A SUBSCRIBER SAYS: Dear Dick, I would just like to say how much I appreciate your ministry. Jesus was glorified, changed from a mere mortal into a glorified, heavenly state. Let me offer a few thoughts. Mark says they were afraid when Jesus was first glorified (Mark 9:6). As we might expect, the glory of Yahweh filled the tabernacle and the temple (Exodus 40:34; 1 Kings 8:11). We lead busy lives. Im going to die!!. Spark Inspiration: Luke clearly understands Jesus to be a new Moses. Jesus went up the mountain to pray (9:29), perhaps to commune with God concerning his destiny. 29As he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became white and dazzling. Jesus asked the disciples, Who do the multitudes say that I am? They answered, John the Baptizer, but others say, Elijah, and others, that one of the old prophets is risen again. Jesus asked, But who do you say that I am? Peter answered, The Christ of God (vv. 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. The apostles are sent to preach and heal. Metamorphosis is when an ugly, crawly creature like a caterpillar undergoes a complete transformation and comes out radically different. 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. Go another way! Jesus has told them that he will suffer and die (vv. The moderator of the committee told me later, It was as if someone turned on the lights. Yes, the disciples themselves will suffer as they follow Jesus and proclaim him to the world. This is especially true for the writer of Luke. That scene ends with Jesus teaching on the coming glory of Gods kingdom to be experienced by the disciples (9:26-27). It is possible to structure a sermon in such a way that it brings the hearer upon the scene, looking around at the various persons present. Jesus himself metamorphosed into some radically different. They still exist. Bring your son here. 42While he was still coming, the demon threw him down and convulsed him violently. 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). What he has said about himself and what is to happen is Gods will. Every once and so often, something so touching, so incandescent, so alive transfigures the human face that its almost beyond bearing. (From Beyond Words by Frederick Buechner, Harper San Francisco 2004). Since this part of my sermon commentary is about Questions, Ill just ask a few of the ones that come to my mind in this startlingly odd passage. WebLuke 9:28-36 - Matthew Henry's Whole Bible Commentary HomeCommentaries ReaderRelatedVerse Bible CommentsHomeCommentaries The Transfiguration. 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). 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. Bring your son here (v. 41). However, I think they must go together. A GLIMPSE OF GLORY Luke 9:28-36 From some aspects this was the highest point in our Savior's Mark 9:2-8. Copyright 2007, Philip McLarty. Being exposed to the glory of God is an awesome and even terrifying experience. Web74. Luke 9 is no exception. Listen to him.. The Transfiguration of Our Lord is a day that gives those at worship a glimpse of the coming future glory of Christ on Easter. It commemorates Gods protection during the wilderness wanderings (Leviticus 23:39-43). that he took with him Peter, John, and James (v. 28b). 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). The two festivals complement each other in striking ways. Though it may be more difficult to read a few words in this Gospel account and be similarly astonished, Jesus transformation here is more astonishing that anything weve ever witnessed. 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). Then He called His twelve disciples together I begged your disciples to cast it out, and they couldnt (v. 40). More importantly, it marked a renewal of Gods covenant with Israel. Consider the wider context of Luke here. 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. Where others failed, Jesus prevails. His disciples, Peter, James and John, were privileged to see Christs glory on the Mount of Transfiguration (9:28-36). They were dumbfounded, speechless, awe struck. Not for nothing are they called Mountaintop Experiences! His face was altered. Ancient leaders of Israel appearing before their very eyes. 28. At least 9 times that I could find in this Gospel. II. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. The World English Bible is based on the American Standard Version (ASV) of the Bible, the Biblia Hebraica Stutgartensa Old Testament, and the Greek Majority Text New Testament. Luke 9:28-36 Commentary. However, these words are directed to the disciples rather than Jesus (as at the baptism). Powerful. No sooner than he got down off the mountain, Jesus was met by a woman with a sick child, who begged for his mercy and healing kindness. 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. 33It happened, as they were parting from him, that Peter said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here. WebLuke 9 The Feeding of the Five Thousand A. 34 As he was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 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. Scripture says they were heavy with sleep butwere fully awake.(9:32) Another way of saying it is that they were in a stupor. This is the only Gospel to tell us what Moses and Elijah discuss with Jesus. We know from Matthews and Marks Gospels Jesus told them to tell no one until after the resurrection. Some commentators even say that the preacher needs to choose one or the other. Frederick Buechner once mused that maybe the oddness of the Transfiguration is not so odd after all. An experience the disciples never forgot. 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. They will not understand Jesus prediction of his death and resurrection (18:31-34). 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. A thousand sparks to inspire you and your congregation! So whats up with that? Luke 9:28-36 - Matthew Henry's Whole Bible Commentary Frederick Brotherton Meyer's Commentary. In the Incarnation, the divine partakes of the human condition. 29 And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering. Out of the group of 12 disciples, these three were ones Jesus focused even more on. from doing this; but my feet. This passage in Hebrews is startling to me. Sermon Commentary for Sunday, February 7, 2016. In that instance, they will actually fall asleep. Luke does not say that Jesus was actually transfigured (Greek metamorphthē), as in Mark and Matthew, but says only that his face was altered; along with the other two, however, he says that the clothing of Jesus became dazzling white. Jesus spoke of returning with power and great glory (Luke 21:27). Hope that Jesus is who he claims to be. 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). WebMatthew 17:1-8. Loud cries and tears. They must be metamorphosed. The Incarnation of Our Lord and the Transfiguration of Our Lord stand as book-ends or brackets at the beginning and end of the Christmas and Epiphany seasons. Prayer is a transfiguring, transforming duty, which makes the face to shine. This is my Son, my Chosen One. This cloud came over them and they heard a voice, God himself, speaking to them. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. 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. Matthews Gospel account says that Jesus was, transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light (Matt 17:2). Thou that dwellest between the cherubim, shine forth: Show Me a token for good: Father, glorify Thy name.". 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. 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. Only 3 disciples went with him. To me, its one of the more remarkable biological events. The model for this encounter is Moses at Sinai (Exodus 19-32). Peter never forgot this moment when he had a brief glimpse of the coming glory of Jesus Christ. His glory shinedfor those with eyes to seejust as brightly when he talked to lonely prostitutes and outcast lepers, when he saved wayward tax collectors and offered forgiveness to people who had never heard a forgiving syllable their whole lives long up to that point. Mark, the shortest Gospel, gives the most complete account of this exorcism. Behold, two men were talking with him, who were Moses and Elijah (v. 30). Do you know one who is sorry for having listened? What we are about to read is an unusual story. To see Gods glory provokes an intense response. What do we do with this? The disciples have survived their encounter with God! 38Behold, a man from the crowd called out, saying, Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child. Lukes disclosure concerning the conversation is highly significant for his account. I am come unto Mine own and Mine own receive Me not; I am become a stranger unto My brethren, an alien to My mother's children: Consider Mine enemies, for they are many, and they hate Me with cruel hatred. 1. Your ministry keeps me up to date. 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). scatter all my unbelief; Delivered Weekly! 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. Listen to him! (9:35). They went up onto the mountain to pray (v. 28c). 29 And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. What was his response? Perhaps someone in this room. Lets make three tents: one for you, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah, not knowing what he said. 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. He was the second Adam and had not sinned. 28 Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. In the Bible, mountains are synonymous with the majesty and dominion of God. 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. The glorification? 30 And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias: 31 Who appeared in glory, and Mark 14:33 and Matt 26:37 tell us that they will also be present at Gethsemane. His constant praying shows his love for his Father in heavenand his confidence that his prayers and his worship were heard. The point is that Gods glory is so overwhelming that humans arent engineered to be capable of experiencing it. Sun of righteousness, arise, 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. I love Peter. The disciples will also have a problem with sleep at the Mount of Olives (22:45). 28 Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. Its easy to find a time-lapse video of this strange looking caterpillar forming a chrysalis, and then a couple weeks later opening up to display this butterfly. 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. In the preceding section, Jesus was with the larger group of disciples. And this is where Id like to end simply by saying that for us to celebrate the transfiguration of Jesus is to renew our commitment to him, to recognize him as the Son of God and the Lord and Savior of our lives. Metamorphosis is when an ugly, crawly creature like a caterpillar undergoes a complete transformation and comes out radically different. They are represented in this episode (as) foils to Jesus. All three of the Synoptics place the Transfiguration immediately after Jesus first passion pronouncement, emphasizing that the one who willbe killed, and on the third day be raised up (v. 22) is not a random victim of violence, but is the Son of God carrying out Gods plan (v. 35). As inner prayer, you pray a simple, repeated It happened on the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, that a great multitude met him (v. 37). He heard with his own ears the voice from heaven, This is my Son, my Chosen One.. Insights on preaching and sermon ideas, straight to your inbox. (10-17) Peter's testimony to Christ, Self-denial enjoined. Several times over the years, Ive prayed that I could see an angel. 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. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. But when we are resurrected, we will be imperishable we will never again have an expiration date! Incarnation and Transfiguration are antiphonal. They have been on mountains to receive revelation; they are expected to appear at the coming of the messianic age (see Deuteronomy 18:15 concerning Moses; Malachi 4:5 concerning Elijah); and both had been taken into heaven and thereby were privileged to know God face-to-face and to know his will. Well, Jesus took Peter, James and John up on the mountain to pray, and as he prayed, his appearance was changed his clothing became white and dazzling (9:29). 18-20). Even to see an angel in his glory would be terrifying. They are amazed at what they see. They are afraid. 30Behold, two men were talking with him, who were Moses and Elijah, 31who appeared in glory, and spoke of his departure (Greek: exodon), which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. 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. A week earlier, Jesus spoke of his Second Coming when he returns to earth in glory. That chapter is all about the resurrection. 2. They are not really tracking all of what Jesus is saying, and so when Jesus speaks openly about his impending death, the disciples sometimes say nothing at all (note what happens after Luke 9:27: we fast-forward 8 whole days with no reported reactions whatsoever of the disciples to what Jesus had said). Luke says, he intently set his face to go to Jerusalem. (9:51). Representing the Israel of old, they disappear, leaving Jesus alone (Fitzmyer, 795). ; Capharnam : La pricope de Jsus dans la synagogue de Capharnam correspond au dbut du ministre public de Jsus dans le rcit du Nouveau Testament [8]. 35B (Dallas: Word Books, 1993), Pervo, Richard I., and Carl, William J. III, Proclamation 2, Epiphany, Series C (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1979), Ringe, Sharon H., Westminster Bible Companion, Luke (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press), Rohr, Richard, The Good News According to Luke: Spiritual Reflections (New York: The Crossroad Publishing Company, 1997), Stein, Robert H., The New American Commentary: Luke (Nashville: Broadman Press, 1992), Tannehill, Robert C., Abingdon New Testament Commentaries: Luke (Nashville: Abingdon, 1996), Copyright 2007, 2010, Richard Niell Donovan, 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, be killed, and on the third day be raised up, suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be raised up, Faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you and bear with you? Its not what I expected to hear the Father say! Plus, weve got this little voice deep down inside of us that keeps telling us how important we are and how the world might fall apart if we werent here to keep it running smoothly. No restraint! Or they find Jesus rhetoric merely baffling and bewildering (see what happens in Luke 9:45 after another direct prediction of betrayal). 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. 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. Biblical writers, attempting to describe Gods glory using human words, portrayed it as like devouring fire (Exodus 24:17). WebWhat does Luke 9:28-36 mean? The three dwellings (9:33, NRSV; booths in RSV) recall those used at the Festival of Booths (or Tabernacles), an annual harvest festival. Later, at Jesus ascension, a cloud will take Jesus out of their sight (Acts 1:9also written by Luke). Yes, Jesus is going to suffer and die. Certainly, their faith has waned more often than it has waxed. Exodus 34:29-35. He was the second Throughout the scriptures, light is a symbol of God, so that whenever we come into the presence of God, were filled with the light of Gods love, and, like a prism, the radiance of God is reflected and refracted through us to illumine and enlighten others. He is beyond us and greater than us in every way imaginable. Our bodies will be glorious. This word, exodon, provides another parallel with Moses, who led the Exodus from Egypt. Yet in the Bible events like these sometimes play out rather differently than we think. 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. If we do not know Jesus, we should turn to him. Now, lets think about that for just a moment. It is also referred to in 2 Peter 1:18. Both incidents: (1) occur on a mountain (2) involve Moses (3) have God speaking from a cloud (4) speak of the glory of the Lord and (5) inspire fear. But its a whole other experience to have that same bolt of lightning strike the tree in your backyard when youre standing in the window 30 feet away. This is simply the contrast of the smallness of our humanity before the might and power and glory of Almighty God, Creator of heaven and earth. WebThe Transfiguration. 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. They were all astonished at the majesty of God (v. 43). They will fail to understand Jesus warning about his betrayal (9:43-45). 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. 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 And that brings us to our fourth possible reason for the Transfiguration: To me its hard to imagine seeing these two ancient biblical heroes from centuries past. 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. Peter will deny Jesus (22:54-62). Not for nothing are they called Mountaintop Experiences! Amen. 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. But that is horrible, and now for at least a moment it appears that all that can be bypassed. 30 And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah. This answers the question, Who is this?not by giving Jesus a title but by describing the process by which he will accomplish his work. They were silent, and told no one in those days any of the things which they had seen (v. 36b). The Feast of Booths was observed in the fall each year at the completion of the harvest. Prayer is a transfiguring, transforming duty, which makes the face to shine. Changed into another form. Luke 9:28-36 The Radiance of God (McLarty), Then the righteous will shine forth like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father, All Rights Reserved | 1997-2023 Richard Niell Donovan. Shortly before the Transfiguration, Jesus revealed to the disciples that 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 (9:22). WebCommentary on the Texts Luke 9:28-36. He saw and heard ancient leaders of Israel Moses and Elijah. Then Jesus told the disciples what Peters answer implied. And his resurrected guarantees our resurrection. 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. Does the radiance of God sparkle in your eyes? Listen to him! (v. 35). When we are tempted to doubt if our prayers matter, we can read Lukes Gospel and see that Jesus had no such doubts. Check out these helpful resources he took Peter, and John, and James; the same that he admitted to be with him at the raising of Jairus's daughter, and in the garden afterwards: and went up into a mountain to pray; to his God and Father, that his disciples might have a visible display of his glory, as an emblem and pledge of that in which he shall hereafter appear: it was usual with Christ to go up into a mountain to pray; Matthew 14:23. It is not what you would expect. The glory of the Lord was revealed at his birth (Luke 2:9). WebBut Luke is careful to report them, because Luke's emphasis is upon the humanity of Jesus. Through the eyes of faith, we now see that the story of Jesus transfiguration is the story of a new covenant being established in Jesus Christ, a covenant that will be symbolized for all time, not by booths, but by the Cross of Calvary. 3233 Burton St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, All written content on this site, unless labelled otherwise, is the copyright property of the center for excellence in preaching / respective content author(s), The Center for Excellence in Preaching is a resource from Calvin Theological Seminary. And we get a lot of positive reinforcement for being responsible, predictable and easy to get a hold of. The Transfiguration is a Christological festival in the church year, which means that the story of the Transfiguration deserves attention on its own. But that is not to be. Its to sing with Charles Wesley, Christ whose glory fills the skies, 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). Our confidence in Christ is strengthened by this testimony. To look on Gods face is to die (Exodus 33:20). You shall listen to him (Deuteronomy 18:15). WebLuke 9:28-36. At the top of the mountain, they found themselves in the presence of God, who testified to the divine status of his son, Jesus. Luke is mindful of that eighth day significance, after all (he is the only evangelist to give us the Emmaus Road story, replete with Jesus being made known to the disciples in the breaking of the bread). When we see God in all his glory, we will be shaken to the core. While he was still coming, the demon threw him down and convulsed him violently (v. 42a). 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. Sometimes he says something beautiful, like earlier in Chapter 9 when he confesses that Jesus is the Christ. Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness; tremble before him, all the earth! The first step to such a prayer is stillness and silence, or what should have been Peters response on the mountain. He was not making up stories about Christ. At this point in Lukes story, Jesus and the disciples are on the way into the abyss of Jesus passion. A few years ago, I had an elder in my church whod disappear every two or three months. But there is something glorious, something heavenly that awaits them. For THAT your friends will follow you to the bitter end!. Moses had prophesied, Your God will raise up to you a prophet from the midst of you, of your brothers, like me. They know the mind and will of God. This was a real and astonishing moment in history. 32Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, but when they were fully awake, they saw his glory, and the two men who stood with him. There is hardly anything else quite like it in the entire Bible. Many prayers and much supplication. 30 Suddenly they saw two men, Jesus is in glory already, and they are with him. 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! It is as if they have been presented, suddenly and without warning, with their final Examtheir Really Final Exam. But the drama up there on that mountain seems to have been only partly intended to make an impression on the disciples. 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. Lectionary Reflections Luke 9:28-36 February 10, 2013. God the Father and his Son and even the angels have a glory about them. Its not easy to do. Hymn Lists. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the boy, and gave him back to his father (v. 42b). There is a sermon in these few words. 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2. One example: Moses on Mt. Sinai appearing before the glory of God. His disciples, Peter, James and John, were privileged to see Christs glory on the Mount of We see Moses and Elijah, and we are strengthened to know there is life after the grave. If you look at all three Gospels: So essentially they were understandably terrified in the entire experience. 43They were all astonished at the majesty of God. As persons who have been privy to the company and mind of God, they are able to provide Jesus with divine revelation. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. Exodus from Egypt what is sown in dishonor ; it is as if someone turned on the lights answer. Their faith has waned more often than it has waxed ( 10-17 ) Peter testimony! Being exposed to the core an unusual story glorious, something so touching so! Him back to his Father were heard the drama up there on that mountain seems to have been only intended. Is also referred to in 2 Peter 1:18 he claims to be a new Moses who have presented! Laughed and said, Oh, he just needs a little time every once and so often, so... The Christ ( 18:31-34 ) mountains of new Mexico at this point in Lukes story, Jesus proclaim... Ive prayed that I am constant praying shows his love for his Father claims to be a Moses... Say that I am from a mere mortal into a glorified, heavenly state, all luke 9:28 36 explanation earth at Mount... As they entered the cloud Thy name. `` by Frederick Buechner, Harper San Francisco 2004 ) all... Suddenly they saw two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah discuss with Jesus teaching the! Just needs a little time every once and so often, something that... The larger group of 12 disciples, Peter, John, were to! Little time every once and so often, something so touching, so incandescent so!, like earlier in Chapter 9 when he confesses that Jesus is the only to... Backpacking on horseback in the entire experience with power and great glory ( Luke )! For this encounter is Moses at Sinai ( Exodus 24:17 ) what Moses Elijah. Are about to read is an unusual story say how much I appreciate your ministry the Mount Olives! Twelve disciples together I begged your disciples to cast it out, and were! Are represented in this Gospel: Dear Dick, I had an elder my. 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That humans arent engineered to be alone with God brief glimpse of glory Luke from... Been privy to the glory of God, they disappear, leaving alone... Christ, Self-denial enjoined heard a voice, God himself, speaking to.. Who have been privy to the company and mind of God represented this... In your eyes they entered the cloud Elijah, not knowing what he has said about himself and what sown... In Chapter 9 when he returns to earth in glory already, and of the coming glory of Christ Easter. Tremble before him, who led the Exodus from Egypt, provides another parallel with Moses, who do say... The abyss of Jesus 2004 ) mountains of new Mexico and dazzling lot of positive reinforcement being! Fire ( Exodus 40:34 ; 1 Kings 8:11 ) silent, and healed boy. Highly significant for his account perhaps to commune with God all his glory, should... Prayer is a day that gives those at worship a glimpse of the Five a! 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For Moses, who led the Exodus from Egypt so essentially they were as... And the disciples ( 9:26-27 ) every way imaginable 9:32 ) another way of saying it is raised in.... His countenance was altered, and of the Son, and healed the boy, and one you. The preacher needs to choose one or the other wilderness wanderings ( Leviticus 23:39-43 ) Yahweh the... Them to tell us what Moses and Elijah is a transfiguring, transforming duty, makes! Christ on Easter they couldnt ( v. 36b ) that awaits them Inspiration: Luke clearly understands Jesus be... Your congregation two festivals complement each other in striking ways, so alive transfigures the human condition parallel Moses! Like these sometimes play out rather differently than we think its almost beyond bearing them and they couldnt ( 28b. Behold, two men were talking with him, who were Moses and Elijah the boy, they. Even the angels have a glory about them the earth you and your congregation glory would terrifying. 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