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). Consider the wider context of Luke here. The Bible has a more remarkable story of a metamorphosis. (In more cheeky moments Ive wondered about these two men sporting Hello! Have you ever known anyone like that? 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. 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. 35A voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son. 17:19; Mark 9:210. Jesus was glorified, changed from a mere mortal into a glorified, heavenly state. They were silent, and told no one in those days any of the things which they had seen. We know from Matthews and Marks Gospels Jesus told them to tell no one until after the resurrection. Elijah fled to Mount Horeb, and there God spoke to him in a sound of sheer silence (1 Kings 19:12, NRSV; RSV: a still small voice). Moses and Elijah, who were leaving Jesus prior to the voice from the cloud (v. 33), are gone. When we see God in all his glory, we will be shaken to the core. 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. Hed come back a different man revived and ready to go back to work. WebMatthew 17:1-8. 41Jesus answered, Faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you and bear with you? Perhaps he wants to honor Moses, Elijah and Jesusto offer them a bit of hospitality. So weve looked at this surprising, once-in-a-lifetime story. And because his emphasis is upon the humanity of Jesus, and one of the greatest needs No restraint! Sermon Commentary for Sunday, February 7, 2016. To me, its one of the more remarkable biological events. and they were afraid as they entered into the cloud (v. 34b). But the drama up there on that mountain seems to have been only partly intended to make an impression on the disciples. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. That Jesus perhaps needed this boost is testament to his true humanity. Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep (v. 32a). 1. They will fail to heal a boy with a demon (9:37-43). WebCommentary, explanation and study verse by verse of Luke 9:28-36 by Matthew Henry's Whole Bible Commentary. Sinai appearing before the glory of God. Like my elder years ago, wed likely come back refreshed and renewed and revived in the Spirit. Those who are wise shall shine as the brightness of the expanse; The longer text tends to diminish the significance of the Transfiguration. Moses had prophesied, Your God will raise up to you a prophet from the midst of you, of your brothers, like me. They are afraid. But that is not to be. The truth is that Jesus did not need visibly to glow to display glory. The other gospels suggest that this took place six days later. Though sinless, Jesus experienced pressures and grief and sorrow. Prayer is a transfiguring, transforming duty, which makes the face to shine. Moses and Elijah spoke of (Jesus) departure (Greek: exodon), which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem (v. 31). A resource for the whole church from Luther Seminary. 37It happened on the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, that a great multitude met him. A beautiful, delicate butterfly. And just like that, it was over. Lets make three tents: one for you, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah, not knowing what he said. To have mountaintop experiences it is not enough to go up on a mountain; one must go up on a mountain to pray (Knox, 174). Commentary on Luke 9:28-36 [37-43] Lukes disciples need a revelatory experience in order to appreciate Jesus true identity and vocation. WebCommentary on the Texts Luke 9:28-36. WebJesus Heals a Centurions Servant. She laughed and said, Oh, he just needs a little time every once in a while to be alone with God. She said hed go backpacking on horseback in the mountains of New Mexico. 40I begged your disciples to cast it out, and they couldnt.. But other times he swings at the pitch, completely whiffs, and strikes out. Only the High Priest is allowed to come into Gods presenceand he only on the Day of Atonement (Hebrews 9:7). But the drama up there on that mountain seems to have been only partly intended to make an impression on the disciples. 7 After he had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, b he entered Capernaum. Now, in todays Gospel lesson, we have the most authoritative answer to the question, Who is this? God says, This is my beloved Son. For a few days, hed live on beef jerky and chewing tobacco. WebThe Transfiguration. 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 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?. The Third Readings: The Gospels (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2001), Fitzmyer, Joseph A., S.J., The Anchor Bible: The Gospel According to Luke I-IX (New York: Doubleday, 1970), Gilmour, S. MacLean & Knox, John, The Interpreters Bible, Volume 8. They were dumbfounded, speechless, awe struck. Jesus is in glory already, and they are with him. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. 31 who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Incarnation and Transfiguration are antiphonal. So whats up with that? Bring your son here., All Rights Reserved | 1997-2023 Richard Niell Donovan. Mark says they were afraid when Jesus was first glorified (Mark 9:6). Jesus spoke of returning with power and great glory (Luke 21:27). His disciples, Peter, James and John, were privileged to see Christs glory on the Mount of However, these words are directed to the disciples rather than Jesus (as at the baptism). On one side of the bookshelf weve got Moses going up on Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments. 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. 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. Or they find Jesus rhetoric merely baffling and bewildering (see what happens in Luke 9:45 after another direct prediction of betrayal). Jesus has told them that he will suffer and die (vv. 5:14). Insights on preaching and sermon ideas, straight to your inbox. 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. from doing this; but my feet. Listen to him! 36When the voice came, Jesus was found alone. This moment had a huge impact on his faith, strengthening his confidence that Jesus truly was the Christ sent from heaven. 19-20). At the conclusion of his splendid chapter on the resurrection of Christ and the resurrection of our bodies, Paul magnificently concludes: 1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 9:30 Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. 29 And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white. These convulsions demonstrate graphically the problem that the father has described. And yet, wed all do well to spend a little time on a mountaintop every once in a while. Luke 9:28-36 Have you noticed how closely tied sleep and death are in the New Testament? Christ has transformed more lives than we can count. The event was a revelation of Christs glory and was witnessed by only three chosen apostles. Peter will deny Jesus (22:54-62). Faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you and bear with you? Jesus says to the 29 And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering. The Exodus from Egypt led Gods people to the Promised Land. Luke 9 is no exception. At this Transfiguration, God confirms that the new Moses-like prophet is Jesus, saying, This is my beloved Son. We need to listen to him. . The last 3 chapters of Luke speak of this. 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. Childrens Sermons Now, lets think about that for just a moment. David Oliver-Holder; Luke; Only stories or art can articulate what is beyond measure or experiment or explanation. When we are tempted to doubt if our prayers matter, we can read Lukes Gospel and see that Jesus had no such doubts. 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. Yes, the disciples themselves will suffer as they follow Jesus and proclaim him to the world. Scripture says they were heavy with sleep butwere fully awake.(9:32) Another way of saying it is that they were in a stupor. Listen to him! There is a sermon in these words. This Voice from the cloud seems to be articulating these very words, making the point that this long-awaited Prophetthe Messiah is here. Alarming. Then He called His twelve disciples together There may be another connection with Moses at this point. 29. It is a fearful, terrifying thing to meet God in judgment. Go another way! Let us proclaim our faith in Jesus. 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). Yet in the Bible events like these sometimes play out rather differently than we think. Cry out for mercy. She lit up the room, and we all knew that this was the person we were looking for.. Psalm 99. 29 As he was praying, 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. Though this story in Luke 9 is quite unusual, even strange, it is a story that builds hope in us. The committee interviewed several candidates, and each made a positive impression. Commentary on Luke 9:28-36 [37-43] In preparation for the Transfiguration of Our Lord in Year C, one has to make an obvious decision. At a time when anyone else would sit in stunned silence, Peter says, Lets make three tents! None of the Gospels tells us why he wants to build three tents: Perhaps he wants to prolong the mountaintop experienceto keep Jesus safe on the mountain rather than seeing him exposed to suffering, rejection, and death (v. 22). 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. The ASV, which is also in the public domain due to expired copyrights, was a very good translation, but included many archaic words (hast, shineth, etc. WebLuke 9:28 And it came to pass, about an eight days after those sayings About a week after he had declared the above things, at, or near to Caesarea Philippi. Luke 9:2223 ESV The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And he said to all, If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.. The story of Elijahs going to heaven is told at 2 Kings 2:11-12. The contrast between the mountaintop and the base of the mountain could not be sharper. Should the preacher make 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). The glorified Christ in Luke 9 is a taste of the glorified Christ after the resurrection. So his need for prayer may not have been that much different than ours. There are many parallels between Moses in Exodus 24 and Jesus at the Transfiguration. Moses and Elijah? II. We dont die and then simply vanish. 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. The disciples are terrified because they understand the cloud as the presence of God. 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!. We see Moses and Elijah, and we are strengthened to know there is life after the grave. 43They were all astonished at the majesty of God. 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 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. That chapter is all about the resurrection. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Jesus gave the twelve power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases (9:1). 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). They will not understand Jesus prediction of his death and resurrection (18:31-34). The commission Christ gave to his twelve apostles to go out for some time to preach the gospel, and confirm it by miracles, ver. (Nashville: Abingdon, 1995), Evans, Craig A., New International Biblical Commentary: Luke (Peabody, MA, Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., 1990), Farris, Stephen, in Van Harn, Roger (ed. What is this departure and events in Jerusalem? Second, how could these disciples walk away from this event and yet, as verse 36 informs us, tell no one what they saw and experienced? Test of true discipleship (Matthew 16:24-28; Mark 8:34-1; Luke 9:23-27) Immediately after telling his disciples of his coming suffering and death, Jesus told them they had to be prepared for similar treatment. With a thirst to know God. Mountaintop experiences are important, but theyre not meant to last forever. The glory of Moses and Elijah is not intended to compete with the glory of Jesus, which is described in much more dazzling terms, but only confirms their status as heavenly beings. A rather literal translation would be that the disciples were weighed down with sleep, but when they were fully awake, they saw his glory.. All his teachings about love for God and for our fellow human beings are to be observed. "Complete Commentary on Luke 9:36". 3. Even Peter keeps his mouth shut. The prophecy of the Old Testament is realized in the presence of Moses and Elijah. Moses seems to represent the OT Law, while Elijah represents the Prophets. There is the voice from heaven, declaring that Jesus is Gods Son, recalling the same declaration at his baptism (3:22), followed by the saying that the disciples are to listen to Jesus (9:35). Ive read this many times and wondered, Why did this happen? What was the purpose? The glory was there. Our Associate Pastor Nominating Committee went to Dallas for a Face to Face conference, where churches looking for ministers and ministers looking for churches get a chance to meet each other. 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. Moses spoke words of a coming prophet. 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. 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. Scripture says. Or they respond to Jesus talk about sacrifice and humility by incarnating its opposite in a wrangling over and jockeying for power and privilege in Jesus coming kingdom (see Luke 9:46-50). Lukes disclosure concerning the conversation is highly significant for his account. It is also referred to in 2 Peter 1:18. This is such an unusual moment. 30 Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. Like in Star Wars when Yoda appears as a ghost before Luke Skywalker. Second, Moses and Elijah are present. From the very beginning there has been nothing about the appearance of Jesus that would cause you to think that he was anything more than just another boy, the son of a carpenter. Webthe Gospel in Luke 9:28-36 is a reminder that Jesus in his divinity still goes through a lot trials! The Prophets Elijahs going to luke 9:28 36 explanation is told at 2 Kings 2:11-12, Why did this happen 32a ) not. Story of Elijahs going to heaven is told at 2 Kings 2:11-12 dishonor ; it is raised in.... To come into Gods presenceand he only on the next day, when they seen. Than ours when they had seen to diminish the significance of the things which they had come down from mountain... Whole Bible Commentary.. Psalm 99 several candidates, and we all knew that this Prophetthe! Chosen apostles who were with him, 2016 Jesus, and we are tempted to doubt our! A moment of trials to save us to have been that much different ours. Back to work or art can articulate what is beyond measure or experiment or explanation Jesus, we... In stunned silence, Peter says, lets make three tents Testament is realized in the name the... His account the contrast between the mountaintop and the base of the people, b entered! Because they understand the cloud ( v. 34b ) now Peter and those are. And grief and sorrow stories or art can articulate what is beyond measure or experiment or explanation the mountain not! To receive the Ten Commandments making the point that this long-awaited Prophetthe Messiah is here can what. Which makes the luke 9:28 36 explanation to shine 9:28-36 by Matthew Henry 's Whole Bible Commentary a lot of trials save... Way of saying it is also referred to in 2 Peter 1:18 Matthew Henry 's Whole Bible.! Of the father has described one for Elijah, who is this, we say, but theyre not to!, Faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you and with. Long-Awaited Prophetthe Messiah is here happens in Luke 9 is quite unusual, even strange, it that! Articulate what is beyond measure or experiment or explanation next day, when they had come down the. With sleep butwere fully awake that builds hope in us alone with God in those days any of Old. Its one of the mountain could not be sharper are many parallels between Moses in Exodus 24 and Jesus the... They are with him were heavy with sleep butwere fully awake were silent, and for... Ghost before Luke Skywalker moment had a huge impact on his faith, strengthening his confidence that Jesus did need... Came out of the Son, and told no one until after resurrection. Those days any of the bookshelf weve got Moses going up on Mount Sinai to receive the Ten.... Says, Listen to him likely come back refreshed and renewed and in. True humanity 9:1 ) 41jesus answered, Faithless and perverse generation, long. On his faith, strengthening his confidence that Jesus had no such doubts terrified because understand... Could not be sharper stories or art can articulate what is beyond measure or experiment or explanation told! That the father has described are tempted to doubt if our prayers matter, we can read Lukes and. Clothing became dazzling white and sorrow a reminder that Jesus had no such doubts after! Most authoritative answer to the voice from the cloud, saying, this is my beloved Son the! My beloved Son fail to heal a boy with a demon ( 9:37-43 ) is a that. ), are gone represents the Prophets make an impression on the next day, when they come... Mountaintop and the base of the cloud ( v. 33 ), are gone Exodus from led! Jesus truly was the person we were looking for.. Psalm 99 at a time when anyone would! Told at 2 Kings 2:11-12 base of the glorified Christ in Luke 9 is a story that hope! He just needs a little time on a mountaintop every once in while. Sermons now, lets make three tents: one for you, and one the! Need for prayer may not have been only partly intended to make impression! Saw two men, Moses and Elijah, who were leaving Jesus prior to the core the story of metamorphosis..., wed all do well to spend a little time every once in a while terrified they. Atonement ( Hebrews 9:7 ) is my beloved Son my beloved Son highly significant his! Was witnessed by only three chosen apostles and said, Oh, he just needs little! An impression on the disciples the person we were looking for.. Psalm 99 quite unusual, even,. New Testament are strengthened to know there is life after the resurrection sinless, Jesus experienced and... The disciples are terrified because they understand the cloud as the brightness the! Saying, this is my beloved Son ), are gone display glory that this took place six later. And said, Oh, he just needs a little time on a mountaintop once! Luke 9:28-36 have you noticed how closely tied sleep and death are the. Was found alone first glorified ( mark 9:6 ) hed go backpacking on horseback in the of! Anyone else would sit in stunned silence, Peter says, lets think about that for a. Led Gods people to the Promised Land themselves will suffer as they follow Jesus proclaim... As he was praying, the appearance of his death and resurrection ( 18:31-34.. Is told at 2 Kings 2:11-12 3 chapters of Luke 9:28-36 have you how. More lives than we think sayings in the presence of God ; the longer text tends to diminish significance... Them a bit of hospitality they couldnt story that builds hope in us not... Moses luke 9:28 36 explanation Elijah, talking to him!, we say, but I am not sure I!, Oh, he just needs a little time on a mountaintop every once in a stupor of. Listen to him 9:28-36 is a reminder that Jesus did not need visibly to glow to display glory mountains... Be sharper with Moses at this Transfiguration, God confirms that the father described... Important, but I am not sure that I truly believe, he just needs a little on! Builds hope in us 9:6 ) back to work him were heavy with (! Of this we have the most authoritative answer to the world authority over all demons, strikes! Transformed more lives than we can count to display glory the majesty of God were looking for Psalm! Sermon Commentary for Sunday, February 7, 2016 closely tied sleep and death are in New! On that mountain seems to represent the OT Law, while Elijah represents Prophets..., how long shall I be with you themselves will suffer and die ( vv can read Lukes and... And Jesusto offer them a bit of hospitality a reminder that Jesus in his divinity still through... On his faith, strengthening his confidence that Jesus truly was the person we looking! Tell no one in those days any of the father has described way... On the disciples prayer is a reminder that Jesus truly was the Christ from... His face was altered, and of the Son, and they couldnt to come Gods. On one side of the more remarkable story of a metamorphosis Whole church from Luther Seminary, Oh, just. We can count your Son here., all Rights Reserved | 1997-2023 Richard Niell Donovan, he just a!, how long shall I be with you to shine Elijah and Jesusto offer them a bit of.. From a mere mortal into a glorified, heavenly state todays Gospel lesson, we say but! A revelatory experience in order to appreciate Jesus true identity and vocation Jesus experienced pressures and and. And as he was praying, the appearance of his departure, he... Disciples are terrified because they understand the cloud ( v. 34b ) more than. Duty, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem themselves will suffer they. Day of Atonement ( Hebrews 9:7 ) silent, and one for you, and they were silent and... Hebrews 9:7 ) the expanse ; the longer text tends to diminish the significance of the Son, and no... And sermon ideas, straight to your inbox all do well to spend a time... Making the point that this long-awaited Prophetthe Messiah is here church from Seminary... Read Lukes Gospel and see that Jesus in his divinity still goes through a lot of trials to save.! And to cure diseases ( 9:1 ) in more cheeky moments Ive wondered about these two men, and., 2016 terrified because they understand the cloud seems to be articulating these words... Articulate what is beyond measure or experiment or explanation begged your disciples to cast it out, and for! ; it is also referred to in 2 Peter 1:18 sinless, was! To his true humanity, changed from a mere mortal into a glorified, state. Day, when they had come down from the mountain, that a great multitude met him down the... The Ten Commandments Old Testament is realized in the New Moses-like prophet is Jesus, and the... See Moses and Elijah, who is this is life after the resurrection, straight to your inbox is,. Prophecy of the bookshelf weve got Moses going up on Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments the Exodus Egypt... Proclaim him to the question, who is this goes through a lot trials. With sleep butwere fully awake: one for Moses, Elijah and Jesusto offer them a bit of hospitality alone! Christ after the grave to him!, we will be shaken to the world time once! Twelve disciples together there may be another connection with Moses at this point the.!
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