Luke 9:28-36
28 About eight days after these sayings, He took along Peter, John, and James, and went up on the mountain to pray.
29 And while He was praying, the appearance of His face became different, and His clothing became white and gleaming.
30 And behold, two men were talking with Him; and they were Moses and Elijah,
31 who, appearing in glory, were speaking of His departure, which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.
32 Now Peter and his companions had been overcome with sleep; but when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men who were standing with Him.
33 And as these two men were leaving Him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here; and let’s make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not realizing what he was saying.
34 But while he was saying this, a cloud formed and began to overshadow them; and they were afraid as they entered the cloud.
35 And then a voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is My Son, My Chosen One; listen to Him!”
36 And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent, and reported to no one in those days any of the things which they had seen.
Jesus’ Transfiguration
For Jesus Himself
Jesus went up on the mountain to pray. At key moments in His public ministry, Jesus earnestly prayed to God the Father (ref. 3:21, 6:12, 9:18, etc.). While He was praying, the appearance of His face was transformed, and His glory began to shine. This was truly an event in which the reality of another world broke into this earth. What was the reason this event took place? The first reason we can consider is that it was for Jesus Himself. Did Jesus, like an actor playing a role, carry out without question the script written by God? I do not think so. His life was a journey toward the cross, but at each step along the way, He must have struggled and wrestled in anguish. Moses and Elijah appeared and comforted Jesus. God the Father assured Him that the path He was about to walk was not mistaken. How great a comfort this experience must have been for Jesus as He prepared to go to Jerusalem. God surely gives the same kind of comfort to those who seek to follow Him. Moses and Elijah appeared and comforted Jesus. God the Father assured Him that the path He was about to walk was not mistaken. How great a comfort this experience must have been for Jesus as He prepared to go to Jerusalem. God surely gives the same kind of comfort to those who seek to follow Him.
For Peter, John, and James
However, this event was also for the disciples. While Jesus was praying, the disciples seemed to have been asleep. But when the light of His glory shone, they were fully awakened. The experience was so overwhelming that Peter lost himself and spoke words that made little sense. Looking back later, they realized that this experience had given them three blessings. (1) Moses represents the Law, and Elijah represents the prophets. Thus, their appearance proves that Jesus came as the fulfillment of the prophecies of the Old Testament. (2) It was discussed that Jesus would meet a tragic end in Jerusalem. (3) The suffering Jesus is, at the same time, the Son of God full of glory. God the Father said, “This is My Son, My Chosen One; listen to Him!” The three disciples who witnessed the transfiguration of Jesus seemed to have told no one about it at that time. Yet later, Peter solemnly shared that experience (ref. 2 Peter 1:15-18). How would witnessing the glory that is prepared for the future change your way of life and your character? God is saying, “Listen to Him!”
Today's prayer
Father God of Jesus Christ, my sight and understanding are always limited. I thank You for allowing me to glimpse the glory that is prepared for me in the future. Please let me walk today listening to the words of Jesus. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.