The Word This Week
Luke 9:27…
Jesus promised there were some in His presence who would not taste death till they saw the kingdom of God.
For Peter and John and James that promise was fulfilled about eight days later.
What transpired at the top of that mountain was important for Peter and John and James to see. It had much to do with what was about to take place in what was left of Jesus’ ministry time here on earth.
Jesus was soon enough to be what would appear to a victim of crucifixion. What took place on that mountain was intended to prove Jesus was no victim – He was a volunteer.
No one could take His life unless He allowed it to be.
For all that was about to unfold before their eyes in the coming days, this memory would be burned into their hearts. They would have seen enough of the kingdom of heaven to know more about Jesus than anyone else upon the earth in those days. Jesus intended this to be so.
And so they trekked to the top of the mountain together. Apparently, they fell asleep while Jesus prayed. But they were awakened to the most marvelous scene any of us could possibly imagine – only for them it wasn’t their imagination, it was real. How stunned they must have been.
Not only was Jesus transfigured in their sight, but also Moses and Elijah had joined Jesus in their glorified – and yet - recognizable bodies to discuss His upcoming death at Jerusalem. Wow! Unbelieveable! Could this possibly be true?!
Peter, in his inimitable fashion, must speak. Something, anything…
But his desire to be more a part of the scene than God desired, was quickly cut short by an enveloping cloud and God’s voice declaring Jesus to be His beloved Son, and to hear Him!
While I’m certain this setting made them quake in their boots, I also think how they must have reflected upon this scene in those moments between Jesus’ death and resurrection. By all indications this was Jesus’ intent.
Pastor Bill
Jesus promised there were some in His presence who would not taste death till they saw the kingdom of God.
For Peter and John and James that promise was fulfilled about eight days later.
What transpired at the top of that mountain was important for Peter and John and James to see. It had much to do with what was about to take place in what was left of Jesus’ ministry time here on earth.
Jesus was soon enough to be what would appear to a victim of crucifixion. What took place on that mountain was intended to prove Jesus was no victim – He was a volunteer.
No one could take His life unless He allowed it to be.
For all that was about to unfold before their eyes in the coming days, this memory would be burned into their hearts. They would have seen enough of the kingdom of heaven to know more about Jesus than anyone else upon the earth in those days. Jesus intended this to be so.
And so they trekked to the top of the mountain together. Apparently, they fell asleep while Jesus prayed. But they were awakened to the most marvelous scene any of us could possibly imagine – only for them it wasn’t their imagination, it was real. How stunned they must have been.
Not only was Jesus transfigured in their sight, but also Moses and Elijah had joined Jesus in their glorified – and yet - recognizable bodies to discuss His upcoming death at Jerusalem. Wow! Unbelieveable! Could this possibly be true?!
Peter, in his inimitable fashion, must speak. Something, anything…
But his desire to be more a part of the scene than God desired, was quickly cut short by an enveloping cloud and God’s voice declaring Jesus to be His beloved Son, and to hear Him!
While I’m certain this setting made them quake in their boots, I also think how they must have reflected upon this scene in those moments between Jesus’ death and resurrection. By all indications this was Jesus’ intent.
Pastor Bill