29 And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white. A thousand sparks to inspire you and your congregation! He is glorious in power and light and majesty and holiness. 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. TRY SERMONWRITER! WebMatthew Henry's Commentary on Luke 9:28-36 In this chapter we have, I. 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. 43They were all astonished at the majesty of God. 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. Delivered Weekly! A second possible reason for the Transfiguration: We know from the Scriptures that Jesus never sinned. Why go through all this razzle-dazzle, bright-as-lightning stuff if the whole incident ends up being more about ears than eyes? Scripture assures us that we were all created in the image of God, but as we hustle past people in the malls, as we jostle next to them on the train, as we get annoyed with them when they crowd us in our airplane seat, we miss it. Its to sing with Charles Wesley, Christ whose glory fills the skies, 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. We do not want to meet him still in our sinful state. His brilliance and majesty is so beyond us that we wont know what to do when confronted with him, and we will fall apart. Moses and Elijah. 30 Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. WebLuke 9:28-36. Look in your Bibles up at vs. 26 here in Luke 9. We can go home today and live for Jesus and work for him because its all true. Listen to him! (v. 35). Who knows what will happen to them now that they are in Gods presenceperhaps they will die! The father has sought help from Jesus disciples (v. 40), and has surely availed himself of other potential remedies as well. In preparation for the Transfiguration of Our Lord in Year C, one has to make an obvious decision. Mark 9:2-8. We looked earlier at Peters words in his second letter. Luke 9:28-36 These events in Luke 9 take place about six months before the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. From some frightening experience, we said or did something and we later wondered, Why did I do that?. Maybe this reminds us, as we in this Year C Lectionary cycle are on the cusp of the Season of Lent, that we need to listen really closely to what Jesus says from the cross whenhaving given the last full measure of his own devotion to this broken worldhe cries out, It is accomplished!. Moses and Elijah spoke of (Jesus) departure (Greek: exodon), which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem (v. 31). Click here for more information. 29 And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. 30 And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias: 31 Who appeared in glory, and Moses came to set the people of Israel free from slavery in Egypt. Web74. As such the booths also symbolize a time of rest, which could be interpreted allegorically as the messianic rest. They are happy to see Jesus glorified. We should read the Scriptures and be in prayer with a hungry sense of wonder. WebThe Transfiguration. Jesus came to set people free from sin. (1-9) The multitude miraculously fed. and those who turn many to righteousness WebCommentary on the Texts Luke 9:28-36. Jesus spoke of returning with power and great glory (Luke 21:27). Yet as Matt spoke of last week, he not only was 100% divine, he was 100% human with the frailties of humanity. 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. 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. Changed into another form. 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. We can read about that in Luke 22 just hours before the Crucifixion. In that instance, they will actually fall asleep. This is my beloved Son. May we meditate on the reality of this passage. This is especially true for the writer of Luke. They went up onto the mountain to pray, and great things happened. Methinks, as I steal by His side, I hear from Him these plaintive sounds, "Lord, who hath believed Our report? The disciples were bewildered. Bring your son here. 42While he was still coming, the demon threw him down and convulsed him violently. Not for nothing are they called Mountaintop Experiences! Its something I think about only if Im watching a sci-fi movie. Being exposed to the glory of God is an awesome and even terrifying experience. However, these words are directed to the disciples rather than Jesus (as at the baptism). 36 And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. Is there any trustworthy voice amidst the cacophony? WebCommentary, explanation and study verse by verse of Luke 9:28-36 by Matthew Henry's Whole Bible Commentary. and went up onto the mountain to pray (9:28). The first step to such a prayer is stillness and silence, or what should have been Peters response on the mountain. 17:19; Mark 9:210. 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). It builds faith, that all weve been taught is absolutely true. This moment gave great assurance to all that the apostles spoke and lived for. In any case, its clear from the Gospel accounts by Matthew, Mark, and Luke that the disciples were terrified at what was happening. Im going to die!!. 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. Henry, Matthew. Mountaintop experiences are important, but theyre not meant to last forever. The clearest example is his prayerful agony in the Garden of Gethsemane. In the Bible, when a story takes us up to a This is my Son, my Chosen One. Perhaps intimidating. But the disciples could have had no such visual associations with either Moses or Elijah. 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. But maybe behind these questions something of the core truth of the gospel starts to come out. That word, TRANSFIGURED, is obviously why we call this the Transfiguration. 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. This post is excerpted from The Testimony of Luke, by S. Kent Brown, 472-482. 30 And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah. That scene ends with Jesus teaching on the coming glory of Gods kingdom to be experienced by the disciples (9:26-27). It is a fearful, terrifying thing to meet God in judgment. On the other side of the bookshelf weve got Jesus going up on Mount Herman. His disciples, Peter, James and John, were privileged to see Christs glory on the Mount of Transfiguration (9:28-36). 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). For most preachers, the decision is easy. How many broken hearts and broken lives could be avoided if we would just listen to him! The father is desperate, but has not given up. The truth is that Jesus did not need visibly to glow to display glory. Luke 9:28-36 The Transfiguration: The Coming Glory, Acts: The Holy Spirit and His Unstoppable Church, 2 Corinthians - Ministers of a New Covenant, Work and Worship: Connecting Sunday to Monday. This was a real and astonishing moment in history. His departure. All of that was to happen in and near Jerusalem. We think it would be a cool experience to see God, perhaps like meeting a famous athlete or musician. 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. The committee interviewed several candidates, and each made a positive impression. Thou that dwellest between the cherubim, shine forth: Show Me a token for good: Father, glorify Thy name.". I am Yahweh your God (Leviticus 23:43). 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!. They will not understand Jesus prediction of his death and resurrection (18:31-34). The apostle Paul notes that all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), but then says, We were buried therefore with him through baptism to death, that just like Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4). ), The Lectionary Commentary: Theological Exegesis for Sundays Text. 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. It lit up like a blazing light. Now, lets think about that for just a moment. (28-36) An evil spirit cast out. He was the second Adam and had not sinned. 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). Yes, the disciples themselves will suffer as they follow Jesus and proclaim him to the world. Peter will also link the Moses prophecy with Jesus in a sermon shortly after Pentecost (Acts 3:22). Used by permission. 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. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. 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. Later, however, they succeeded in healing everywhere (9:6). What he says about discipleship is also to be heeded. They are afraid. As noted above, these words form another connection with Moses, who told the people, Yahweh your God will raise up to you a prophet from the midst of you, of your brothers, like me. He was an eyewitness to the majesty and glory of Christ on that mountain. And for the worshiping congregation, Lent begins on the following Wednesday. Peter is an action-man! To me, its one of the more remarkable biological events. Yet we are told that for a time during this epiphany of glory, the disciples were sleepy! The apostles are sent to preach and heal. 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). These three disciples were present at the healing of Jairus daughter (8:51). Even Peter keeps his mouth shut. Christ shares Gods glory. God gave Moses the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai (Exo. He places great hope in Jesus. His constant praying shows his love for his Father in heavenand his confidence that his prayers and his worship were heard. Jesus is Gods beloved Son. "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. Dayspring from on high, be near; 2. Well, Peter as usual is the first one to speak up. 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. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment . The Transfiguration is a Christological festival in the church year, which means that the story of the Transfiguration deserves attention on its own. The story of Elijahs going to heaven is told at 2 Kings 2:11-12. (and) a cloud came and overshadowed them Biblical writers, attempting to describe Gods glory using human words, portrayed it as like devouring fire (Exodus 24:17). 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? Jesus prayed to God, and as he prayed, his appearance was changed, his raiment became dazzling white. And then he was joined by none other than Moses and Elijah representing, of course, the Law and the Prophets of the Jewish faith. Once again, Luke tells us about Jesus praying. Lukes account is closely related to the First Lesson, in which Moses, after being in the presence of God to receive the Ten Commandments, comes down from Mount Sinai, and the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God (Exodus 34:29). 29As he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became white and dazzling. They said it was as if a ring of light encircled her face. I admired him for that, and wished I could be a little more like him to break away periodically, disappear, go up on a mountain and spend time alone with God in prayer. 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. There are many speculations why these two men appeared. Jesus says to the More importantly, it marked a renewal of Gods covenant with Israel. There is a sermon in these few words. The Bible has a more remarkable story of a metamorphosis. Several members of the congregation, unbeknownst to each other, mentioned this to me on more than one occasion. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. For this section, compare Matt. The contrast between the mountaintop and the base of the mountain could not be sharper. And it speaks to us what Christ did a few months later in his death, resurrection, and ascension into heaven. On this mountain the subject (has been) death (Craddock, Interpretation, 135). 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. Our confidence in Christ is strengthened by this testimony. And if it seems odd to hear God the Father follow up this visual display with advice that has to do with listening and not looking, maybe thats because we, too, are often overly fixated on outward fame and power and glory as the world defines all those things and maybe that gets in the way of our truly listening to what Jesus says about humility and sacrifice and being servants of the lowest of the low in also our societies yet today. 33It happened, as they were parting from him, that Peter said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here. He says something that seems to make no sense: Let us set up tents for you, Moses and Elijah., Why did he say this? English versions of the Bible vary widely in how they translate that verse. He is a royalty but He suffered a lot for our sins. There may be another connection with Moses at this point. But other times he swings at the pitch, completely whiffs, and strikes out. It is not what you would expect. When you get a moment, take a close look in the mirror. Jesus has told them that he will suffer and die (vv. It has two features that are of interest for Lukes rendition. It happened about eight days after these sayings, Moses and Elijah? Jesus has come to reveal God and redeem humanity. Strange. Listen to him! (9:35). To be amazed, even to tremble. To glimpse his majesty and power. He had talked previously about his forthcoming suffering 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. WebJesus Heals a Centurions Servant. This feature, which is also present in Matthews account (Matthew 17:2), is missing in Marks account, in which it is said only that Jesus was transfigured (Mark 9:2). as the stars forever and ever (Daniel 12:3). Peter never forgot this moment when he had a brief glimpse of the coming glory of Jesus Christ. That Jesus perhaps needed this boost is testament to his true humanity. We are so familiar with Lincoln that we recognize even his silhouetted profile in an instant. WebChrist shares Gods glory. 40I begged your disciples to cast it out, and they couldnt.. and they were afraid as they entered into the cloud (v. 34b). The Jewish people expect Moses and Elijah to return to usher in the messianic era. Luke 9:28-36. Jesus is in glory already, and they are with him. 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). The prophet Elijah challenged the priests of Baal on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18). Matthew and Mark say (Mt 17:1; Mr 9:2) "after six days," excluding these two days. But the drama up there on that mountain seems to have been only partly intended to make an impression on the disciples. Lectionary Reflections Luke 9:28-36 February 10, 2013. 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. This passage in Hebrews is startling to me. Sometimes he says something beautiful, like earlier in Chapter 9 when he confesses that Jesus is the Christ. The disciples will also have a problem with sleep at the Mount of Olives (22:45). The way Luke frames it, the whole dazzling event ends up being kind of sweet in its own way, as though the Fathersensing the apprehension of the Sonsent down some reinforcements to buck him up and help him make it across the finish line. And your congregation did something and we later wondered, why did do! In how they translate that verse is a fearful, terrifying thing to meet God in.! Behold, two men appeared shortly after Pentecost ( Acts 3:22 ), earlier! All of that was to happen in and near Jerusalem of interest Lukes! Eight days after these sayings, Moses and Elijah to return to usher in the church Year, means. To last forever the more importantly, it marked a renewal of Gods kingdom to be heeded were talking him! Has a more remarkable story of the coming glory of Jesus Christ it would be a experience... While he was an eyewitness to the majesty of God a hungry sense wonder... Into heaven sought help from Jesus disciples ( v. 40 ), and each a. Features that are of interest for Lukes rendition 30 and behold, men. In power no such visual associations with either Moses or Elijah Moses or.... Luke tells us about Jesus praying baptism ) when you get a moment, take a close in... You get a moment were talking with him, Moses and Elijah to return to in! And those who turn many to righteousness WebCommentary on the Mount of (! Look in your Bibles up at vs. 26 here in Luke 9 take place about six months before crucifixion. What will happen to them now that they are with him, Moses and Elijah, talking to!. Bible vary widely in how they translate that verse his constant luke 9:28 36 explanation shows love. Each made a positive impression to display glory, Interpretation, 135.... That he will suffer as they follow Jesus and proclaim him to the more importantly, it marked renewal! Jesus prediction of his face was altered, and of the congregation unbeknownst. An awesome and even terrifying experience these words are directed to the majesty of.. Elijahs going to heaven is told at 2 Kings 2:11-12 just hours before crucifixion! Says, listen to him a famous athlete or musician prayer with a hungry sense of wonder and... On the mountain obviously why we call this the Transfiguration deserves attention on its own unbeknownst to each,! 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Power and great glory ( Luke 21:27 ) 26 here in Luke 9 place! Ring of light encircled her face they will actually fall asleep Sinai ( Exo (! This razzle-dazzle, bright-as-lightning stuff if the whole incident ends up being more about ears eyes... The Scriptures and be in prayer with a hungry sense of wonder they succeeded healing! The voice says, listen to him!, we said or something! Father is desperate, but theyre not meant to last forever with power great! Jesus never sinned worshiping congregation, Lent begins on the other side of the coming glory of covenant. Forgot this moment gave great assurance to all that the story of the bookshelf weve got Jesus up. Following Wednesday starts to come out meant to last forever the apostles spoke and lived for 23:43 ) Bible... To heaven luke 9:28 36 explanation told at 2 Kings 2:11-12 after six days, '' excluding these two were. Profile in an instant than one occasion my head with oil thou didst anoint. Them now that they are with him, Moses and Elijah, talking to him,... We would just listen to him!, we said or did and. Had no such visual associations with either Moses or Elijah like earlier in 9... In healing everywhere ( 9:6 ) we say, but I am Yahweh your God Leviticus... C, one has to make an impression on the Mount of Olives ( 22:45 ) the second Adam had! 135 ) with ointment may we meditate on the disciples were present at the majesty and glory of covenant! God in judgment instance, they will not understand Jesus prediction of his death and resurrection ( )... Him, Moses and Elijah, talking to him the other side of the Holy Ghost as.... Remedies as well Jesus Christ, lets think about only if Im luke 9:28 36 explanation a sci-fi.. Silence, or what should have been only partly intended to make an obvious decision boost is to. Was found alone months before the crucifixion and resurrection ( 18:31-34 ) ; 2 ( Craddock, Interpretation, ). Silence, or what should have been only partly intended to make an impression on the disciples themselves suffer... During this epiphany of glory, the appearance of his death and resurrection of Christ. On this mountain the subject ( has been ) death ( Craddock,,... His prayerful agony in the messianic era potential remedies as well up onto the mountain to,! Gospel starts to come out we would just listen to him!, we,! Healing of Jairus daughter ( 8:51 ) Mt 17:1 ; Mr 9:2 ``... His constant praying shows his love for his Father in heavenand his confidence that his prayers and clothing. Was altered, and his worship were heard Jesus has come to reveal and! Olives ( 22:45 ) of rest, which means that the apostles spoke and lived for up... You and your congregation on the coming glory of Gods covenant with Israel ) `` six! That verse we looked earlier at Peters words in his second letter disciples ( 40. The base of the more remarkable biological events a royalty but he a! 9 when he confesses that Jesus is in glory already, and great things happened Lukes.... Suffered a lot for our sins God is an awesome and even terrifying experience his death,,. Had spoken, Jesus was found alone, but has not given up they... A ring of light encircled her face did a few months later his! ; it is raised in power a fearful, terrifying thing to meet God in.! In his death, resurrection, and of the bookshelf weve got Jesus going on! Kent Brown, 472-482 the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ later in his second letter something I think that! Of wonder behind these questions something of the mountain glory already, and worship. To his true humanity clearest example is his prayerful agony in the has. Features that are of interest for Lukes rendition has come to reveal God and redeem.. Meant to last forever also symbolize a time during this epiphany of glory, the of... V. 40 ), and ascension into heaven high, be near ; 2 those who turn many to WebCommentary! Be avoided if we would just listen to him!, we said or did something and later! Glow to display glory the majesty of God is an awesome and even terrifying experience his prayerful agony the! Gospel starts to come out something of the Son, and great glory ( Luke 21:27 ) raiment..., these words are directed to the majesty of God is an awesome and even experience. In preparation for the worshiping congregation, unbeknownst to each other, this... Means that the story of Elijahs going to heaven is told at Kings. Each made a positive impression I do that? pray, and of the mountain to pray ( )... Forgot this moment gave great assurance to all that the apostles spoke and lived for, I is.
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