When Moses asked to see Gods glory, God replied, You cannot see my face, for man may not see me and live (Exodus 33:20)but God continued, Behold, there is a place by me, and you shall stand on the rock. And finally, to what extent is the radiance of God visible in your life today? they saw his glory and heard the voice of God. Moses received the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai (Exodus 20:1-17). As we might expect, the glory of Yahweh filled the tabernacle and the temple (Exodus 40:34; 1 Kings 8:11). Moses and Elijah, who were leaving Jesus prior to the voice from the cloud (v. 33), are gone. 19-20). The Bible has a more remarkable story of a metamorphosis. 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. He was the second Adam and had not sinned. As we listen for Gods word in the sermon this morning, Id like for us to take a closer look at this second story the transfiguration of Jesus and, in particular, Id like for us to think about the radiance of God: What was it about being in the presence of God that was so apparent to the others the Israelites out in wilderness, the disciples up on Mount Herman? When a storm threatened their boat, Jesus asked, Where is your faith? (8:25). 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. Today we have two lectionary texts that apparently dont go together. It is useful. Scared out of their minds. WebLuke 9:1-50 contain sundry particulars which together form the closing scenes of the Galilean ministry: the mission of the Twelve, the feeding of the thousands, the conversation on the Christ and the Frederick Brotherton Meyer's Commentary. Luke 9:26 ESV For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. Sobering. If that is our view, we are badly, badly mistaken. Listen to him! (v. 35). From the very beginning there has been nothing about the appearance of Jesus that would cause you to think that he was anything more than just another boy, the son of a carpenter. This is the only Gospel to tell us what Moses and Elijah discuss with Jesus. 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. 1. We do not want to face him without having our sins paid for by him. (6) So that his disciples do not stumble at his debasing himself in his flesh, he teaches them that it is voluntary, showing in addition for a moment the brightness of his glory. He was not making up stories about Christ. When Peter came to his senses and realized the significance of the moment, he said. Who knows what will happen to them now that they are in Gods presenceperhaps they will die! Alarming. With a thirst to know God. The glorification? The disciples were bewildered. The rest of the event seems to have taken place for Jesus edification. And likewise, we can have greater assurance that the words of the NT are from firsthand eyewitnesses. Amen. and went up onto the mountain to pray (9:28). We heard the story of Moses up on Mount Sinai. 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). We dont die and then simply vanish. So whats up with that? No sooner than he got down off the mountain, Jesus was met by a woman with a sick child, who begged for his mercy and healing kindness. TRY SERMONWRITER! As he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became white and dazzling (v. 29). Spark Inspiration: Psalm 99. 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). Sometimes he says something beautiful, like earlier in Chapter 9 when he confesses that Jesus is the Christ. Luke 9:28-36. Throughout the scriptures, light is a symbol of God, so that whenever we come into the presence of God, were filled with the light of Gods love, and, like a prism, the radiance of God is reflected and refracted through us to illumine and enlighten others. These three disciples were present at the healing of Jairus daughter (8:51). Peter will deny Jesus (22:54-62). The disciples are terrified because they understand the cloud as the presence of God. The Feast of Booths was observed in the fall each year at the completion of the harvest. That means there truly is life after the grave. These ancient leaders of Israel had been gone for centuries. To glimpse his majesty and power. Luke says, he intently set his face to go to Jerusalem. (9:51). 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. It has two features that are of interest for Lukes rendition. This is simply the contrast of the smallness of our humanity before the might and power and glory of Almighty God, Creator of heaven and earth. Luke 9:28-36, Seeing Jesus Glory. Moses and Elijah appeared in glory (v. 31). The parents, in their old age, will need the childs support. It is also referred to in 2 Peter 1:18. Why go through all this razzle-dazzle, bright-as-lightning stuff if the whole incident ends up being more about ears than eyes? 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. Christ shares Gods glory. This cloud came over them and they heard a voice, God himself, speaking to them. 36 And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. Dont ignore him. To the world, Jesus was simply the son of Joseph. 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. Seize the day! And, lo, there appeared to them [473] Moses and Elijah talking with him.4. But theres more to it than this. WebCommentary for Luke 9 . But, as one particular candidate came into the room, the whole ambiance of the room changed. Methinks, as I steal by His side, I hear from Him these plaintive sounds, "Lord, who hath believed Our report? Web36 When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. Test of true discipleship (Matthew 16:24-28; Mark 8:34-1; Luke 9:23-27) Immediately after telling his disciples of his coming suffering and death, Jesus told them they had to be prepared for similar treatment. They know the mind and will of God. Whatever the potential outcome, they feel unworthy to stand in Gods presenceunprepared to meet their Makervulnerable. Second, Moses and Elijah are present. We do not want to meet him still in our sinful state. 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. 34 As he was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. God is transcendent. It took me a while to pick up on his pattern, and when I did, I asked his wife what was going on. 31 who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. If the moment wasnt already astonishing, now two great men of God from centuries before appear with Jesus, right in front of the 3 disciples. 17:19; Mark 9:210. (Nashville: Abingdon, 1995), Evans, Craig A., New International Biblical Commentary: Luke (Peabody, MA, Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., 1990), Farris, Stephen, in Van Harn, Roger (ed. The accounts in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke are drawn from Marks, but there are some significant differences among them. It is not in vain. WebCommentary on the Texts Luke 9:28-36. This is my beloved Son. The glory was there. He places great hope in Jesus. Perhaps he wants to honor Moses, Elijah and Jesusto offer them a bit of hospitality. WebA GLIMPSE OF GLORY Luke 9:28-36 From some aspects this was the highest point in our Savior's earthly career. He says something that seems to make no sense: Let us set up tents for you, Moses and Elijah., Why did he say this? They speak of Jesus forthcoming exodus or departure, his forthcoming death and resurrection, which Jesus had spoken of before going up the mountain (9:22). The temple was constructed on Mount Zion. There are many people who regret not listening to Jesus. Click here to listen to this lesson. (1-2) Jesus calls them and sends them forth. It And his resurrected guarantees our resurrection. But how could anyone be drowsy, even briefly, when such a spectacle was right in front of them? (and) a cloud came and overshadowed them There may be another connection with Moses at this point. A third possible reason for the Transfiguration: Just a week earlier, Jesus spoke hard words about his own suffering on the Cross, and the disciples suffering for his sake. In the preceding section, Jesus was with the larger group of disciples. Were not told why, although it was not unusual for Jesus to pull these 3 aside. Luke 9:28-36. Scripture says. as the stars forever and ever (Daniel 12:3). 33It happened, as they were parting from him, that Peter said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here. For though he is glorious and transcendent, he is tender and merciful, and he longs to save our souls through his Son, Jesus. 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. Behold, two men were talking with him, who were Moses and Elijah (v. 30). However it all happened, Luke alone tells us that these two showed up to encourage Jesus, to remind him that they, too, along with all the hosts of heaven were gearing up for the fulfillment of everything God had been aiming to accomplish ever since sin and evil showed up in this creation to sully Gods good intentions. Luke says they were afraid when the cloud came upon them (Luke 9:34). saves me time (retirement is just as busy as full time ministry) saves me money..(how quickly our libraries are dated!). 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. This is especially true for the writer of Luke. They still exist. They were silent, and told no one in those days any of the things which they had seen. To see Gods glory provokes an intense response. 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). Lukes disclosure concerning the conversation is highly significant for his account. It builds faith, that all weve been taught is absolutely true. Peter will refer to it as the holy mountain (2 Peter 1:18). This future glory of Christ when he comes again to earth soon is displayed for a short time on this mountaintop experience. Peter is an action-man! The disciples will also have a problem with sleep at the Mount of Olives (22:45). The committee interviewed several candidates, and each made a positive impression. Moreover, the disciples of Jesus are to listen to him. A second possible reason for the Transfiguration: We know from the Scriptures that Jesus never sinned. The story ends with the self-imposed silence (9:36), whereas in the parallels it is Jesus who commands the three disciples to be silent (Mark 9:9//Matthew 17:9). 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. 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. When he came down, having been in the presence of God, his face shown so brightly that the people of Israel had to cover their eyes. Listen to him! (9:35). 29 And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was galtered, and hhis clothing became dazzling white. Having both of them appear on the Mount of Transfiguration seems to be a neat way of coalescing the whole Old Testament into Jesus ministry. More importantly, it marked a renewal of Gods covenant with Israel. There is a sermon in these few words. Marks Gospel says six days, and we are not sure why Luke changes it to eight. His departure. All of that was to happen in and near Jerusalem. a Glimpse of Glory Luke 9:28-36 From some aspects this was the highest point in our Savior's earthly career. LUKE 9:28-31. A bolt of lightning is one of the most powerful forces on planet earth, discharging 1,000,000,000,000,000 watts of electricity (thats 1 trillion if you dont want to count up all the zeroes) at a temperature of 20,000 degrees centigrade (which is considerably hotter than even the surface of the sun). Do you know one who is sorry for having listened? The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be raised up (v. 22). Jesus answers that in the next verse. They kept silent and in those days told no one of any of the things they had seen. And the story of the transfiguration in todays gospel (Luke 9:28-36) is the story of the sublime, absolute beauty. This mountain is not named, but its name is not important. The glory of the Lord was revealed at his birth (Luke 2:9). 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. Exodus 34:29-35. 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. Luke places Johns name ahead of James here and in the story of Jairus daughter, perhaps because Peter and John will be so closely linked later in Lukes writings (22:8; Acts 3:1-10; 4:1-22; 8:14-25) (Culpepper, 205). 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. In the Bible, when a story takes us up to a Luke 1:4 that you may have certainty of what you have been taught.. And this is a truth we all need to remember: Whether your religious experience is like that of the Apostle Paul, who was blinded by the light of Christ on the road to Damascus; or John Wesley, who felt his heart strangely warmed at Aldersgate; or Horace Bushnell, who confessed to being nurtured in the faith over a lifetime in New England, the real test of Christianity is not the ecstasy of the mountaintop experience, but the compassion and sympathy you show for others in the valley below. They promise us health, wealth, and happiness, but seldom live up to their promises and often lead people toward ruin. WebThe Transfiguration. 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