God’s Word of Life

Introduction

Luke 9:28-45: Jesus takes three disciples with him up to a high mountain where he is transfigured, or changed into a divine figure, and they see him with Moses and Elijah. Following Jesus’s descent from the mountain, he is asked to heal a boy with an evil spirit. Jesus expresses his frustration over the people’s lack of faith and then heals the boy. He speaks to his disciples a second time about his death.

Scripture Reading

The Transfiguration

(Matthew 17.1-8; Mark 9.2-8)

28 About a week after he had said these things, Jesus took Peter, John, and James with him and went up a hill to pray. 29While he was praying, his face changed its appearance, and his clothes became dazzling white. 30Suddenly two men were there talking with him. They were Moses and Elijah, 31who appeared in heavenly glory and talked with Jesus about the way in which he would soon fulfill God’s purpose by dying in Jerusalem. 32Peter and his companions were sound asleep, but they woke up and saw Jesus’ glory and the two men who were standing with him. 33As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, “Master, how good it is that we are here! We will make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” (He did not really know what he was saying.)

34While he was still speaking, a cloud appeared and covered them with its shadow; and the disciples were afraid as the cloud came over them. 35 A voice said from the cloud, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen—listen to him!”

36When the voice stopped, there was Jesus all alone. The disciples kept quiet about all this and told no one at that time anything they had seen.

Jesus Heals a Boy with an Evil Spirit

(Matthew 17.14-18; Mark 9.14-27)

37The next day Jesus and the three disciples went down from the hill, and a large crowd met Jesus. 38A man shouted from the crowd, “Teacher! I beg you, look at my son—my only son! 39A spirit attacks him with a sudden shout and throws him into a fit, so that he foams at the mouth; it keeps on hurting him and will hardly let him go! 40I begged your disciples to drive it out, but they couldn’t.”

41Jesus answered, “How unbelieving and wrong you people are! How long must I stay with you? How long do I have to put up with you?” Then he said to the man, “Bring your son here.”

42As the boy was coming, the demon knocked him to the ground and threw him into a fit. Jesus gave a command to the evil spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. 43All the people were amazed at the mighty power of God.

Jesus Speaks Again about His Death

(Matthew 17.22,23; Mark 9.30-32)

The people were still marveling at everything Jesus was doing, when he said to his disciples, 44“Don’t forget what I am about to tell you! The Son of Man is going to be handed over to the power of human beings.” 45But the disciples did not know what this meant. It had been hidden from them so that they could not understand it, and they were afraid to ask him about the matter.

Today’s Key Verse: Luke 9:35

A voice said from the cloud, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen – listen to him!”

Reflect

The event on the mountaintop (verses 28-36) is known as “The Transfiguration.” The appearance of Moses and Elijah signify the Law and the prophets (see Luke 24:27, 44). What did Moses and Elijah say to Jesus? What was “God’s purpose” (verse 31) for Jesus? What took place the next day when Jesus came down from the mountain? Why were all the people amazed (verse 43)?

Pray

Lord Jesus, as your glory was revealed to your disciples on the mountaintop, may I sense your presence and recognize your mighty power working in my life each day. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Luke 9:46-62: The disciples argue as to who among them is the greatest.