Transfiguration Sunday, Year C, Luke
What is Transfiguration Sunday?
Transfiguration Sunday is a Christian observance that commemorates the moment when Jesus was transfigured on a mountaintop, revealing his divine glory to Peter, James, and John. This event, recorded in Luke 9:28-36, Matthew 17:1-9, and Mark 9:2-9, serves as a pivotal moment in Jesus’ ministry, affirming His identity as the Son of God. Celebrated on the Sunday before Lent, it marks the transition from Epiphany to the Lenten season, highlighting Jesus’ divine nature and His journey toward the cross.
Read more about the Transfiguration of Christ
The Transfiguration of Jesus, part 1
The Transfiguration of Jesus, part 2
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Scriptures for the Day
Exodus 34:29-35
Moses descends from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant, his face shining because he has been in the presence of God. The Israelites are afraid to approach him, so he wears a veil when speaking with them. He removes it, only when speaking directly with the Lord.
Psalm 99
This psalm proclaims God's holiness and kingship, declaring God as exalted above the nations. It calls on the people to worship at God’s footstool, recounting how God answered the prayers of Moses, Aaron, and Samuel, yet remained just and righteous in divine judgments.
2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2
Paul contrasts the old covenant, which brought condemnation, with the new covenant of Christ, which brings righteousness and transformation. He speaks of the veil over people's hearts, which is only removed in Christ, and urges believers to act boldly, reflecting God's glory with unveiled faces.
Luke 9:28-36, (37-43a)
Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a mountain to pray, where He is transfigured before them, His face and clothes shining like lightning. Moses and Elijah appear, speaking with Him about His departure. A cloud overshadows them, and the voice of God declares, "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to Him!" The next day, Jesus heals a demon-possessed boy whom the disciples could not heal, displaying His power and authority.
Read a chapter summary and outline of Luke 9.
Here’s a verse-by-verse breakdown of this passage.
Call to Worship
One: Today, as we worship and hear the gospel, we see the glory of God revealed in Christ!
All: God, open our eyes to see Jesus as he truly is.
One: We hear God telling us to pay attention to Christ’s teaching.
All: Open our ears so we may hear the gospel of Christ.
One: We must leave the mountaintop and enter the valley of humanity.
All: Open our hearts that we may truly serve others.
One: Come, let us worship God, the one who opens our eyes, ears, and herats so we may delight in the ways of God on this earth!
All: Yes! May it be so with us.
Call to Confession
One: Before the glory of God, we see our own shortcomings. Before the light of Christ, we recognize our need for mercy. Let us come before the Lord in humility and confession.
All: Merciful God, we confess that we have not always listened to your Son. We have been distracted, stubborn, and slow to obey. Forgive us for our sins, cleanse our hearts, and help us to reflect your glory in all we do. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
One: The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. In Christ, we are transformed and made new.
All: Thanks be to God! In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
Prayer of Illumination
Shine your light upon us, O Lord, as we hear your word. Open our hearts to understand, our minds to be renewed, and our lives to be transformed by your truth. May we see Jesus clearly and follow Him faithfully. Amen.
Prayer of Dedication
Lord of glory, You have revealed yourself to us in Jesus Christ. We dedicate our lives to you, that we may reflect your love and light in the world. Use our gifts, our time, and our talents for your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Themes of Transfiguration Sunday
God's Glory Revealed
Moses’ radiant face, the psalm’s declaration of God’s holiness, and Christ’s transfiguration all highlight the overwhelming glory of God. This theme calls us to recognize and respond to God’s presence in awe and worship.
Transformation Through Christ
Paul speaks of the veil that blinds people under the old covenant, removed only in Christ. The transfiguration itself is a moment of transformation, showing Jesus in His divine glory. Believers are called to live as those who have seen Christ’s light and are being changed into His image.
Hearing and Obeying God
In Luke, God commands the disciples to listen to Jesus. Psalm 99 calls on God's people to worship Him rightly. These passages remind us that encountering God’s glory should lead to faithful obedience.
Preaching Ideas
1. The Light That Transforms
Moses’ face shone after being in God's presence, and Jesus was transfigured in glory. Paul writes that we too are being transformed by Christ. What does it mean to reflect God’s light in a world darkened by sin?
Main Idea: Encountering God changes us, and we are called to reflect God’s glory in our daily lives.
2. The Call to Listen
On the mountain, God commands, "Listen to him!" This moment echoes Deuteronomy 18:15, where Moses foretells a prophet like himself. Are we truly listening to Jesus, or are we distracted by other voices?
Main Idea: Listening to Jesus requires more than hearing—it calls for obedience and trust.
3. From the Mountain to the Valley
Right after the transfiguration, Jesus descends and confronts the suffering world—a boy tormented by a demon, disciples struggling with faith. Spiritual experiences are important, but they prepare us for real-world ministry.
Main Idea: Faith isn't just for mountaintop moments; it must be lived out in the struggles of daily life.
