Luke 9: 28-36 The Transfiguration

Luke 9: 28-36 The Transfiguration

About eight days after he said this, he took Peter, John, and James and went up the mountain to pray. While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem. Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep, but becoming fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." But he did not know what he was saying. While he was still speaking, a cloud came and cast a shadow over them, and they became frightened when they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my chosen Son; listen to him." After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. They fell silent and did not at that time tell anyone what they had seen.

The past few passages seem to be building toward this moment: Peter’s profession of faith, the conditions of discipleship, and now the Transfiguration. Jesus has revealed his very nature and then his destiny (and their destiny if they choose to remain his followers), and now they see the end result – glorification. Peter especially seems eager to forget the foretold challenges and latch onto the glorious part. In case anyone has missed the point, God the Father’s emphatic statement “This is my beloved son, my Chosen One, listen to him” makes it dramatically clear. Instead of being overjoyed (except for one brief trial balloon floated by Peter) the party seems sobered. They will need every bit of strength and faith they can muster for the coming weeks. But this is more than Jesus saying who he is by word and deed. This is the Father spectacularly confirming it. A concrete witness both Jesus and the apostles will cling to in the trying times that are fast approaching. God gives all of us what we need in big and little ways. Amen