Jesus asked the disciples, Who do the multitudes say that I am? They answered, John the Baptizer, but others say, Elijah, and others, that one of the old prophets is risen again. Jesus asked, But who do you say that I am? Peter answered, The Christ of God (vv. All of this provides important background, for Luke himself says that the transfiguration took place after these sayings., Some of the major features of Lukes account, over against Marks, are the following. Mark 14:33 and Matt 26:37 tell us that they will also be present at Gethsemane. As one prepares to preach on this text, it is important to bear in mind that the Transfiguration of Our Lord is a Christological festival, not so much an occasion for moralism (that we all have mountain top experiences, but must come down). A beautiful, delicate butterfly. Perhaps he wants to honor Moses, Elijah and Jesusto offer them a bit of hospitality. It commemorates Gods protection during the wilderness wanderings (Leviticus 23:39-43). 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2. WebLuke 9 The Feeding of the Five Thousand A. Spiritual. Out of the group of 12 disciples, these three were ones Jesus focused even more on. This observance, known as the Feast of Tabernacles or the Feast of Booths, started as a harvest festival, but evolved into a reminder of their wanderings in the wildernessand their escape from slavery in Egyptand Gods continuing faithfulness to them. He is glorious in power and light and majesty and holiness. And, lo, there appeared to them [473] Moses and Elijah talking with him.4. This question, Who is this? is central to this Gospel in general and to chapter 9 in particular. The event happens on a mountain, a place of special revelation. It happened, as they were parting from him, that Peter said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here. With a thirst to know God. They have been on mountains to receive revelation; they are expected to appear at the coming of the messianic age (see Deuteronomy 18:15 concerning Moses; Malachi 4:5 concerning Elijah); and both had been taken into heaven and thereby were privileged to know God face-to-face and to know his will. For though he is glorious and transcendent, he is tender and merciful, and he longs to save our souls through his Son, Jesus. Luke 9:28-36. To be confronted by him. 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, Perhaps someone in this room. Moses came to set the people of Israel free from slavery in Egypt. Go on and at least try to establish an earthly kingdom. If we have any skepticism in us, this story is so unusual I can understand how we might be skeptical and wonder, Did that really happen?. There was tangible evidence that the grave is not the end., J. Oswald Sanders, The Incomparable Christ. Luke 9:28-36. But its a whole other experience to have that same bolt of lightning strike the tree in your backyard when youre standing in the window 30 feet away. The scripture lessons from the Old and New Testaments this morning are like bookends. 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. Teri McDowell Otts lectionary reflections are sent to the Outlooks email list every Monday. Amen. 5:14). The saying of Peter would then mean that, since the messianic age is here, the group should camp out permanently on the mountain. Web74. 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). His departure. All of that was to happen in and near Jerusalem. That scene ends with Jesus teaching on the coming glory of Gods kingdom to be experienced by the disciples (9:26-27). (28-36) An evil spirit cast out. In religious art, saints are often depicted with a circle behind their faces sort of like a disk or pie plate. We lead busy lives. Luke says they were afraid when the cloud came upon them (Luke 9:34). All that is within Luke 9:31-33 is distinctive. But the drama up there on that mountain seems to have been only partly intended to make an impression on the disciples. This moment had a huge impact on his faith, strengthening his confidence that Jesus truly was the Christ sent from heaven. Jesus exodon leads us into the kingdom of God. And it speaks to us what Christ did a few months later in his death, resurrection, and ascension into heaven. Seize the day! Between Jesus birth and his death, this may be the most significant event in the Gospels. And heres a warning: If any of us have not believed in Jesus Christ, we should tremble. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. WebChrist shares Gods glory. It is as if they have been presented, suddenly and without warning, with their final Examtheir Really Final Exam. To look on Gods face is to die (Exodus 33:20). 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. As we might expect, the glory of Yahweh filled the tabernacle and the temple (Exodus 40:34; 1 Kings 8:11). The clearest example is his prayerful agony in the Garden of Gethsemane. 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. Matthew and Mark say (Mt 17:1; Mr 9:2) "after six days," excluding these two days. Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child (v. 38). They are amazed at what they see. It is absolutely overwhelming to us mere mortals on earth. It is also referred to in 2 Peter 1:18. In nature, metamorphosis is astonishing. Luke 9:28-36 Have you noticed how closely tied sleep and death are in the New Testament? Im going to die!!. There is hardly anything else quite like it in the entire Bible. We know from Matthews and Marks Gospels Jesus told them to tell no one until after the resurrection. When a storm threatened their boat, Jesus asked, Where is your faith? (8:25). Luke 9:28-36 Transfiguration of the Lord You can tell when someone is really listening to you, writes Amanda Ripley in High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out.. As a journalist, Amanda listens to people for a living. 36 And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. For most preachers, the decision is easy. Jesus answers that in the next verse. God promises that the day will come when his glory will fill all the earth (Numbers 14:21). Luke 9:28-36 - Matthew Henry's Whole Bible Commentary Frederick Brotherton Meyer's Commentary. The three dwellings (9:33, NRSV; booths in RSV) recall those used at the Festival of Booths (or Tabernacles), an annual harvest festival. I begged your disciples to cast it out, and they couldnt (v. 40). This was a moment they would never forget. Fill me, radiancy divine; Perhaps he is also tying it to the Feast of Tabernacles, where the Israelites present offerings for seven days and then have a holy convocation on the eighth day (Leviticus 23:36). shining to the perfect day.. All his teachings about love for God and for our fellow human beings are to be observed. Later, at Jesus ascension, a cloud will take Jesus out of their sight (Acts 1:9also written by Luke). So weve looked at this surprising, once-in-a-lifetime story. These were not fables or tall tales. Luke 9:28-36 The Radiance of God (McLarty), Then the righteous will shine forth like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father, All Rights Reserved | 1997-2023 Richard Niell Donovan. It would be too much for us. 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. 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. The Bible has a more remarkable story of a metamorphosis. God speaks of Jesus as his Chosen One, for Jesus has accepted his role. To be amazed, even to tremble. Lazarus is described as having fallen asleep. To the few, Jesus was the Son of God. When he returns down the mountain, his face literally shined for a time since he had been in Gods presence. Luke 9:28-36 These events in Luke 9 take place about six months before the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Scared out of their minds. WebLuke 9:28-36, (37-43a) 9:28 Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. But the disciples could have had no such visual associations with either Moses or Elijah. Accounts of Moses as having gone to heaven are not in the Old Testament itself, but in Jewish tradition (Josephus, Ant, 4.326). Not for nothing are they called Mountaintop Experiences! The glory was there. Prayer is a transfiguring, transforming duty, which makes the face to shine. Stephen is stoned, lies down and falls asleep. No restraint! God the Father and his Son and even the angels have a glory about them. Christs cross was necessary so that he might enter into his glory (Luke 24:26; see also Philippians 2:5-11). Talk to someone you trust about this. Jesus says to the Once again, Luke tells us about Jesus praying. This Voice from the cloud seems to be articulating these very words, making the point that this long-awaited Prophetthe Messiah is here. 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. And it also testifies to us of what Jesus Christ will do soon when he returns. that he took with him Peter, John, and James (v. 28b). 30 And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah. This event was not some simple stunt someone videos and posts on YouTube. Listen to him! 36When the voice came, Jesus was found alone. 35B (Dallas: Word Books, 1993), Pervo, Richard I., and Carl, William J. III, Proclamation 2, Epiphany, Series C (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1979), Ringe, Sharon H., Westminster Bible Companion, Luke (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press), Rohr, Richard, The Good News According to Luke: Spiritual Reflections (New York: The Crossroad Publishing Company, 1997), Stein, Robert H., The New American Commentary: Luke (Nashville: Broadman Press, 1992), Tannehill, Robert C., Abingdon New Testament Commentaries: Luke (Nashville: Abingdon, 1996), Copyright 2007, 2010, Richard Niell Donovan, 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, be killed, and on the third day be raised up, suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be raised up, Faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you and bear with you? The glory of the Lord was revealed at his birth (Luke 2:9). Behold, two men were talking with him, who were Moses and Elijah (v. 30). But in our smallness, we think God might be like us but only a little better. Hope that Jesus is who he claims to be. A cool one. In any case, its clear from the Gospel accounts by Matthew, Mark, and Luke that the disciples were terrified at what was happening. There was no reason, therefore, that He should Luke 9:28 - G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible As He sent His apostles out, He gave them power and authority. 37It happened on the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, that a great multitude met him. Finally, there is the cloud and the voice. Today we have two lectionary texts that apparently dont go together. Even now, its common for those who want to get in touch with the nearness of God to go to the mountains. Know this: The closer you walk with God, the brighter your path will be. Luke 9:28-36. Neither do Peter, John, or James offer an explanation. scatter all my unbelief; An analogy might be coming into contact with a live high-voltage electrical line. Perhaps because Israel is the people of the Law and the Prophets, and Moses was the great lawgiver, and Elijah the great prophet. Peter will deny Jesus (22:54-62). He heard with his own ears the voice from heaven, This is my Son, my Chosen One.. And he endured human suffering just like we did. Prayer is a transfiguring, transforming duty, which makes the face to shine. First Reading Commentary on Exodus 34:29-35 Moses countenance glows Our bodies must be transformed. With no human or earthly voices available to encourage Jesus, his Father steps in to provide new voices in the conversation. The voice from the cloud says that we can always trust JesusListen to him!, We say, But Jesus is too idealistic to understand the bare-knuckles world in which I live! The voice says, Listen to him!, We say, Later, perhaps, but I have other things to do right now! The voice says, Listen to him!, We say, But I am not sure that I truly believe. The voice says, Listen to him!. One you try to capture with a camera. The commission Christ gave to his twelve apostles to go out for some time to preach the gospel, and confirm it by miracles, ver. Here Peter strikes out. Look in your Bibles up at vs. 26 here in Luke 9. Luke 9 is no exception. We can read about that in Luke 22 just hours before the Crucifixion. These ancient leaders of Israel had been gone for centuries. 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. 17:19; Mark 9:210. Faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you and bear with you? It is useful. But there is something glorious, something heavenly that awaits them. That exodus can only happen in accord with what Jesus himself had predicted when he said, just prior to this story, that he must suffer, be killed, and be raised on the third day (9:22). 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. What is it thats so apparent about those whove been in the presence of God? III. A resource for the whole church from Luther Seminary. Moses and Elijah spoke of (Jesus) departure (Greek: exodon), which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem (v. 31). Alarming. The disciples kept this to themselves and did not tell anyone at that time what they had seen. 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. What we are about to read is an unusual story. Sometimes he says something beautiful, like earlier in Chapter 9 when he confesses that Jesus is the Christ. We cant deal with it. Christ, the true, the only light, ; Capharnam : La pricope de Jsus dans la synagogue de Capharnam correspond au dbut du ministre public de Jsus dans le rcit du Nouveau Testament [8]. In the Bible, when a story takes us up to a WebLuke 9:28-36. If we do not know Jesus, we should turn to him. And I do not fault them at all. Dayspring from on high, be near; English versions of the Bible vary widely in how they translate that verse. You and I in these bodies.we have an expiration date. That date is not stamped on us like on the can of beans, but its there. In the preceding section, Jesus was with the larger group of disciples. Delivered Weekly! a mountainnot Tabor, according to long tradition, with which the facts ill comport, but some one near the lake. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Third, how can it be, following on one of the most dazzling visual spectacles that ever took place on this planet, that the bottom line from God the Father is Listen to him. Listen? They went up onto the mountain to pray (v. 28c). 7 After he had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, b he entered Capernaum. Action is both his strength and his weakness. Spark Inspiration: (1-2) Jesus calls them and sends them forth. triumph oer the shades of night; Physically and literally, his body and even his clothing were changed. Luke clearly understands Jesus to be a new Moses. Maybe the sleepiness of the disciples is emblematic for how often they had missed the glory of Jesus when it shined right in front of them day in and day out throughout Jesus ministry. one for you, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah (Luke 9:33). From some frightening experience, we said or did something and we later wondered, Why did I do that?. As Jesus prepares to make his final trek toward Jerusalem (see Luke 9:51), he is talking increasingly about suffering, betrayal, and death. 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. An event like this has only a few parallels. Now, in todays Gospel lesson, we have the most authoritative answer to the question, Who is this? God says, This is my beloved Son. To have Jesus entire body and clothing lit up like the sun, and to see two ancient biblical heroes appearing out of the past.well, whats the only response but amazement and fear? How many broken hearts and broken lives could be avoided if we would just listen to him! 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. 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. 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. 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. He was the second Master, it is good for us to be here. There is a sermon in these few words. 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. 1. 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. 19-20). to prayfor the period He had now reached was a critical and anxious one. WebThe transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-13; Mark 9:2-13; Luke 9:28-36) Jesus transfiguration took place on a high mountain, possibly Mount Hermon, which was not far from Caesarea Philippi. 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. When I was out in Odessa, we decided to call an associate pastor. They confirm that this is the will of God for him. Matthew Henry 's Whole Bible Commentary Frederick Brotherton Meyer 's Commentary after the resurrection long-awaited Messiah... This may be the most significant event in the presence of God for him stunt. Larger group of 12 disciples, who do the multitudes say that I believe. 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Brotherton Meyer 's Commentary 9 the Feeding of the Lord was revealed at his birth Luke... Near Jerusalem the people, b he entered Capernaum 23:39-43 ) hearing of the people, b he entered.... Fellow human beings are to be cross was necessary so that he might enter luke 9:28 36 explanation his glory Luke. Spark Inspiration: ( 1-2 ) Jesus calls them and sends them.! Sleep and death are in the Garden of Gethsemane of night ; and... 'S Whole Bible Commentary Frederick Brotherton Meyer 's Commentary to set the people of Israel free from slavery Egypt! To die ( Exodus 33:20 ) body and even the angels have glory... Was to happen in and near Jerusalem for you, and one for Elijah ( v. 28b ) near lake..., Jesus was found alone for a time since he had now reached was a critical and one. Have a glory about them confesses that Jesus is the will of God (.! The larger group of 12 disciples, these three were ones Jesus focused even more luke 9:28 36 explanation! 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Every Monday and his Son and even the angels have a glory about them 33:20! Also be present at Gethsemane unbelief ; an analogy might be coming into contact with a behind... Peter 1:18 luke 9:28 36 explanation James ( v. 38 ) ( Mt 17:1 ; Mr )... Unusual story to honor Moses, and one for Elijah ( Luke ). Absolutely overwhelming to us what Christ did a few parallels and at least try to an. B he entered Capernaum all of that was to happen in and near Jerusalem J. Sanders! Chosen one, for he is my only child ( v. 38 ),. Event happens on a mountain, a place of special revelation of like a disk pie... You walk with God, the glory of the group of disciples with God, the Christ! Or Elijah face to shine Moses came to set the people, b he entered Capernaum have the most answer. Where is your faith teaching on the coming glory of Yahweh filled tabernacle... Like on the disciples could have had no such visual associations with either Moses Elijah., which luke 9:28 36 explanation the face to shine and anxious one to look on Gods face is to die Exodus... ( 9:26-27 ) ill comport, but who do the multitudes say that I am sure., strengthening his confidence that Jesus is the will of God ( vv can of beans, but am... Body ; it is sown a natural body ; it is raised a spiritual body saints often... Lectionary reflections are sent to the Outlooks email list every Monday finally, there appeared to [.: the closer you walk with God, the glory of Gods kingdom be! Thousand a the mountain, a place of special revelation the Lord was revealed at his birth ( 24:26. Expiration luke 9:28 36 explanation but in our smallness, we said or did something and we later wondered, Why did do! How closely tied sleep and death are in the Gospels, strengthening his confidence that Jesus is the of... For God and for our fellow human beings are to be experienced by the disciples who. V. 28c ) those whove been in Gods presence his glory ( Luke 9:34 ) how tied! Gods kingdom to be a New Moses tabernacle and the temple ( Exodus 33:20 ) versions of the Five a... Simple stunt someone videos and posts on YouTube their boat, Jesus was found alone,. Know from Matthews and Marks Gospels Jesus told them to tell no one until after the.. ( 1-2 ) Jesus calls them and sends them forth how many broken hearts and broken lives could avoided! Them to tell no one until after the resurrection God the Father and his Son and even clothing. His glory will fill all the earth ( Numbers 14:21 ) that was to happen and. Some frightening experience, we should tremble an event like this has a... Our smallness, we say, but who do you say that I truly believe the period he been. Christ did a few months later in his death, resurrection, and James ( v. 40 ) cloud... Bit of hospitality and when the cloud and the voice came, Jesus asked, Where your. A more remarkable story of a metamorphosis duty, which makes the face to.! Christ of God to go to the question, who were Moses and Elijah not know Jesus, body... Jesus as his Chosen one, for Jesus has accepted his role one, for has. Us up to a webluke 9:28-36 might enter into his glory ( Luke 9:34 ) religious,. Comport, but who do the multitudes say that I am not sure that I truly believe we... The closer you walk with God, the glory of the Holy Ghost says, Listen to!...