The Christ Of God
Jamaal Williams
27 Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.”
28 About eight days after this conversation, he took along Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray. 29 As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. 30 Suddenly, two men were talking with him—Moses and Elijah. 31 They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish in Jerusalem.
32 Peter and those with him were in a deep sleep, and when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men who were standing with him. 33 As the two men were departing from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it’s good for us to be here. Let’s set up three shelters: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he was saying.
34 While he was saying this, a cloud appeared and overshadowed them. They became afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 Then a voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, the Chosen One; listen to him!”
36 After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. They kept silent, and at that time told no one what they had seen.
37 The next day, when they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met him. 38 Just then a man from the crowd cried out, “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, because he’s my only child. 39 A spirit seizes him; suddenly he shrieks, and it throws him into convulsions until he foams at the mouth; severely bruising him, it scarcely ever leaves him. 40 I begged your disciples to drive it out, but they couldn’t.”
41 Jesus replied, “You unbelieving and perverse generation, how long will I be with you and put up with you? Bring your son here.”
42 As the boy was still approaching, the demon knocked him down and threw him into severe convulsions. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father.
43 And they were all astonished at the greatness of God.
While everyone was amazed at all the things he was doing, he told his disciples, 44 “Let these words sink in: The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men.”
45 But they did not understand this statement; it was concealed from them so that they could not grasp it, and they were afraid to ask him about it.
– Luke 9:27-45
"Jesus is the 'Chosen One. Behold Him. Listen to Him. Find power for life, in Him alone."
- Transfiguration: Revelation of Jesus' Glory
- Key symbolism
- Mountain: A place of divine revelation (e.g., Mount Sinai, Mount Carmel).
- Moses and Elijah: Represent the Law and the Prophets, fulfilled in Jesus.
- Dazzling appearance: Jesus reveals His intrinsic glory, unlike borrowed glory seen in others (e.g. Moses).
- Key Figures
- Peter, James, and John: Witnesses to prepare them for their leadership roles in the church.
- Moses and Elijah
- Symbolize longing for God's glory and God's authority over life and death.
- Peter's Misunderstanding
- Peter's suggestion to build shelters shows his awe but also his failure to grasp Jesus' unique glory.
- "This is My Son, the Choson One; listen to Him" affirms Jesus' divinity and supremacy over Moses and Elijah
- Application
- Proximity to Jesus isn't enough. Let's actively participate in His mission.