The Transfiguration (Luke 9:28–36)
Introduction to the Transfiguration in Luke 9:28–36
The Transfiguration is one of the most profound and mysterious events in the Gospels. Recorded in Matthew 17:1–9, Mark 9:2–8, and Luke 9:28–36, this moment offers a breathtaking glimpse of Jesus’ divine glory. In Luke’s account, the Transfiguration serves as a pivotal moment in Jesus’ ministry, revealing his true identity as the Son of God and foreshadowing his resurrection and exaltation. It also reinforces the continuity between Jesus and the Old Testament, as Moses and Elijah appear alongside him. Let’s explore this passage in detail, uncovering its theological significance and practical implications for our lives today.
Verse by Verse Breakdown of the Transfiguration (Luke 9:28–36)
Luke 9:28
“Now about eight days after these sayings, Jesus took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray.”
The timing of the Transfiguration is significant. It occurs “about eight days after” Jesus’ prediction of his suffering and resurrection (Luke 9:22–27) and his call to discipleship, which includes taking up one’s cross daily. This connection suggests that the Transfiguration is meant to strengthen the disciples’ faith in preparation for the challenges ahead.
Jesus takes Peter, James, and John with him, forming an inner circle of disciples who witness this extraordinary event. The mountain setting is also symbolic, as mountains in Scripture are often places of divine revelation (e.g., Sinai in Exodus 19). Here, Jesus goes to pray, highlighting the importance of prayer in moments of spiritual significance.
Luke 9:29
“And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white.”
As Jesus prays, his appearance is transformed. The Greek word for “altered” (heteros) suggests a change in form, revealing his divine nature. His face shines like the sun (Matthew 17:2), and his clothing becomes “dazzling white,” symbolizing purity, holiness, and the glory of God. This moment echoes Moses’ experience on Mount Sinai, where his face shone after encountering God’s glory (Exodus 34:29–35).
The Transfiguration confirms Jesus’ identity as the divine Son of God, a truth that had been gradually revealed throughout his ministry. It also points to his future glorification after the resurrection and ascension.
Luke 9:30–31
“And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.”
Moses and Elijah, two towering figures of the Old Testament, appear alongside Jesus. Moses represents the Law, and Elijah represents the prophets, symbolizing the fulfillment of the Old Testament in Jesus. Their presence underscores the continuity between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant inaugurated by Jesus.
The Greek word for “departure” (exodon) is significant. It refers to Jesus’ impending death, resurrection, and ascension—an “exodus” that will liberate humanity from sin and death. This conversation highlights the centrality of the cross in God’s redemptive plan.
Luke 9:32–33
“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. 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.”
The disciples, initially drowsy, are awakened to witness this extraordinary scene. Peter’s response is both awe-filled and misguided. He suggests building three tents (or tabernacles), perhaps wanting to prolong the experience or honor Jesus, Moses, and Elijah equally. However, his proposal misses the point: Jesus is not on the same level as Moses and Elijah; he is the fulfillment of all they represented.
Luke 9:34–35
“As he was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, ‘This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!’”
The cloud symbolizes God’s presence, recalling the cloud that covered Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:15–18) and filled the Tabernacle (Exodus 40:34–38). The voice from the cloud is God the Father, affirming Jesus’ identity as his Son and the “Chosen One” (a messianic title). The command to “listen to him” echoes Deuteronomy 18:15, where Moses prophesies about a prophet like him whom the people must heed.
This divine affirmation reinforces Jesus’ authority and calls the disciples—and us—to heed his teachings and follow him faithfully.
Luke 9:36
“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.”
After the vision fades, Jesus is alone again. The disciples, overwhelmed by what they have witnessed, remain silent. This silence is likely due to Jesus’ earlier command not to reveal his identity as the Messiah until after his resurrection (Luke 9:21). It also reflects the sacredness of the experience, which they may have struggled to comprehend or articulate.
Theological Significance of the Transfiguration
1. Revelation of Jesus’ Identity: The Transfiguration confirms Jesus as the divine Son of God, the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets, and the Chosen One who will accomplish salvation through his death and resurrection.
2. Continuity with the Old Testament: The presence of Moses and Elijah highlights the unity of Scripture and the fulfillment of God’s promises in Jesus. (Read 23 Prophecies Fulfilled by Jesus)
3. Foreshadowing of the Resurrection and Glorification: Jesus’ radiant appearance points to his future glorification and the hope of resurrection for all believers.
4. Call to Listen and Obey: The Father’s command to “listen to him” underscores the importance of heeding Jesus’ teachings and following him faithfully.
Preparation for Ministry (Luke 3:1–4:13): A Connection to the Transfiguration
The Transfiguration connects deeply to Jesus’ baptism (Luke 3:21–22), where the Father’s voice affirms Jesus as his beloved Son. Both events reveal Jesus’ divine nature and mission. At his baptism, Jesus is anointed for his ministry, and the heavens open to declare his identity. At the Transfiguration, this identity is confirmed in a powerful display of glory. Together, these moments bookend Jesus’ public ministry, affirming his unique role as the Son of God and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.
Luke 9:28-36 Meaning for Today
1. Seek Moments of Spiritual Renewal: Like Jesus, we need times of prayer and retreat to draw closer to God and gain strength for life’s challenges.
2. Fix Your Eyes on Jesus: In a world filled with distractions, the Transfiguration reminds us to focus on Jesus, the ultimate revelation of God’s glory and grace.
3. Trust in God’s Plan: The disciples struggled to understand Jesus’ mission, but the Transfiguration reassured them of his divine purpose. Similarly, we can trust that God is working out his plan, even when we don’t fully understand.
4. Share the Good News: While the disciples initially kept silent, they later proclaimed the gospel boldly. We, too, are called to share the good news of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
Read More/Know More
If you’re interested in exploring more about Jesus’ identity, mission, and the theological themes in Scripture, here are some related posts:
• Ephesians 1:1–14 – Spiritual Blessings in Christ: The Transfiguration reveals Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan, a theme echoed in Ephesians 1, where Paul speaks of Christ as the center of God’s eternal purpose.
• Spiritual Blessings in Christ (Ephesians 1:3–6)
• Philippians 2:1–11 – Imitating Christ’s Humility (Christ Hymn): The Transfiguration reveals Christ’s divine glory, which he willingly set aside to humble himself for our salvation (Philippians 2:6–8). This passage complements the Transfiguration by showing both his divinity and his humility.
• Imitating Christ’s Humility (Philippians 2:1–11)
• 1 John 1:1–4 – The Word of Life: The Transfiguration is a tangible manifestation of the “Word of Life” that John describes—Jesus, who was seen, heard, and touched. Both passages emphasize the reality of Jesus’ divine nature.
• The Word of Life (1 John 1:1–4)
The Transfiguration is a powerful reminder of Jesus’ divine identity and the hope we have in him. As we reflect on this passage, may we be inspired to listen to him, follow him faithfully, and share his light with the world.
FAQs About the Transfiguration (Luke 9:28–36)
Q: Why did only Peter, James, and John witness the Transfiguration?
A: These three disciples formed Jesus’ inner circle and were chosen to witness key moments in his ministry, such as the raising of Jairus’ daughter (Luke 8:51) and his agony in Gethsemane (Mark 14:33). Their experience at the Transfiguration prepared them to lead the early church and deepened their understanding of Jesus’ identity.
Q: What is the significance of Moses and Elijah appearing?
A: Moses represents the Law, and Elijah represents the prophets. Their presence signifies that Jesus fulfills the Old Testament and inaugurates the New Covenant. Together, they highlight the continuity between God’s work in the past and his ultimate revelation in Jesus.
Q: What does the cloud symbolize?
A: The cloud represents God’s presence, recalling his appearances in the Old Testament, such as the cloud that covered Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:15–18) and filled the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34–38). It underscores the divine nature of the event and God’s approval of Jesus.
Q: Why did Jesus’ appearance change during the Transfiguration?
A: Jesus’ radiant appearance revealed his divine nature, offering a glimpse of his eternal glory. This transformation affirmed his identity as the Son of God and foreshadowed his resurrection and future glorification.
Q: What does the Father’s voice mean when he says, “Listen to him”?
A: The Father’s command echoes Deuteronomy 18:15, where Moses prophesies about a prophet like him whom the people must heed. It emphasizes Jesus’ authority as the ultimate revelation of God and calls us to obey his teachings.
Q: How does the Transfiguration relate to Jesus’ baptism?
A: Both events reveal Jesus’ divine identity. At his baptism (Luke 3:21–22), the Father declares, “You are my beloved Son,” and at the Transfiguration, he reaffirms this identity, saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen One.” Together, these moments bookend Jesus’ public ministry, affirming his unique role as the Messiah.
Q: What does the Transfiguration teach us about prayer?
A: The Transfiguration occurred while Jesus was praying (Luke 9:29), highlighting the importance of prayer in moments of spiritual significance. It reminds us to seek God in prayer, especially during times of decision-making or preparation for challenges.
Q: Why did the disciples keep silent about what they had seen?
A: Jesus likely instructed them to remain silent until after his resurrection (Luke 9:21). The disciples may have also struggled to comprehend the full significance of the event until after Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Q: How does the Transfiguration point to the resurrection?
A: The Transfiguration foreshadows Jesus’ resurrection and glorification. His radiant appearance and the presence of Moses and Elijah point to the hope of eternal life and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.
