The Transfiguration
TRANSLATION
(28) About eight days after he said these things, Jesus took Peter, John, and James with him and went up on the mountain to pray. (29) As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothing became dazzling white. (30) Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor (31) and talked with him about his departure which he was about to bring to fulfillment in Jerusalem. (32) Now Peter and those who were with him became very sleepy. But when they woke up completely, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. (33) And as they were leaving Jesus, Peter said, “Master, it is good for us to have been here. Let us make three shelters, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what he was saying.) (34) And while he was speaking, a cloud overshadowed them, and they were afraid as the cloud descended on them. (35) And a voice spoke from the cloud: “This is my Son, my chosen one. Listen to him.” (36) And when the voice had spoken, they found Jesus alone. And they kept silent and told no one at that time anything of what they had seen.
OBSERVATIONS
We find several repetitions in Luke’s description of Jesus’ transfiguration: “pray/praying” (vss. 28 & 29), “two men” (vss. 30 & 32), “Moses” & “Elijah” (vss. 30 & 33), “glorious/glory” (vss. 30 & 32), and “cloud” (three times in vss. 34 & 35). Several questions naturally arise from this account. Why were only Peter, John, and James included in this amazing event? What actually happened when Christ was transfigured? What was the significance of this event? Why, out of all the characters in the Old Testament, was it Moses and Elijah who appeared? Why did Peter feel compelled to say something? Why did God choose this moment to speak in response?
OUTLINE
I. Jesus’ divine glory was revealed as he conferred with Moses and Elijah. (28-31)
II. Peter made a foolish suggestion and received a stern rebuke from the heavenly voice. (32-36)
IDEA STATEMENT
Just prior to his going to Jerusalem, Jesus’ divine glory and his role in the Father’s purpose for the world was revealed to Peter, James, and John to prepare the disciples for his death.
APPLICATION
A glimpse was all they got, but what a vision of glory! For just a brief moment the dazzling brilliance of heaven blinded the eyes of the three disciples who had accompanied Jesus up the mountain. There before them stood men of a previous generation they had no trouble recognizing: Moses, representing the giving of the Law, and Elijah, representing Israel’s prophets, discussing with their glorified Lord his approaching departure, that is, his upcoming death. Just as they were departing Peter made his befuddled offer, hoping to preserve the moment. In response the Father spoke out of the cloud, reaffirming the ministry of the Son and silencing Peter.
What was the purpose of this amazing moment in the life and ministry of Jesus? At least three things come to mind. First, the Transfiguration authenticated Jesus’ person and work in the eyes of his disciples at a crucial stage of his earthly ministry. Just before his suffering and death, these men caught a glimpse of his true identity, God’s Son in the flesh, veiling his glory, about to finish the work which the Father had given him to do. Then the Transfiguration anticipated the glory that was soon to come, not just for the Savior in his resurrection body but for all those who place their faith in him. As John would later write: “We know that when he appears (in glory), we shall be like him for we shall see him as he is.” Finally, the Transfiguration provided assurance to the Son that what he was about to endure in terms of untold suffering and an agonizing death would be worth it all for the great things he would accomplish. It was just a momentary glimpse, but what a display of God’s glory! This would help to sustain Jesus as well as his disciples for the rest of their earthly lives.