The Book of Luke 9:28-36 (ESV): Detailed Analysis
Written By Les Allan – September 2, 2023
Version: ESV
Initial Observations & Questions
- Jesus took Peter, John, and James went to the mountain to pray (Luke 9:28, ESV).
- Why did Jesus choose these three disciples to accompany Him?
- Jesus’ face changed, and His clothes became dazzling white (Luke 9:29, ESV).
- What is the significance of Jesus’ Transfiguration?
- Moses and Elijah appeared and talked with Jesus (Luke 9:30, ESV).
- Why did Moses and Elijah appear specifically?
- Jesus spoke of His departure (Luke 9:31, ESV).
- The disciples were sleepy (Luke 9:32, ESV).
- Why did the disciples feel sleepy?
- What did the disciples do when they saw Jesus?
- Peter suggested putting up three tents for Jesus (Luke 9:33, ESV).
- Why did Peter make this suggestion?
- A cloud overshadowed them (Luke 9:34, ESV).
- What did the disciples feel as they entered the cloud?
- A voice came out of the cloud (Luke 9:35, ESV).
- What did the voice tell the disciples to do?
- The disciples were not to tell anyone about what they had seen (Luke 9:36, ESV).
- Why did Jesus or the voice instruct the disciples not to tell anyone?
Structure
Luke 9:28-36 (ESV) describes the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ on a mountain in the presence of his disciples Peter, John, and James. The passage is significant because it reveals Jesus’ divine nature and His relationship with God. The Transfiguration also serves as a turning point in the Gospel of Luke (ESV), as it marks the beginning of Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem, where He will be crucified and resurrected. The passage also highlights the importance of prayer and the role of Moses and Elijah in Jesus’ ministry. Overall, Luke 9:28-36 (ESV) is an important passage that provides insight into Jesus’ teachings and His relationship with God.
In Luke 9:28-36 (ESV), three main sections can be identified in the Transfiguration of Jesus (Luke 9:28-32, ESV), the voice from heaven (Luke 9:33-35, ESV), and the aftermath of the Transfiguration (Luke 9:36, ESV). The transfiguration section narrates how Jesus’ appearance changed and how Moses and Elijah appeared and conversed with Him. The voice from the heaven section reveals how a voice spoke from a cloud, acknowledging Jesus as God’s Son. The aftermath section explains how Jesus instructed His disciples not to disclose what they had seen. By examining these sections, one can understand the meaning of Luke 9:28-36 (ESV).
- The Transfiguration of Jesus on the Mountain (Luke 9:28-32 ESV).
- Jesus took Peter, John, and James went up to a mountain to pray (Luke 9:28, ESV).
- As Jesus prayed, His face changed, and His clothes became dazzling white (Luke 9:29, ESV).
- Moses and Elijah appeared and talked with Jesus (Luke 9:30-31, ESV).
- The disciples were sleepy but became fully awake when they saw Jesus in His glory and the two men who stood with Him (Luke 9:32, ESV).
- The cloud and voice from Heaven (Luke 9:33-35, ESV).
- Peter and his offer to make three tents (Luke 9:33, ESV).
- A voice spoke from a cloud, identifying Jesus as God’s Son (Luke 9:34-35, ESV).
- The Aftermath of Jesus’ Transfiguration (Luke 9:36, ESV).
- Jesus instructed his disciples not to tell anyone about what they had seen (Luke 9:36, ESV).
Words & Phrases
“Pray” (Luke 9:28, ESV).
Why did Jesus choose to pray before the Transfiguration?
Luke’s Gospel (ESV) recounts the moment Jesus prayed alongside His disciples in preparation for His imminent passion, death, and resurrection. The following Transfiguration affirmed Jesus’ divine identity and prophesied His future suffering on the cross. Through prayer, Jesus sought to align His actions with the will of His Father and bolstered His determination to fulfill His mission. Furthermore, Jesus revealed His authentic nature, intimate connection with His Father and the Holy Spirit, and continuity with the rich history and tradition of God’s people.
“Moses and Elijah” (Luke 9:30, ESV).
Why did Moses and Elijah appear specifically at the Transfiguration in Luke 9:30 (ESV)?
Moses and Elijah are two historical figures who hold great significance in Jewish history. Moses served as the lawgiver who led the Israelites out of Egypt, while Elijah was known for performing many miraculous acts as a prophet. Together, they represented the two main parts of the Hebrew Scriptures: the Law and the Prophets. Through their presence at Jesus’ Transfiguration, they confirmed that He fulfilled Old Testament prophecies and expectations of the Messiah. They also indicated that Jesus had the authority to interpret and teach the Law of God, as He did in the Sermon on the Mount. Both Moses and Elijah had encounters with God and received revelations from Him on Mount Sinai (or Horeb). Moses received the Ten Commandments and saw God’s glory, while Elijah heard God’s voice in a gentle whisper. Their presence at Jesus’ Transfiguration symbolized that He was the new and only mediator between God and His people, who revealed God’ will and glory in a more perfect way. They also pointed to Jesus as the Lord of the covenant, who established a new relationship between God and His people based on grace and faith. Moses and Elijah were also known for their involvement in miraculous events related to food and water. Moses provided manna and water from the rock for the Israelites in the wilderness, while Elijah multiplied flour and oil for a widow and her son and brought down fire from heaven to consume a sacrifice. These acts demonstrated that Jesus was the source of life and power, who performed many signs and wonders, such as feeding the hungry multitude with bread and fish and transfiguring Himself before His disciples. They also pointed to Jesus as the bread of life and the living water, who satisfied the spiritual hunger and thirst of those who believed in Him. For the Jewish people, Moses and Elijah were figures of hope, with the expectation of their return before the coming of the Messiah. In Deuteronomy, God promised Moses that He would raise up a prophet like Him from among His people. Malachi prophesied that Elijah would come before the great and dreadful day of the Lord. Moses and Elijah signified that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah, who came to fulfill the promises and prophecies of God. Their presence at the Transfiguration prepared the way for Jesus’ ministry, death, and resurrection, which ushered in the kingdom of God.
“Departure” (Luke 9:31, ESV).
What is the meaning of the Greek word used for “departure” in Luke 9:31 (ESV)?
The Greek word used for “departure” in Luke 9:31 (ESV) is “exodos,” which can also be translated as “exile,” “death,” or “decease or departing” (Strong, 1890).
What is the significance of Luke using this term (exodos) for Jesus’ departure?
Luke intends to draw a connection between Jesus and Moses, who both appeared at the Transfiguration and were instrumental in leading God’s people. Moses guided the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt through the exodus, while Jesus freed them from spiritual shackles through His death and resurrection. It is important to note that Jesus’ departure should not be seen as a tragedy, but rather a triumph. The term “exodos” can also denote a successful conclusion or a glorious outcome. Jesus’ death was not a defeat, but a victory over sin and death. His resurrection was not a surprise, but a fulfillment of God’s plan. His Ascension was not an abandonment, but rather a coronation.
Furthermore, Luke wants to emphasize that Jesus’ departure marks the beginning of a new chapter in his ministry. “Exodos” can also be interpreted as a journey or a movement from one place to another. Jesus’ death and resurrection allowed the Holy Spirit to come and empower His followers. His Ascension allowed him to intercede at God’s right hand for His people. In short, Jesus’ departure was not the end but the start of a new era in God’s work on earth.
“This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!” (Luke 9:35, ESV).
What is the significance of God’s affirmation of Jesus as his Son?
The significance of God’s affirmation of Jesus as his Son is that it reveals and confirms the identity and mission of Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God, and the Lord of all. God’s affirmation of Jesus as his Son is a powerful demonstration of the unique and eternal relationship that Jesus shares with His Father, as the second person of the Trinity. Through Jesus, we are offered a divine Word that came from heaven and became flesh, a beloved Son who shares in the same nature and glory as the Father and the Holy Spirit. This affirmation also reveals that Jesus fulfills the Old Testament prophecies and expectations about the Messiah, bringing salvation to all nations. He is the anointed one, the Son of David, who inherited the throne and the covenant promises of God. As we listen to Jesus, we should remember that he speaks with divine authority and wisdom, and trust in him as our Savior and the King who has the power to save us from our sins and give us eternal life.
“The mountain” (Luke 9:28, ESV).
What is the significance of the mountain, and why did Jesus take His disciples (Peter, John, and James) there?
The mountain where Jesus took Peter, John, and James to pray was Mount Hermon, near Caesarea Philippi, where Jesus had just asked his disciples who he was (Luke 9:18-21, ESV). The mountain was a high and secluded place, where Jesus could have a private and intimate conversation with his Father and his closest disciples. The mountain was also a symbol of God’s presence and power, as it was often the place where God revealed himself to his people in the Old Testament, such as Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:16-20; 24:12-18, ESV), to Elijah on Mount Horeb (1 Kings 19:8-18, ESV), and David on Mount Zion (Psalm 2:6; 48:1-2, ESV). The mountain also foreshadowed the heavenly glory that Jesus would inherit after his death and resurrection, as he was transfigured before his disciples and appeared with Moses and Elijah in dazzling splendor (Luke 9:29-31, ESV). The mountain was also challenging for the disciples to follow Jesus faithfully, even when they faced suffering and persecution for his sake, as he had just predicted his death and called them to take up their cross (Luke 9:22-27, ESV).
“The cloud” (Luke 9:34, ESV).
What was significant about the cloud that overshadowed Jesus and His disciples?
The cloud that overshadowed Jesus and His disciples was not ordinary, but the Shekinah cloud, which was the visible manifestation of God’s glory and presence among His people. The cloud had appeared in the Old Testament as a sign of God’s guidance and protection for Israel during their exodus from Egypt (Exodus 13:21-22; 14:19-20, ESV), as a sign of God’s covenant and acceptance of Israel at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:9; 24:15-18, ESV), as a sign of God’s dwelling and glory in the tabernacle and the temple (Exodus 40:34-38; 1 Kings 8:10-11, ESV), and as a sign of God’s promise and restoration for Israel after their exile (Isaiah 4:5-6; Ezekiel 10:18-19; 43:1-5, ESV). The cloud also had a prophetic significance, as it was associated with the coming of the Messiah and the day of the Lord in the Old Testament (Daniel 7:13; Joel 2:1-2; Zechariah 14:4-5, ESV) and in the New Testament (Matthew 24:30; Acts 1:9-11; Revelation 1:7, ESV). The cloud that appeared at Jesus’ Transfiguration confirmed His identity as the Son of God and the Messiah, as God spoke from the cloud and said, “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!” (Luke 9:35, ESV). The cloud was also an invitation for the disciples to enter into a deeper relationship with God through Jesus, as they were afraid as they entered into the cloud (Luke 9:34, ESV). The cloud was also a preparation for the disciples to witness Jesus’ death and resurrection, which would be his departure or exodus that he would accomplish in Jerusalem (Luke 9:31, ESV).
Summary, correlation, & application
Jesus’ Transfiguration on the mountain revealed His divine nature and His relationship with God (Luke 9:28-36, ESV).
Luke 9:28-36 (ESV) also highlights the importance of prayer and the role of Moses and Elijah in Jesus’ ministry. The Transfiguration marks a turning point in the Gospel of Luke, as it sets the stage for Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem, where He will be crucified and resurrected. The passage also emphasizes the importance of listening to Jesus and following His teachings. Overall, Luke 9:28-36 (ESV) is an important passage that provides insight into Jesus’ teachings and His relationship with God.
Luke 9:28-36 (ESV) is a significant passage related to other parts of Scripture outside this book. The Transfiguration of Jesus is also mentioned in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark and in the Second Epistle of Peter. The appearance of Moses and Elijah at the Transfiguration is significant because they represent the Law and the Prophets, respectively. This is important because it shows that Jesus is the fulfillment of both the Law and the Prophets. The voice from heaven that identifies Jesus as God’s Son is similar to the voice that speaks at Jesus’ baptism in Luke 3:22 (ESV). This emphasizes Jesus’ divine nature and His relationship with God. Overall, Luke 9:28-36 (ESV) is an important passage that provides insight into Jesus’ teachings and His relationship with God, and it also connects to other parts of Scripture.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:1-3, ESV). This passage emphasizes Jesus’ divine nature and His role in creation. “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30, ESV). This passage emphasizes the unity between Jesus and God. “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:5-7, ESV). This passage emphasizes Jesus’ humility and His willingness to serve others. “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:15-17, ESV). This passage emphasizes Jesus’ role in creation and His preeminence over all things.
Luke 9:28-36 (ESV) is an important passage that provides insight into Jesus’ teachings and His relationship with God. Luke 9:28-36 (ESV) emphasizes the importance of prayer, listening to Jesus, and following His teachings. It also highlights the role of Moses and Elijah in Jesus’ ministry and their significance in Jewish history. As Christians, we can apply the lessons from this passage (Luke 9:28-36, ESV) to our own lives by prioritizing prayer, studying the Bible, and following Jesus’ teachings. We can also learn from Jesus’ humility and servanthood throughout His ministry. At the local church level, this passage can inspire us to create a community centered around prayer, worship, and service. At the denominational level, this passage can help us focus on our faith’s core tenets and work toward unity with other believers. As far as the church is concerned, this passage can inspire all to work towards a more just, compassionate, and loving world.
Further questions
- What is the significance of the number three (Luke 9:28, ESV)?
- Why did Jesus choose these three disciples (Peter, John, and James) specifically to pray on the mountain?
- What is the significance of the cloud (Luke 9:34, ESV) that overshadowed the disciples when Moses and Elijah appeared?
- What is the significance of Peter’s suggestion (Luke 9:33, ESV) when he suggested building three tents for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah?
- What is the significance of Jesus’ instruction to his disciples (Luke 9:36, ESV) not to tell anyone about what they had seen?
References:
Bauer, D. R. (2014). Inductive bible study – a comprehensive guide to the practice of hermeneutics. Baker Publishing Group.
Keener, C. S. (2014). The IVP Bible background commentary: New Testament. Intervarsity Press.
Strong, J. (1890). Strong’s Concordance. Retrieved from www.kingjamesbibleonline.org. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/strongs-concordance/
