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The Transfiguration of Jesus
Luke 9:28-36
A week after Jesus announced that He would suffer and die, He calls Simon closer: “I want to go up the mountain to pray,” He says, “and I want you, John, and James to come with Me.”
Simon sighs, already knowing how long the Master can pray. And if they are going up the mountain to pray, it certainly won’t just be for five minutes.
And Simon is not far wrong, because once they reach the top, Jesus moves aside to pray, while the three men sit down and wait… and wait… and wait… until they fall asleep!
Simon is the first to wake up, sensing that something is not quite right - he hears voices speaking. “But aren’t we alone here on the mountain with Jesus?” he wonders. He shakes the other two awake: “Men, something very strange is happening!”
Looking towards Jesus, they see something that takes them completely by surprise: Jesus’ entire appearance has changed, and His clothes are shining brilliantly. Two men stand with Him, figures that can only be described as heavenly, for their whole being radiates with glory.
“What is happening?” they whisper to each other, too afraid to speak aloud.
John is in awe: “It is none other than Moses and Elijah,” he gasps. “And they are discussing the Master’s departure, which He will accomplish in Jerusalem” (Luke 9:31).
“I don’t quite understand what it all means,” James admits, his mouth hanging open in amazement.
To be honest, none of the three disciples have even the faintest idea what this incredible scene unfolding before them is about. Overwhelmed, they simply stand there, staring in astonishment.
Then, once again, it is Simon who speaks before thinking: “Master, I suggest that we build three shelters: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
He just wants to keep them there forever - this is heaven!
At that moment, a cloud suddenly overshadows them, and from the cloud, the voice of God resounds:
“This is My Son, whom I have chosen.”
Then comes the command:
“Listen to Him!”
And suddenly, Elijah and Moses are gone, and everything returns to normal.
The three men dare not utter a word about what they have just witnessed - who would ever believe them anyway? Only much, much later do they finally have the courage to speak about that day on the mountain.
But what does it all mean?
Moses and Elijah represent the Law and the Prophets. Here, they fulfil the role of Old Testament witnesses to confirm who Jesus truly is. Their radiant, heavenly appearance affirms their divine status and immediately tells the three disciples that they are experiencing a supernatural and profoundly important moment.
The fact that Jesus’ appearance changed and His clothes shone brilliantly is a confirmation of His divinity - He is not merely a man; He is also fully God.
Jesus’ conversation with these two ancient figures was about a momentous event: His “departure in Jerusalem.” This must be understood within the framework of divine victory - it does not refer only to His suffering and death, but also to His resurrection, ascension, and exaltation to the highest authority.
The story reaches its climax when God speaks from the cloud and, just as at Jesus’ baptism, once again confirms that Jesus is truly the Son of God. People must pay serious attention to the fact that Jesus is God’s Son. But not only that - they must listen to Him and do what He commands.
What does this mean for us?
Too often, we also want to “build shelters” and keep Jesus on a mountain, where we can worship Him from a distance. As long as He is up there in glory, watching over us, and we know He is always there, we are content.
But we need to be shaken awake to realise that Jesus is not only God above, but also God with us. A personal relationship with Him means that we do not worship Him from a distance, but that we make Him part of everything we do - knowing Him in every aspect of our lives.
Yes, we should stand in awe when we behold His glory. Yes, we should be deeply aware that we are dealing with the Almighty God and not just a “friend.” But at the same time, we must fully understand that He is with us every moment of the day, that He is there for us, and that we can bring all our worries, sorrows, and joys to Him.
Prayer:
Lord, keep me constantly aware of Your great glory, but thank You that You are always there for me!