Look! Listen! (A Sermon On Luke 9:28-36) [March 3, 2019]

Summary

This sermon reflects on the Gospel of Luke’s Transfiguration passage (Luke 9:28-36), exploring themes of divine glory and the disciples' challenge of listening to Jesus. The speaker delves into the significance of the vision of glory seen by Peter, John, and James, highlighting how glory is something recognized rather than given. The sermon emphasizes the importance of listening to Jesus, especially in difficult moments, and the transformative power of divine encounters. It also ties the Transfiguration to the Lenten journey, preparing hearts for Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection, concluding with the triumphant victory of love over suffering.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Gospel reading from Luke marks a turning point in Jesus' ministry, where he begins his journey toward Jerusalem and the cross.
• 😀 Jesus takes Peter, John, and James up the mountain to pray, where they witness a vision of Jesus in his glory, accompanied by Moses and Elijah.
• 😀 The appearance of Moses and Elijah represents the long history of God's covenant people, linking Jesus with these prophetic figures.
• 😀 The glory revealed to the disciples is not something they can give to God, but something they witness, a divine brilliance beyond human description.
• 😀 The dazzling white clothing of Jesus during this vision symbolizes his holiness, not a racial implication.
• 😀 The cloud that envelops the disciples symbolizes the disorienting, unpredictable nature of divine encounters, where they must rely on their other senses, particularly hearing.
• 😀 The voice from the cloud declares, 'This is my son, my chosen, listen to him,' affirming Jesus' divine authority and mission.
• 😀 The disciples are reminded to listen to Jesus' teachings, particularly his messages of love, justice, and the coming suffering he must endure.
• 😀 The challenge of listening to difficult truths, such as Jesus' prophecy of his suffering and death, is compared to the difficulty of hearing hard news in life.
• 😀 Jesus' transfiguration serves as a momentary vision of glory, helping the disciples hold onto faith as they journey with him toward the cross, with the reminder to take up their own crosses.

Q & A

What is the main turning point in the Gospel according to Luke, chapter 9?

The turning point occurs when Jesus informs his inner circle that he is going to Jerusalem, where he will die on the cross. This revelation marks a significant shift in his mission.

What is the significance of the appearance of Moses and Elijah in this passage?

Moses and Elijah represent key figures in the history of God's covenant with His people. Their appearance alongside Jesus symbolizes the fulfillment of God's promises, and they discuss Jesus' departure, which refers to his upcoming death in Jerusalem.

What does Peter offer when he sees the glory of Jesus, Moses, and Elijah?

Peter, overwhelmed by the experience, suggests building three dwellings—one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah—as a way to capture and preserve the moment.

What happens when Peter suggests building dwellings for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah?

As Peter speaks, a cloud descends and envelops them, terrifying the disciples. From the cloud, a voice declares, 'This is my son, my chosen; listen to him.' This moment reorients the disciples’ understanding and emphasizes the importance of listening to Jesus.

What is the role of the cloud in this passage?

The cloud represents God's presence and serves to disorient the disciples, removing their ability to rely on sight. It forces them to listen to the divine voice, emphasizing the need for trust and attentiveness.

What does the voice from the cloud command the disciples to do?

The voice commands, 'Listen to him,' referring to Jesus. This instruction underscores the importance of paying attention to Jesus' teachings and preparing for the difficult journey ahead.

How does the passage relate to the concept of glory?

In this passage, glory is not something that can be given, but rather something that is revealed and witnessed. The disciples see Jesus in his glory, as well as the glory of Moses and Elijah, highlighting the divine radiance that surrounds them.

How does the author describe the challenge of listening to hard news?

The author compares listening to difficult news—such as a diagnosis or tragic event—with the challenge the disciples faced when hearing Jesus' prophecy of his death. Listening becomes hard when the message is something we do not want to hear.

What does the passage teach about the importance of listening to Jesus?

The passage stresses that listening to Jesus, even when his words are difficult or challenging, is crucial. His teachings about suffering, rejection, and the cross are central to understanding the path of discipleship.

What is the ultimate message of the passage for the disciples and for us today?

The ultimate message is that glory, as revealed in Jesus' transfiguration, is tied to the suffering and sacrifice of the cross. Jesus calls his followers to listen to him, even in the face of hardship, and to carry their own crosses in the journey of faith.