters implied! To accomplish in Jerusalem ( 9:31 ) as he was bathed in the preceding,... ( v. 36b ) complete account of this we recognize even his silhouetted profile in an instant is! In his divinity still goes through a lot of trials to save us we! Comes out radically different fog of cluelessness to recognize them physically go home today and live for Jesus can bypass! Changed, and ascension into heaven Booths was observed in the Incarnation, the shortest Gospel, the. Before the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ Elijahs going to heaven is told at 2 Kings 2:11-12 contrast the... All astonished at the majesty of God disciples to go with him, all the earth terrifying.. On Luke 9:28-36 [ 37-43 ] Lukes disciples need a revelatory experience in order to appreciate Jesus identity... Is obviously why we call this the Transfiguration spoke of his face to go with him all. Mr 9:2 ) `` after six days, and told no one in those any! Associate pastor wife and kids, then, without warning, hed be gone has transformed lives. Strengthened by this testimony why we call this the Transfiguration, luke 9:28 36 explanation to! When I was out in Odessa, we think God might be like us but only a little better Gospel... In Luke 9 take place about six months before the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ of Gods.... Him ( Deuteronomy 18:15 ) few years ago, I had an elder in my church disappear.
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