The Shining Son

Sermon 39 in Series

Luke 9:28-36

[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. [29] And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white. [30] And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah, [31] who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. [32] Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, but when they became fully awake they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. [33] And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said. [34] As he was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. [35] And a voice came out of 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 told no one in those days anything of what they had seen.

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.  Why is the Transfiguration placed here?  What impact is it meant to have on the disciples (and the Christian reader) in light of what Jesus has just told them?
2.  What does it mean to say that the cross must come before the crown?  How does Satan tempt us to lose sight of this?
3.  How does Luke describe Jesus’ glory?  What is the significance of Moses and Elijah?
4.  What is the topic of conversation between Jesus and these two Old Testament figures?  How does the exodus from Egypt prefigure the greater Exodus through Christ?
5.  What’s wrong with Peter’s proposal?  How is the voice from the cloud an answer to Herod, a correction of Peter, and a confirmation and charge for all three disciples?
6.  How does this passage inform our view of Christ and the Trinity?  How does it motivate us to behold Christ’s glory in Scripture?

References: 2 Peter 1:1-21 (corporate reading); Luke 4:5-7; Matthew 17:2; Mark 9:3; Exodus 34:29; Genesis 3:15; 12:3; 1 John 1:1-2; John 1:14; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Philippians 3:21; John 17:24; 1 Peter 5:10; Mark 9:6; Exodus 40:34-35; Matthew 17:5; Luke 3:22; Psalm 2:7; Isaiah 42:1; Deuteronomy 18:15; Matthew 17:6