Luke 9:28-36

Summary

The video discusses the Transfiguration of Jesus, highlighting the appearance of Moses and Elijah alongside Jesus on a mountaintop. It explores the significance of these two Old Testament figures representing the Law and the Prophets endorsing the Messiah. The speaker addresses potential contradictions between the Gospel accounts of the event and explains Peter’s reaction of wanting to stay on the mountain. The conversation touches on themes like the Messianic age, divine presence, and the importance of listening to Jesus above the law and prophets. The experience leaves Peter, James, and John awestruck, yet they keep the event to themselves.

Takeaways

• 😀 Luke's account of the Transfiguration mentions 'about eight days later,' while Matthew and Mark say 'six days.' This minor discrepancy can be explained by Luke rounding the number or including additional events.
• 😀 Moses and Elijah's appearance with Jesus highlights the symbolism of the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah) endorsing Jesus as the Messiah.
• 😀 Moses represents the Law, and Elijah is considered the greatest prophet of the Old Testament. Together, they validate Jesus’ mission and authority.
• 😀 Moses and Elijah both had unique endings—Moses died, but the dispute over his body between Satan and Michael suggests future significance, while Elijah was taken to heaven without dying.
• 😀 The Transfiguration serves as a preview of Jesus' glory and the future second coming, which Peter references in his writings later on.
• 😀 Peter’s suggestion to build three tabernacles (for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah) stems from his desire to stay in the moment, much like how people want to linger in spiritual highs.
• 😀 The cloud that overshadowed them represents God's presence, echoing Old Testament moments like the cloud that guided the Israelites in the wilderness.
• 😀 God’s voice from the cloud affirms Jesus as His beloved Son, emphasizing Jesus' supremacy over the Law and the Prophets (Moses and Elijah).
• 😀 The absence of Moses and Elijah after the voice fades is a clear sign that Jesus stands above the Law and the Prophets. The focus shifts entirely to Him.
• 😀 The disciples were overwhelmed by the experience and, once they came down the mountain, they were reluctant to speak of it, but they surely understood they had witnessed something extraordinary.
• 😀 The Transfiguration marks a pivotal moment for the disciples, reinforcing their understanding of Jesus as the fulfillment of both the Law and the Prophets.

Q & A

Why does Luke mention eight days while Matthew and Mark mention six days in their accounts of the Transfiguration?

Luke uses 'about eight days' as a rounded figure, possibly including two key events—the confession of Peter and the Transfiguration itself—thus making it eight days. Luke was aware of the accounts from Matthew and Mark, so this slight difference is not a contradiction.

Why were Moses and Elijah chosen to appear during the Transfiguration?

Moses represents the Law, and Elijah represents the Prophets. Together, they symbolize the foundational aspects of the Old Testament. Their presence with Jesus affirms the endorsement of the Messiah by the Law and the Prophets, which is a common reference in the New Testament.

What is significant about Moses and Elijah's endings in the Bible?

Moses died, but his body was contested between Michael and Satan, which is intriguing. Elijah, on the other hand, was taken up to heaven without dying. These endings connect them to the themes of divine intervention and the potential for their return in the future, particularly in the context of the second coming.

How do Moses and Elijah's appearances relate to the concept of the two witnesses in Revelation?

In Revelation, two witnesses are described with powers similar to those of Moses and Elijah, such as turning water into blood and bringing plagues. Some interpret these witnesses as Moses and Elijah, believing they may return to earth before the second coming of Christ.

What does Peter's reaction to the Transfiguration reveal about his mindset?

Peter, overwhelmed by the moment, suggested building three Tabernacles (tents) for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. This indicates his desire to prolong the glorious experience, but it also reflects his misunderstanding of the situation, as he inadvertently places Jesus on the same level as Moses and Elijah.

Why does Luke mention that Peter didn’t know what he was saying?

Luke points out Peter’s lack of understanding, indicating that his response was impulsive and not fully thought through. Peter's suggestion to build three Tabernacles reflects his confusion and his attempt to act in the moment without fully grasping the significance of what was happening.

What is the theological significance of God’s voice declaring, 'This is my beloved Son, hear Him'?

God's declaration underscores the supremacy of Jesus over both Moses and Elijah. By saying 'hear Him,' God is emphasizing that Jesus is the ultimate authority and that His teachings should be followed, surpassing even the Law and the Prophets.

How does the Transfiguration serve as a preview of the second coming?

Peter refers to the Transfiguration as a preview of Christ's majesty and power that will be fully revealed at His second coming. The appearance of Moses and Elijah alongside Jesus hints at the fulfillment of prophetic expectations and the coming kingdom of God.

Why is the event of the Transfiguration significant in understanding the relationship between the Old Testament and the New Testament?

The Transfiguration serves as a moment where the Old Testament figures, Moses and Elijah, meet with Jesus, showing the continuity between the Old and New Testaments. It signifies that Jesus fulfills the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah), confirming His role as the Messiah.

What is the possible symbolic meaning of the cloud during the Transfiguration?

The cloud represents the presence and glory of God, similar to the cloud that accompanied Moses and the Israelites during the Exodus. It signifies divine revelation and the confirmation of Jesus' identity as God's Son. The cloud also adds an element of awe and fear for the disciples witnessing the event.