Scripture:
Luke 9:28-36 (English Standard Version)
The Transfiguration
28(A) Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him(B) Peter and John and James and(C) went up on the mountain to pray. 29And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was(D) altered, and(E) his clothing became dazzling white. 30And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah, 31who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure,[a] which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. 32Now Peter and those who were with him(F) were heavy with sleep, but when they became fully awake(G) they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. 33And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good that we are here. Let us make three(H) tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah"—(I) not knowing what he said. 34As he was saying these things,(J) a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35And(K) a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is my Son,(L) my Chosen One;[b](M) listen to him!" 36And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone.(N) And they kept silent and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen.
Footnotes:
Luke 9:31 Greek exodus
Luke 9:35 Some manuscripts my Beloved
Cross references:
Luke 9:28 : For Luke 9:28-36, Matt 17:1-8; Mark 9:2-8
Luke 9:28 : Luke 8:51; Mark 14:33
Luke 9:28 : Matt 14:23
Luke 9:29 : Mark 16:12 (Gk)
Luke 9:29 : Dan 7:9; Psalm 104:2; Matt 28:3
Luke 9:32 : Dan 8:18; Matt 26:43
Luke 9:32 : John 1:14
Luke 9:33 : Neh 8:15
Luke 9:33 : Mark 9:6; 14:40
Luke 9:34 : 2 Pet 1:17; Exodus 24:15, 16
Luke 9:35 : Luke 9:34
Luke 9:35 : Luke 23:35; Isa 42:1; Psalm 89:3; Isa 49:7
Luke 9:35 : Acts 3:22
Luke 9:36 : Matt 17:9; Mark 9:9, 10
Reflection:
God wants to share his glory with us! We get a glimpse of this when the disciples see Jesus transfigured in glory on the mountain. Luke's account tells us that Jesus' face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. When Moses met with God on Mount Sinai the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God (see Exodus 34:29). Paul says that the Israelites could not look at Moses' face because of its brightness (2 Cor. 3:7). In this incident Jesus appeared in glory with Moses, the great lawgiver of Israel, and with Elijah, the greatest of the prophets, in the presence of three of his beloved apostles. What is the significance of this mysterious appearance? Jesus went to the mountain knowing full well what awaited him in Jerusalem -- his betrayal, rejection and crucifixion. Jesus very likely discussed this momentous decision to go to the cross with Moses and Elijah. God the Father also spoke with Jesus and gave his approval: This is my beloved Son; listen to him. The cloud which overshadowed Jesus and his apostles fulfilled the dream of the Jews that when the Messiah came the cloud of God's presence would fill the temple again (see Exodus 16:10, 19:9, 33:9; 1 Kings 8:10; 2 Maccabees 2:8). While this transpired Peter, James, and John were asleep! Upon awakening they discovered the transfiguration of Jesus along with Moses and Elijah. How much do we miss of God's glory and action because we are asleep spiritually? There are many things which can keep our minds asleep to the things of God: Mental lethargy and the "unexamined life" can keep us from thinking things through and facing our doubts and questions. The life of ease can also hinder us from considering the challenging or disturbing demands of Christ. Prejudice can make us blind to something new the Lord may have for us. Even sorrow can be a block until we can see past it to the glory of God. Are you spiritually awake? Peter, James, and John were privileged witnesses of the glory of Christ. We, too, as disciples of Christ are called to be witnesses of his glory. We all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit (2 Cor. 3:18). The Lord wants to reveal his glory to us, his beloved disciples. Do you seek his presence with faith and reverence?
Prayer For The Day:
Lord, keep me always alert and awake to you, to your word, your action, and your daily presence in my life. Let me see your glory.
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