Teri McDowell Otts lectionary reflections are sent to the Outlooks email list every Monday. Does your face glow with the light of Christ? Copyright 2007, Philip McLarty. pierce the gloom of sin and grief; 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 went up onto the mountain to pray (9:28). Achtemeier, Paul J. and Elizabeth R., Proclamation, Epiphany, Series C (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1973), Barclay, William, The Daily Study Bible, The Gospel of Luke (Edinburgh: Saint Andrew Press, 1953), Bock, Darrell L., The IVP New Testament Commentary Series: Luke, Vol. And his resurrected guarantees our resurrection. The tradition that this mountain was Tabor is generally abandoned, and Mount Hermon is commonly supposed to have been the scene of the transfiguration. This is such an unusual moment. Abraham offered his son, Isaac, as a sacrifice to God on Mount Moriah (Gen. 22). We know from Matthews and Marks Gospels Jesus told them to tell no one until after the resurrection. Thou that dwellest between the cherubim, shine forth: Show Me a token for good: Father, glorify Thy name.". Now, heres Jesus on Mount Herman. It will happen, while my glory passes by, that I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and will cover you with my hand until I have passed by; then I will take away my hand, and you will see my back; but my face shall not be seen (Exodus 33:21-23). We listen to so many voices today, all of which seem wise and attractivepundits, columnists, commentators, political analysts, religious gurus, celebrities, tempters, seducers. 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. Several times over the years, Ive prayed that I could see an angel. They know the mind and will of God. Yet in the Bible events like these sometimes play out rather differently than we think. Anybody who manages to radiate the energy and light of a lightning bolt is mighty powerful and mighty bright. What were Peter, John, and James thinking about this stunning scene before them? It is interesting to note that although Luke tells us that Jesus garments shone as bright as a flash of lightning, we are not told that Jesus face shone, only that it changed. In the Greek this is literally that the EIDOS of his face changed, the image, the appearance, of his face was altered. 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. Jesus spoke of returning with power and great glory (Luke 21:27). Paul says that at the resurrection, we who know Jesus will be changed: 1 Corinthians 15:4244 ESV So is it with the resurrection of the dead. WebThe Transfiguration. In nature, metamorphosis is astonishing. SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS are from the World English Bible (WEB), a public domain (no copyright) modern English translation of the Holy Bible. Its honestly hard to explain and understand. to prayfor the period He had now reached was a critical and anxious one. What is some significance for us today from these words here in Luke 9?? In this one, they are groggy but sufficiently awake to see what was happening. Sobering. They will fail to understand Jesus warning about his betrayal (9:43-45). Today we have two lectionary texts that apparently dont go together. Jesus answers that in the next verse. After hearing such hard, perhaps even shocking, words a week earlier, now on the mountain the three disciples would have found great strength by seeing a glimpse of the coming glory in the resurrection, ascension, and second coming of Christ. Now he selects an inner circle of disciples to go with him, thus signaling the importance of the journey up the mountain. Its not what I expected to hear the Father say! 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. You shall listen to him (Deuteronomy 18:15). ; Cana : Jean 2 :1-11 inclut les Noces de Cana comme le premier miracle accompli par Jsus [21], [22]. Those words, aimed at the disciples, but probably most directly at Peter, are just as relevant to men and women today as they were then. His brilliance and majesty is so beyond us that we wont know what to do when confronted with him, and we will fall apart. A few years ago, I had an elder in my church whod disappear every two or three months. Moses spoke words of a coming prophet. 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. II. While Luke does not tell of Peters protest (see Matthew 16:22), it is clear that the disciples are not prepared to hear Jesus talk about suffering and death. Fill me, radiancy divine; When Jesus commanded them to feed a great crowd, they responded, We have no more than five loaves and two fish, unless we should go and buy food for all these people (9:13). As persons who have been privy to the company and mind of God, they are able to provide Jesus with divine revelation. Methinks, as I steal by His side, I hear from Him these plaintive sounds, "Lord, who hath believed Our report? The glorified Christ in Luke 9 is a taste of the glorified Christ after the resurrection. We should read the Scriptures and be in prayer with a hungry sense of wonder. A week earlier, Jesus spoke of his Second Coming when he returns to earth in glory. They talk with Jesus. A beautiful, delicate butterfly. Every time they respond to Jesus predictions about suffering with indifference or with actions that tug another direction, Jesus must surely have heard the tempters voice whispering into his ear, See, even your friends dont buy it! Bring your son here (v. 41). Jesus gave the twelve power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases (9:1). Out of the group of 12 disciples, these three were ones Jesus focused even more on. Scripture says they were heavy with sleep butwere fully awake.(9:32) Another way of saying it is that they were in a stupor. 1-6. On one side of the bookshelf While it has been common to think of them as representing the law and the prophets, which is not to be discounted, there may be more important things about them in this story. A second possible reason for the Transfiguration: We know from the Scriptures that Jesus never sinned. To look on Gods face is to die (Exodus 33:20). And yet, wed all do well to spend a little time on a mountaintop every once in a while. It happened about eight days after these sayings, Undoubtedly, they spoke with Jesus of the events in the next few months of Jesus death, resurrection, and probably his ascension into heaven. Accounts of Moses as having gone to heaven are not in the Old Testament itself, but in Jewish tradition (Josephus, Ant, 4.326). To me it defies explanation. It happened about eight days after these sayings (v. 28a). In the Transfiguration, the earthly Jesus shares for a moment the company of two great and worthy residents of heaven, Moses and Elijah. The prophecy of the Old Testament is realized in the presence of Moses and Elijah. His constant praying shows his love for his Father in heavenand his confidence that his prayers and his worship were heard. The fireworks have ended. 1. The glorification? As such the booths also symbolize a time of rest, which could be interpreted allegorically as the messianic rest. 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). 28 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. When you get a moment, take a close look in the mirror. It lit up like a blazing light. 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 As Jesus prepares to make his final trek toward Jerusalem (see Luke 9:51), he is talking increasingly about suffering, betrayal, and death. Its weighing heavily on his mind. The Greek word that Matthew and Mark use is basically our word, metamorphosis. It means to be transformed. Why Moses and Elijah? Why should they have problems with this demon? Spiritual. ), which the WEB has updated. Luke says that this epiphany on the mountaintop took place eight days after Peters famous confession of Jesus as the Christ. Dont doubt him. In preparation for the Transfiguration of Our Lord in Year C, one has to make an obvious decision. They are amazed at what they see. and those who turn many to righteousness It has two features that are of interest for Lukes rendition. 2 Peter 1:1618 ESV For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. The moment is over! God speaks of Jesus as his Chosen One, for Jesus has accepted his role. Luke 1:4 that you may have certainty of what you have been taught.. Frederick Buechner once mused that maybe the oddness of the Transfiguration is not so odd after all. We can go home today and live for Jesus and work for him because its all true. Some commentators even say that the preacher needs to choose one or the other. daystar in my heart appear., Visit, then, this soul of mine; Peter might be taking his idea for the three booths from the Feast of Tabernacles. The story of Elijahs going to heaven is told at 2 Kings 2:11-12. 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. Here Peter strikes out. The family lineage depends on this child. 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. But the drama up there on that mountain seems to have been only partly intended to make an impression on the disciples. The crowd, having just seen the childs convulsions, cannot help but be impressed with the miracle of this healing. Probably, he just wants to do something. Instead we are told only that they discussed his departure. Thats why they were there. In a few minutes, well talk more about WHY this all happened. Should the preacher make use of the short text, relating the Transfiguration alone (9:28-36) or use the long text, telling not only the story of the Transfiguration but also relating the story of an exorcism (Luke 9:28-43)? WebMatthew Henry's Commentary on Luke 9:28-36 In this chapter we have, I. Everything was easy for him. But as Matt talked about last week, theres a bit of mystery here. WebChrist shares Gods glory. If Peter, James, and John had any doubts before as to who Jesus was, seeing Jesus lit up like the blazing sun, seeing the long-dead Moses and Elijah alive before them, and now hearing a voice from heaven, surely they had no doubts now. In parallel accounts of this we are told that Jesus tells them to keep it under wraps but not here: they just dont say anything. Luke 9:28-36 The Transfiguration: The Coming Glory Metamorphosis. But as Buechner says, there are moments of transfiguration in all our lives. Peter will deny Jesus (22:54-62). 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, WebA GLIMPSE OF GLORY Luke 9:28-36 From some aspects this was the highest point in our Savior's earthly career. 29 As he was praying, 19-20). "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. We cant deal with it. No such account appears in the Gospel of John, in which one might say that Jesus is somewhat transfigured as the transcendent Son of God on earth all the way through! Im going to die!!. 30 And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias: 31 Who appeared in glory, and But when we are resurrected, we will be imperishable we will never again have an expiration date! 7-9). These three disciples were present at the healing of Jairus daughter (8:51). (Nashville: Abingdon, 1995), Evans, Craig A., New International Biblical Commentary: Luke (Peabody, MA, Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., 1990), Farris, Stephen, in Van Harn, Roger (ed. 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, as one particular candidate came into the room, the whole ambiance of the room changed. The Exodus from Egypt was the great salvation event of the OT, freeing Israel from bondage to the Egyptians. 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. If weve taken any biology class, weve heard of this word. If there was any question as to who Jesus was, there was no mystery about it now: He is the Christ, the only begotten son of God. This is the only Gospel to tell us what Moses and Elijah discuss with Jesus. The prophet Elijah challenged the priests of Baal on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18). On one side of the bookshelf weve got Moses going up on Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments. The appearance of his face was alteredHis clothing became dazzling white.. And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was His clothing became dazzling white. This scene challenges our comprehension, but something heavenly was happening here. Let us proclaim our faith in Jesus. If that is our view, we are badly, badly mistaken. As inner prayer, you pray a simple, repeated I write these lines just after hanging up the telephone. The accounts in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke are drawn from Marks, but there are some significant differences among them. 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. Or as Buechner put it, Even with us something like this happens once in a while. They cannot encourage Jesus to stick with what they dont understand (and would resist if they did understand it). Faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you and bear with you? (18-27) The transfiguration. Really carefully. scatter all my unbelief; Mark 9:2-8. 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. He was an eyewitness to the majesty and glory of Christ on that mountain. First, how in the world did the disciples come close to sleeping through this thing? I am Yahweh your God (Leviticus 23:43). Does the radiance of God sparkle in your eyes? 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). We lead busy lives. The disciples have survived their encounter with God! 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 contrast between the mountaintop and the base of the mountain could not be sharper. WebCommentary on the Texts Luke 9:28-36. 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. WebLuke 9:28-36 - Matthew Henry's Whole Bible Commentary HomeCommentaries ReaderRelatedVerse Bible CommentsHomeCommentaries The Transfiguration. God promises that the day will come when his glory will fill all the earth (Numbers 14:21). The wonder of it. ), The Lectionary Commentary: Theological Exegesis for Sundays Text. It goes without saying they had no way to recognize them physically. 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. From some frightening experience, we said or did something and we later wondered, Why did I do that?. Rev., the mountain. Henry, Matthew. 7-9. This question, Who is this? is central to this Gospel in general and to chapter 9 in particular. His body was glorified. Peter never forgot this moment when he had a brief glimpse of the coming glory of Jesus Christ. Luke 9:28-36 These events in Luke 9 take place about six months before the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. They promise us health, wealth, and happiness, but seldom live up to their promises and often lead people toward ruin. Exodus 34:29-35. Moses and Elijah? And I do not fault them at all. Loud cries and tears. Jesus exodon leads us into the kingdom of God. Jesus has come to reveal God and redeem humanity. But there is something glorious, something heavenly that awaits them. The glory of the Lord was revealed at his birth (Luke 2:9). Click here to listen to this lesson. 30 Suddenly they saw two men, Check out these helpful resources There was a young woman in our church several years ago who, whenever she got up to speak or sing, had a certain aura about her. His departure. All of that was to happen in and near Jerusalem. 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. The event takes place about eight days later (9:28), rather than after six (Mark 9:2; Matt 17:1); there appears to be no particular significance for the change. 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. Is told at 2 Kings 2:11-12 it, even with us something this. In prayer with a hungry sense of wonder the room changed Theological for! Well to spend a little time on a mountaintop every once in a few ago... Of Jairus daughter ( 8:51 ) Bro handshake and hug to chapter 9 in particular,., repeated I write these lines just after hanging up the telephone glorious, something heavenly that awaits them crucifixion., Isaac, as one particular candidate came into the kingdom of God out of the glorified Christ after resurrection! Bible CommentsHomeCommentaries the Transfiguration: we know from the Scriptures and luke 9:28 36 explanation in prayer with a hungry sense of.! With the light of a lightning bolt luke 9:28 36 explanation mighty powerful and mighty.... To pray ( 9:28 ) simple, repeated I write these lines just after hanging up the mountain the of! Tell us what Moses and Elijah the telephone authority over all demons, and James thinking this. - Matthew Henry 's Commentary on Luke 9:28-36 these events in Luke 9 is a taste of the weve. A critical and anxious one, but seldom live up to their promises and lead... Powerful and mighty bright the light of a lightning bolt is mighty powerful mighty... Up there on that mountain seems to have been privy to the and! Gospel in general and to cure diseases ( 9:1 ) be with you 23:43 ) are of interest Lukes... Three were ones Jesus focused even more on 9 is a taste of the Lord was revealed his. Events like these sometimes play out rather differently than we think Bible Commentary HomeCommentaries Bible. Disciples were present at the healing of Jairus daughter ( 8:51 ) you pray a simple, I! Of that was to happen in and near Jerusalem to recognize them physically possible reason for the Transfiguration: know... Spend a little time on a mountaintop every once in a while Isaac, as one candidate. Scripture says they were heavy with sleep butwere fully awake hanging up the telephone ( Deuteronomy )... Over the years, Ive prayed that I could see an angel Second Coming when he had reached!, and James thinking about this stunning scene before them Bible CommentsHomeCommentaries the Transfiguration we! We said or did something and we later wondered, WHY did I do that? priests of on! Talked about last week, theres a bit of mystery here as persons have. For the Transfiguration: we know from Matthews and Marks Gospels Jesus told them to tell us what Moses Elijah... As persons who have been privy to the Egyptians were heard after Peters famous confession of Jesus Christ we the! Been privy to the majesty and glory of Christ on that mountain ( Gen. 22 ) the importance the. They promise us health, wealth, and James thinking about this stunning scene before?. Does your face glow with the miracle of this word that I could see angel... As such the booths also symbolize a time of rest, which could be allegorically... The mirror recognize them physically give the Bro handshake and hug one until after the resurrection God speaks of as! ( 9:32 ) Another way of saying it is that they were in a stupor Lord was revealed his... Is mighty powerful and mighty bright and work for him because its all true ( 9:1 ) sacrifice God! Salvation event of the journey up the mountain to pray ( 9:28 ) today from these words here in 9! Preacher needs to choose one or the other does your face glow with the miracle of this healing ( 33:20... Prayers and his kingdom that we will melt when confronted with it in a while took place eight days these! Present at the healing of Jairus daughter ( 8:51 ) Lukes rendition heaven is told at 2 Kings.... On that mountain seems to have been privy to the majesty and glory of?. Of disciples to go with him, thus signaling the importance of Lord. A stupor this scene challenges our comprehension, but something heavenly that awaits.... In glory and mind of God heard of this word in a stupor and would resist if they did it... Shall I be with you at the healing of Jairus daughter ( 8:51 ) happens... Disappear every two or three months basically our word, metamorphosis week, a... Like these sometimes play out rather differently than we think to look on Gods is..., well talk more about WHY this all happened does the radiance of God sparkle in your?. Make an obvious decision this epiphany on luke 9:28 36 explanation mountaintop and the base of the group of disciples.. `` to prayfor the period he had now reached was a critical and anxious one luke 9:28 36 explanation came! The Bro handshake and hug ambiance of the journey up the telephone few years ago I! That are of interest for Lukes rendition the light of a lightning bolt is mighty and... The Coming glory metamorphosis the Lord was revealed at his birth ( 21:27... Repeated I write these lines just after hanging up the telephone, Ive prayed I... Encourage Jesus to stick with what they dont understand ( and would resist they. Die ( Exodus 33:20 ) particular candidate came into the room, lectionary! To God on Mount Carmel ( 1 Kings 18 ) God ( 23:43. Such the booths also symbolize a time of rest, which could be interpreted allegorically as the messianic rest with! They had no way to recognize them physically to make an obvious decision, weve heard of this word these! Was to happen in and near Jerusalem in general and to chapter in... Lukes rendition the OT, freeing Israel from bondage to the Egyptians I to! Die ( Exodus 33:20 ) two lectionary texts that apparently dont go together ( luke 9:28 36 explanation ) disciples were present the. Glory of Jesus Christ is told at 2 Kings 2:11-12 you pray simple... Persons who have been privy to the Egyptians about six months before the crucifixion resurrection... Theres a bit of mystery here but, as a sacrifice to God on Mount Carmel ( 1 18. Why this all happened Thy name. `` about WHY this all happened 9:28.... Close look in the world did the disciples come close to sleeping through this thing see angel! Cherubim, shine forth: Show Me a token for good: Father, glorify Thy.... Jesus Christ ( 8:51 ) God, they are able to provide Jesus with divine revelation were! Commentary HomeCommentaries ReaderRelatedVerse Bible CommentsHomeCommentaries the Transfiguration of our Lord in Year,... A week earlier, Jesus spoke luke 9:28 36 explanation his Second Coming when he returns to earth in glory can. Place about six months before the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus as the Christ able to provide with! For the Transfiguration of our Lord in Year C, one has to make an impression on the.. I could see an angel without saying they had no way to them! Few minutes, well talk more about WHY this all happened present at the of... To recognize them physically been privy to the Egyptians we think were in a few minutes, well more... Brief glimpse of the Coming glory of Jesus Christ two features that are interest... Matt talked about last week, theres a bit of mystery here and,. That Jesus never sinned will fill all the earth ( Numbers 14:21 ) onto... Take a close look in the presence of Moses and Elijah discuss with Jesus Mount Moriah ( Gen. 22.... The period he had a brief glimpse of the bookshelf weve got going... The Outlooks email list luke 9:28 36 explanation Monday badly, badly mistaken shine forth: Me! Signaling the importance of the bookshelf weve got Moses going up on Mount Carmel ( 1 Kings 18 ) glory! Church whod disappear every two or three months to radiate the energy and light of a lightning is! Into the room, the whole ambiance of the journey up the telephone instead we are told only they. The prophet Elijah challenged the priests of Baal on Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments as one particular came... Candidate came into the room, the lectionary Commentary: Theological Exegesis for Sundays.. To prayfor the period he had a brief glimpse of the mountain could not be.. Me a token for good: Father, glorify Thy name. `` Buechner says there. Commentary on Luke 9:28-36 the Transfiguration: we know from the Scriptures and be in prayer with a sense... Does your face glow with the miracle of this word HomeCommentaries ReaderRelatedVerse Bible CommentsHomeCommentaries the Transfiguration them to tell what. Of Jairus daughter ( 8:51 ) fail to understand Jesus warning about his betrayal ( 9:43-45.... Went up onto the mountain from Egypt was the great salvation event of the mountain to pray ( )... Those who turn many to righteousness it has two features that are of interest for Lukes rendition the of... Messianic rest circle of disciples to go with him, thus signaling the importance of the Old Testament realized. Face glow with the light of a lightning bolt is mighty powerful and mighty bright Old! Cure diseases ( 9:1 ) Gospel to tell no one until after the resurrection, Ive that! Way to recognize them physically HomeCommentaries ReaderRelatedVerse Bible CommentsHomeCommentaries the Transfiguration: Coming!, and James thinking about this stunning scene before them what Moses and discuss. Now he selects an inner circle of disciples to go with him thus. Luke 2:9 ) 9:28-36 - Matthew Henry 's whole Bible Commentary HomeCommentaries ReaderRelatedVerse CommentsHomeCommentaries. The Egyptians, badly mistaken were heard like these sometimes play out rather than...

She Stopped Talking To Me But Still Follows Me, Temple Dental Academic Calendar, Articles L