Connect360: A Glimpse of Glory?

• Lesson Seven in the Connect360 unit “God Fulfills His Promises” focuses on Luke 9:28-36

Only Luke told us why Moses and Elijah were talking with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration (9:30) about his impending death (exodon: departure) in Jerusalem (9:31).

Ironically, this is the very subject Peter rebuked Jesus for mentioning (Mark 8:31–33; Matthew 16:21–23).

Since apparently none of the disciples were open to discussing his coming passion, perhaps God sent these two heroes of the faith to comfort and encourage Jesus in his mission to bring human salvation.

Maybe he was already struggling with the agony that lay ahead.

They, in contrast to anyone on earth, knew the significance of Jesus’ death.

We don’t know if this was the only time—or one of many times—this kind of supernatural event took place in Jesus’ time alone with the Father.

We know heavenly comfort followed his temptation (Mark 1:13).

With all the times Jesus spent time alone with the Father in prayer, could it be this was simply the first time others were privy to God’s interaction with and compassion for the Son?

Luke further described Jesus’ “departure” as something he would “accomplish” or fulfill.

Rarely do we perceive death as a goal or objective. Yet, on this side of the resurrection, we know his death served an eternal purpose.

Moses and Elijah endured much frustration and discouragement as they led God’s people.

Knowing what Jesus must do, they were certainly capable of understanding and sympathizing with the difficulties he was facing.

Both men were accustomed to interacting with kings—often wicked ones. Talking to Jesus, the holy and righteous King of kings must have been refreshing.

All this happened as the three disciples struggled to keep their eyes open (cf. Luke 22:45; 9:32).

Apparently, walking and praying with Jesus is exhausting work, or maybe the mountain climb was arduous.

The Greek word for “heavy” here is bareo, meaning “to be weighed down.”

At some point, the disciples realized they were missing something extraordinary and ought to be more awake and alert (9:32).

Was it the brilliance of the men “in glory” or the conversation that stirred them from their sleepiness?

One thing for sure woke them up and added to their fear.

A voice spoke from the midst of the cloud announcing, “This is my Son, my Chosen One,” the same declaration God made at Jesus’ baptism (9:35; see Luke 3:22; Psalm 2:7; Isaiah 42:1).

God would be heard clearly. This was his Son, unique among all others in history.

Rather than addressing Peter’s foolish comment about tents, God affirmed Peter’s earlier declaration of Jesus’ identity (Matthew 16:16).

Then he added a command the disciples likely recognized from Moses’ sermon in Deuteronomy 18:15: “Listen to him.”

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