Take a few minutes to catch up and pray that God would bless you through the reading of His word.

Read Luke 9:28-45

[9:28] Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. [29] And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white. [30] And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah, [31] who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. [32] 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. [33] 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. [34] As he was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. [35] And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!” [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.
[37] On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him. [38] And behold, a man from the crowd cried out, “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child. [39] And behold, a spirit seizes him, and he suddenly cries out. It convulses him so that he foams at the mouth, and shatters him, and will hardly leave him. [40] And I begged your disciples to cast it out, but they could not.” [41] Jesus answered, “O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here.” [42] While he was coming, the demon threw him to the ground and convulsed him. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit and healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. [43] And all were astonished at the majesty of God.
But while they were all marveling at everything he was doing, Jesus said to his disciples, [44] “Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men.” [45] But they did not understand this saying, and it was concealed from them, so that they might not perceive it. And they were afraid to ask him about this saying.

Observation

• When did these events take place (v. 28)? Who went with Jesus? Where did they go?
• What happened (v. 29)? What were the disciples doing (v. 32)?
  • Who appeared with Jesus (v. 30)?
  • What did they talk about (v. 31)?
• What did Peter say (v. 33)?
  • What happened (v. 34)?
  • What did the voice say (v. 35)?
  • What was the result (v. 36)?
• What did the father say to Jesus (v. 38)?
  • What was wrong with his son (v. 39)?
  • What had the disciples been able to do for him (v. 40)?
  • What did Jesus say (v. 41)?
  • What happened when Jesus confronted the demon (v. 42)? How did people respond (v. 43)?
• What did Jesus tell the disciples (v. 43-44)? How did the disciples take it (v. 45)?

Interpretation

• What is the significance of Moses and Elijah appearing with Jesus?
  • Why is it important that the voice says that we should listen to Jesus?
  • Whose voice did they hear?
• Why was Peter’s comment inappropriate (v. 33)?
• Why would Moses and Elijah talk to Jesus about his departure?
  • What is his “departure”?
  • Why does Luke call it a departure? Hint: the word that he uses is the Greek word for “exodus”.
• Why does Jesus respond the way that he does in v. 41? Why couldn’t the disciples cast out the demon?
• What does Jesus’ statement in v. 45 mean?
  • Why couldn’t the disciples understand?
  • Who concealed it from them?

Application

• The only command in the transfiguration story is that we should listen to Jesus. Are there ways that you need to listen to him? How does a reminder of his glory help you to do that?
• How does the father’s approach to Jesus in v. 38 help you think about going to him with your suffering?

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