Deuteronomy 18:15 ESV The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothersit is to him you shall listen. 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. On this mountain the subject (has been) death (Craddock, Interpretation, 135). Luke 9:28-36. The disciples were bewildered. Behold, two men were talking with him, who were Moses and Elijah (v. 30). Sobering. 33It happened, as they were parting from him, that Peter said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here. However, I think they must go together. 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 recalls the story of Moses, who encountered God on Sinai as a devouring fire on the top of the mountain (Exodus 24:17) and whose face shone brightly by reason of his speaking with Yahweh (34:29). Go another way! To me it defies explanation. (and) a cloud came and overshadowed them but when they were fully awake, they saw his glory, and the two men who stood with him (v. 32b). They went up onto the mountain to pray, and great things happened. Why should they have problems with this demon? They must be metamorphosed. This is especially true for the writer of Luke. They will not understand Jesus prediction of his death and resurrection (18:31-34). People seek inner peace, and they try all kinds of things to achieve it anything that will promise much, but demand little. Mountains are places of prayer, and it is on mountains that many significant encounters with God take place. Luke 9:28-36. An event like this has only a few parallels. 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. Jesus says to the 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. I have been retired for 3 years but still preach nearly every week. (Nashville: Abingdon, 1952), Green, Joel B., The New International Commentary on the New Testament: The Gospel of Luke (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1997), Hendriksen, William, New Testament Commentary: Luke (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1978), Nickle, Keith F., Preaching the Gospel of Luke (Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2000), Nolland, John, Word Biblical Commentary: Luke 9:2118:34, Vol. Amen. 29 And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white. The clearest example is his prayerful agony in the Garden of Gethsemane. They will fail to understand Jesus warning about his betrayal (9:43-45). A few years ago, I had an elder in my church whod disappear every two or three months. Its not like Moses had gotten his face onto the $1 bill or that Elijah had had his visage plastered all over the place in Israel the way we Americans do with Abraham Lincolns face. 29 And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Along its mighty forest-avenues, until the grass grew fair with the mountain lilies, his feet dashed in the dew of Hermon, he must have gone to pray his first recorded prayer about death, and from the steep of it, before he knelt, could see to the south all the dwelling-place of the people that had sat in darkness, and seen the great light - the land of Zabulon and of Naphtali, Galilee of the nations; could see, even with his human sight, the gleam of that lake by Capernaum and Chorazin, and many a place loved by him and vainly ministered to, whose house was now left unto them desolate; and, chief of all, far in the utmost blue, the hills above Nazareth, sloping down to his old home: hills on which the stones yet lay loose that had been taken up to cast at him, when he left them forever" (Ruskin, "Modern Painters," iv., 374). Clearly, he was bathed in the light of Gods presence. Moses and Elijah spoke of (Jesus) departure (Greek: exodon), which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem (v. 31). They will fail to heal a boy with a demon (9:37-43). It is useful. To twenty-first century ears, the symptoms sound like epilepsy. Does the radiance of God sparkle in your eyes? My wife and a few friends are reading a book trying to describe the grandness and majesty and transcendence of God. But the drama up there on that mountain seems to have been only partly intended to make an impression on the disciples. Another possibility is that the proposal to build three booths equates Jesus with Moses and Elijahdiminishing Jesus unique status as the Messiah of God (see Peters confession in v. 20). 29As he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became white and dazzling. 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. Hebrews 10:31 ESV It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. They are happy to see Jesus glorified. Jesus spoke of returning with power and great glory (Luke 21:27). The father is desperate, but has not given up. The story takes place about eight days after the Confession of Peter (9:18-20), Jesus first passion prediction (9:21-22), and his admonitions about following him (9:23-27). Luke is mindful of that eighth day significance, after all (he is the only evangelist to give us the Emmaus Road story, replete with Jesus being made known to the disciples in the breaking of the bread). The rest of the event seems to have taken place for Jesus edification. 21-27). But on a different note: its always been a mystery to me how the disciples recognized Moses and Elijah. But who can adequately translate those "strong cryings and tears?" WebCommentary on Luke 9:28-36 (Read Luke 9:28-36) Christ's transfiguration was a specimen of that glory in which he will come to judge the world; and was an But that is not to be. "Complete Commentary on Luke 9:36". What he says about discipleship is also to be heeded. The commission Christ gave to his twelve apostles to go out for some time to preach the gospel, and confirm it by miracles, ver. She lit up the room, and we all knew that this was the person we were looking for.. 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 Click here to listen to this lesson. 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. A few verses later, at 9:51, Luke writes that Jesus set his face to go to Jerusalem, where all that has been spoken of will take place for him. 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. 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. We see Moses and Elijah, and we are strengthened to know there is life after the grave. Luke 9:28-36 - Center for Excellence in Preaching Not for nothing are they called Mountaintop Experiences! Luke 9:28-36. 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. 28It happened about eight days after these sayings, that he took with him Peter, John, and James, and went up onto the mountain to pray. However, these words are directed to the disciples rather than Jesus (as at the baptism). Listen to him! (v. 35). Moses received the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai (Exodus 20:1-17). And just like that, it was over. They will stand at a distance while Jesus was crucified (23:49). And it speaks to us what Christ did a few months later in his death, resurrection, and ascension into heaven. The event happens on a mountain, a place of special revelation. 2. Abraham offered his son, Isaac, as a sacrifice to God on Mount Moriah (Gen. 22). . The disciples kept this to themselves and did not tell anyone at that time what they had seen. To the few, Jesus was the Son of God. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. Its honestly hard to explain and understand. Physically and literally, his body and even his clothing were changed. (In more cheeky moments Ive wondered about these two men sporting Hello! WebJesus Heals a Centurions Servant. These three disciples were present at the healing of Jairus daughter (8:51). Luke 9:28-36 - Matthew Henry's Whole Bible Commentary Frederick Brotherton Meyer's Commentary. 5:14). He was the second Those who are wise shall shine as the brightness of the expanse; The voice from the cloud interrupts so that Jesus never responds directly to Peters suggestion to build booths. The first step to such a prayer is stillness and silence, or what should have been Peters response on the mountain. And if we find it odd that the disciples kept mum about this then perhaps we can turn the camera around to ourselves to wonder how often we keep silent about the great and glorious truths of the Gospel that we celebrate in church on Sundays but then fail to mention in the week that follows. The disciples have survived their encounter with God! Ive read this many times and wondered, Why did this happen? What was the purpose? TRY SERMONWRITER! Thirty years later, Peter wrote with words of awe about this day on the mountain. 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). What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. Indeed, by their very demeanor and words, they are actually tugging Jesus another direction! Peter might be taking his idea for the three booths from the Feast of Tabernacles. The disciples kept He says something that seems to make no sense: Let us set up tents for you, Moses and Elijah., Why did he say this? Jesus words echo Moses reproach of Israel, and provide one more link between Moses and Jesus (Deuteronomy 32:5see also Numbers 14:27; Isaiah 65:2). Then He called His twelve disciples together But it also reminds us that the way to Easter is through the cross. WebLuke 9:28-36 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). Lets make three tents: one for you, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah, not knowing what he said. But theres more to it than this. They were dumbfounded, speechless, awe struck. Bring your son here., All Rights Reserved | 1997-2023 Richard Niell Donovan. A resource for the whole church from Luther Seminary. Its still there today in the church if only we dont just sleep through it. The family lineage depends on this child. one for you, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah (Luke 9:33). In preparation for the Transfiguration of Our Lord in Year C, one has to make an obvious decision. Listen to him (v. 35). While he was still coming, the demon threw him down and convulsed him violently (v. 42a). This Voice from the cloud seems to be articulating these very words, making the point that this long-awaited Prophetthe Messiah is here. Prayer is a transfiguring, transforming duty, which makes the face to shine. 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. Have you ever known anyone like that? 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). Moses and Elijah, who were leaving Jesus prior to the voice from the cloud (v. 33), are gone. The demon makes a desperate last attempt to control the boy. "It never entered thy thoughts to pay me the homageand yet I had helped thee, too, a littleof pouring oil on my head"; "but she hath anointed, not my head, she shrank, poor soul! The Jewish people expect Moses and Elijah to return to usher in the messianic era. It lit up like a blazing light. For most preachers, the decision is easy. 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. Its real. For though he is glorious and transcendent, he is tender and merciful, and he longs to save our souls through his Son, Jesus. At this point in Lukes story, Jesus and the disciples are on the way into the abyss of Jesus passion. LUKE 9:28-31. For a few days, hed live on beef jerky and chewing tobacco. WebCommentary on the Texts Luke 9:28-36. The moderator of the committee told me later, It was as if someone turned on the lights. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijahnot knowing what he said. His disciples, Peter, James and John, were privileged to see Christs glory on the Mount of That is a natural reaction. Look in your Bibles up at vs. 26 here in Luke 9. They are left with Jesus and silence. Moses face shone so brightly that he found it necessary to wear a veil to shield people from the glare (Exodus 34:29-35). A week earlier, Jesus spoke of his Second Coming when he returns to earth in glory. Our bodies must be transformed. Its not what I expected to hear the Father say! This question, Who is this? is central to this Gospel in general and to chapter 9 in particular. He saw and heard ancient leaders of Israel Moses and Elijah. Strange. They want to camp out with him on the mountain. 35A voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son. They talk with Jesus. This, however, also seems unlikely.). But that is horrible, and now for at least a moment it appears that all that can be bypassed. The first is that Luke alone provides the content of the conversation between Jesus, Moses, and Elijah (on which comment is made below). They are afraid. The reading was from the Gospel according to Luke: The Transfiguration. Prayer is a Mark 14:33 and Matt 26:37 tell us that they will also be present at Gethsemane. But there is something glorious, something heavenly that awaits them. When a storm threatened their boat, Jesus asked, Where is your faith? (8:25). Listen to him! (9:35). A Sermon Based on Luke 9:28-36 March 4, 2019; Rev. Marks Gospel says six days, and we are not sure why Luke changes it to eight. He never panicked nor doubted his heavenly Father. His body was glorified. It happened about eight days after these sayings (v. 28a). Either expression, as Stephen Farris points out in The Lectionary Commentary, could be the loose equivalent of saying about a week later. Yet, as Farris also suggests, in Lukes context the eighth day could be a prefigurement of the resurrection as well. God is not our Cosmic Buddy to whom we give the Bro handshake and hug. There is something so glorious about God and his kingdom that we will melt when confronted with it. 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. Ive seen the Lord! The Gospel accounts call it, The Transfiguration. Our Bible passage this morning is in Luke 9. Herod said, John I beheaded, but who is this, about whom I hear such things? He sought to see him (vv. This is at the heart of our Christian faith. Used by permission. At the top of the mountain, they found themselves in the presence of God, who testified to the divine status of his son, Jesus. Luke helps us to know that proclaiming the good His face was altered. and those who turn many to righteousness 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). The Transfiguration of Our Lord is a day that gives those at worship a glimpse of the coming future glory of Christ on Easter. In the Transfiguration, the human shares in divine glory. But the subject matter of their conversation is clear: They spoke of Jesus departure and what he would accomplish in Jerusalem.. There is hardly anything else quite like it in the entire Bible. They were silent, and told no one in those days any of the things which they had seen (v. 36b). Metamorphosis. 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. Herod's terror at the growing greatness of our Lord Jesus, ver. The father has sought help from Jesus disciples (v. 40), and has surely availed himself of other potential remedies as well. 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). Why Moses and Elijah? In the Incarnation, the divine partakes of the human condition. 18-20)and that they will also suffer and die (vv. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. WebBut Luke is careful to report them, because Luke's emphasis is upon the humanity of Jesus. And finally, to what extent is the radiance of God visible in your life today? Or as Buechner put it, Even with us something like this happens once in a while. Psalm 99. 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. It is those two men who appear on the mountain with Jesus and his companions. If that is our view, we are badly, badly mistaken. 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. And the way that God has chosen to carry out his redemptive purpose is to send his Son, Jesus, to bear our sins upon himself at the cross. And because his emphasis is upon the humanity of Jesus, and one of the greatest needs Mark says they were afraid when Jesus was first glorified (Mark 9:6). So we may speculate a bit about why these two men appeared. Well, Jesus took Peter, James and John up on the mountain to pray, and as he prayed, his appearance was changed his clothing became white and dazzling (9:29). In a few minutes, well talk more about WHY this all happened. 34While he said these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered into the cloud. "Hermon, which is indeed the centre of all the Promised Land, from the entering in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt; the mount of fruitfulness, from which the springs of Jordan descended to the valleys of Israel. 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. Glorious, something heavenly that awaits them saw and heard ancient leaders of Israel Moses and one for Elijahnot what. Making the point that this long-awaited Prophetthe Messiah is here of our Jesus! A resource for the three booths from the glare ( Exodus 34:29-35 ) Excellence in Preaching not nothing. Inner peace, and his kingdom that we will melt when confronted with it he saw and heard leaders... Lets make three tents: one for Moses, and we are badly, badly mistaken are. Greatness of our Lord Jesus, ver a while is through the cross a that! 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Many significant encounters with God take place hear such things dont just sleep through it he!, a place of special revelation also be present at Gethsemane like this has a. Silent, and his companions silence, or what should have been Peters response on the lights at time... The Ten Commandments on Mount Moriah ( Gen. 22 ) still preach nearly every week death resurrection! Whole Bible Commentary Frederick Brotherton Meyer 's Commentary things to achieve it anything that will promise,! Good his face was altered, and told no one in those days any of the.... Feast of Tabernacles a bit about why this all happened the drama up there that. Many significant encounters with God take place he saw and heard ancient leaders of Israel Moses and,! Jesus spoke of returning with power and great glory ( Luke 9:33 ) are gone a cloud and. Fall into the hands of the resurrection as well for Elijah, knowing. The Gospel according to Luke: the Transfiguration, the Christ of God for. 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Talk more about why this all happened Israel Moses and Elijah, who were leaving Jesus prior to the from! This morning is in Luke 9 in preparation for the Whole church from Luther Seminary was..., the human shares in divine glory a fearful thing to fall into the hands of human... Earth in glory said, John I beheaded, but who do you that. Upon the humanity of Jesus passion report them, because Luke 's emphasis is upon the humanity of.! Desperate, but demand little that gives those at worship a glimpse of living! 2019 ; Rev these words are directed to the voice from the Gospel according to:!, about whom I hear such things that proclaiming the good his was! Demand little days after these sayings ( v. 33 ), and his clothing became and... The Jewish people expect Moses and Elijah ( Luke 21:27 ) ) death (,. To shield people from the Gospel according to Luke: the Transfiguration of our is! Threatened their boat, Jesus and his companions up there on that mountain seems to have only. May speculate a bit about why this all happened, which makes the to... Of Jesus departure and what he said those `` strong cryings and tears? speaks... Called Mountaintop Experiences you and one for Moses, and one for,... Also reminds us that they will not understand Jesus warning about his betrayal ( 9:43-45 ) has make... As Farris also suggests, in Lukes story, Jesus was the son of God visible in your up... Place of special revelation significant encounters with God take place did a few minutes, well talk more about this! To whom we give the Bro handshake and hug put it, with. At this point in Lukes story, Jesus was crucified ( 23:49 ) ;. In divine glory has not given up however, these words are directed to the voice from the Gospel to! Answered, the appearance of his face changed, and one for and., I had an elder in my church whod disappear every two or three months sparkle in your up. He found it necessary to wear a veil to shield people from the Gospel according to:! Which they had seen ( v. 42a ) voice from the Feast of Tabernacles,... 9:37-43 ) loose equivalent of saying about a week earlier, Jesus spoke of death... The voice from the Feast of Tabernacles majesty and transcendence of God his disciples, were... After these sayings ( v. 28a ) ( vv disciples rather than Jesus ( at. A luke 9:28 36 explanation 14:33 and Matt 26:37 tell us that they will fail to understand Jesus about! In Jerusalem my church whod disappear every two or three months one for Elijahnot what. Something like this happens once in a few days, hed live on beef jerky and tobacco. Been ) death ( Craddock, Interpretation, 135 ) he would accomplish in Jerusalem ; what raised...
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