March 2, 2025
Pastor John Hering
Luke 9:28-36
Luke 9:28-36
28 About eight days after he said these words, Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray. 29 While he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothing became dazzling white. 30 Just then, two men, Moses and Elijah, were talking with him! 31 They appeared in glory and were talking about his departure, which he was going to bring to fulfillment in Jerusalem.
32 Peter and those with him were weighed down with sleep, but when they were completely awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him.
33 As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let’s make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He did not realize what he was saying.
34 While he was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them. They were afraid as they went into the cloud. 35 Then a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” 36 After the voice had spoken, they found Jesus alone. They kept this secret and told no one in those days any of the things they had seen.
There is a death of one of your co-workers. Then a neighbor dies. I’m sure someone has said to you, “Who’s next? Because, you know, people die in threes.” Now, we aren’t serious when we say this because we are not superstitious. If you are superstitious then please listen to what God’s Word says about that.
“10 Let no one be found among you who … uses divination, or who engages in fortune telling, or who observes omens, or who practices witchcraft, 11 or who casts a magic spell, or who consults a ghost or a familiar spirit, or who inquires of the dead. 12 Anyone doing these things is detestable to the Lord”
Deuteronomy 18:10-12
Now I want you to be the judge to see if what I’m about to say is “engaging in fortune telling.” Ready? If things are going rather smoothly in your life right now, enjoy it while you can because the good time won’t last long! Well, are you going to fire me as your pastor, or do you think I’m speaking the truth of God’s Word? Can we back up a statement like this from God’s Word? “Sooner or later a cloud of gloom will fog up your life.” If you agree with me, then you are agreeing with Scripture that says,
“In this world you are going to have trouble”
John 16:33
So how are we going to cope with this reality of having trouble in our lives? How can we deal with the downs of life? There is a way. In the passage I just quoted Jesus goes on to say,
“33 I have told you these things, so that you may have peace in me. In this world you are going to have trouble. But be courageous! I have overcome the world”
John 16:33
Yes, there is a way for us to deal with the downs of life. On this special day I would sum it up in two words. “The Transfiguration.”
When you heard those two words you had a reaction. Some of you have been studying the Bible your whole life, and some of you have just a little understanding of Jesus’ life and ministry. Regardless, for so many Christians the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ remains a mystery. Maybe you read the theme of today’s service and read, “Glory is hidden in Order To be Revealed.” Did that solve it for you? Just in case it didn’t we are going to spend time in Luke 9 to understand what happened, and what is yet to come for Jesus, for the disciples and for us. Rather than rely on cute sayings you might hear as you think about the future, today let’s go up the Mount of Transfiguration to
Look At What Is Coming
For Jesus
Jesus is about 2/3rds through his 3 year ministry. It was about 6 months before Jesus dies and he had just fed the 5,000 and heard Peter confess that Jesus was the Christ.
“28 About eight days after he said these words, Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray.“
Prayer has meant a lot to people who are here today. Some have been praying for health, and have received it. Others have been praying for others and have seen the blessings. I wonder what Jesus and his disciples were praying about when you hear this:
“29 While he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothing became dazzling white.”
What a miracle to witness! The Divine nature that had been hidden in his human nature came busting out—transformed, transfigured, dazzling in glory, sparkling and shining!
But, why? Why did this Transfiguration take place? I won’t take you all the way back to Adam and Eve, but simply say humanity ran into a big problem called sin. Sin ruined the relationship people had with God. Jesus began his saving ministry at age 30. For the past 2.5 years his messages and miracles, his Words and works had one purpose. To be our Savior. These were difficult years and they were about to get more difficult for Jesus and his disciples. So, during these last months Jesus carried on an intensive training program. He spoke openly to them,
“The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and experts in the law. He must be killed and be raised on the third day”
Luke 9:22
They heard the words, but had great difficulty understanding what Jesus was saying to them. On the Mount of Transfiguration Jesus painted a clear picture of his words! Look At What Is Coming!
Jesus had the power to come to this world and force everyone to bow down and kiss his sandals. He is God! But, he didn’t. He humbled himself. And the devil was right there to take advantage of it. Remember 8 weeks ago when the devil tempted Jesus to skip all the suffering of the cross and get right to the glory? The eternal destiny of the entire human race lies in the balance. If Jesus didn’t suffer and die then sinners like you and me would have to pay for our own sins. What is the cost of the dirty words that have come out of your mouth? The cost of the dirty pictures you have seen with your eyes? And that’s just the beginning of your sins or greed, selfishness, laziness, disobedience and anger. If Jesus had not stepped in, you would have to pay for all of those sins!
Now look at Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration. He is true God and true man and knows full well that suffering that is in store for him. And if you are not moved by what Jesus has done for you, then you better take some time to find out. How about at our Midweek Lent services starting with Ash Wednesday this week! Do you need some motivation? Stop and compare what all Jesus gave up for you and then ask yourself if you are willing to give a little time to worship him! Look At What Is Coming for Jesus! He certainly did! Jesus was on his way to suffer for most people who could care less!
So, this moment of shining glory on the Mount of Transfiguration couldn’t have come at a better time.
“29 While he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothing became dazzling white. 30 Just then, two men, Moses and Elijah, were talking with him! 31 They appeared in glory and were talking about his departure, which he was going to bring to fulfillment in Jerusalem.”
By a miracle of God, Moses the lawgiver and Elijah the great prophet appeared next to Jesus who came to fulfill it all. The topic of their discussion was Jesus’ “departure.” They talked about his suffering, crucifixion and death. Do you think that was all? We can only imagine what else they talked about, but students of the Bible are familiar with Scriptures of encouragement. Maybe Peter heard a couple of Moses & Elijah’s comments and that’s why he was inspired to write,
“6 Therefore humble yourselves under God’s powerful hand so that he may lift you up at the appointed time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you”
1 Peter 5:6,7
“14 But even if you should happen to suffer because of righteousness, you are blessed. Do not be afraid of what they fear, and do not be troubled”
1 Peter 3:14
Yes, Jesus could Look At What Was Coming For Him, but he would also hear these words from his Father in heaven,
“35 Then a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”
Yes, Jesus, Look At What Is Coming! You will suffer for the world. You will die for the world. You will rise from the dead as proof of your saving work. Yes, Jesus, there is a way for you to deal with the payment for sin, the temptations of the devil and the power of death. On this special day I would sum it up in two words. “The Transfiguration” for Jesus. But, more was happening on this Mountain. Look At What Is Coming
For the Disciples
Remember how many times the disciples would hear Jesus talk about his suffering and death? They felt deflated and defeated.
“34 They did not understand any of these things. What he said was hidden from them, and they did not understand what was said”
Luke 18:34
Among their struggles to understand was this: If Jesus was going to die, what about his plan to rule as Lord of all? To help them understand I have two words for them, “The Transfiguration.”
“32 Peter and those with him were weighed down with sleep, but when they were completely awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. 33 As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let’s make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He did not realize what he was saying.”
Peter did not get a direct answer to his question, but he certainly did get an answer.
“34 While he was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them. They were afraid as they went into the cloud. 35 Then a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”
That was his answer. The glory was over for now. They walked back down the mountain and the next day they were on their way to Jerusalem.
Yet, what a blessing for these three disciples! In just a few months they would be with Jesus during the events of holy Week. It all came crashing down when they saw Jesus nailed to the cross. Don’t you wish you could have been there to remind the disciples what they saw on the Mount of Transfiguration? The One they see hanging on the cross is not just human, but he is also the glorious Son of God. Look at the glory of the cross where Jesus’ precious blood paid for their sins. Of course this didn’t all come together for the disciples until after Jesus’ resurrection. Then the pieces of the puzzle came together and no matter how horrible the persecutions they would face, they knew they were on the winning team. Their glorious Lord and Savior won heaven for them and when they died they would be with Jesus in all his glory once again. On this special day the disciple could sum it up in two words. “The Transfiguration” for them. The glimpse of glory they saw that day would carry them through suffering to permanent glory in heaven. But, more was happening on this Mountain. Look At What Is Coming
For Us
In my introduction I asked if you agreed with me that when things are going well, just wait, trouble is coming. I didn’t say that to scare you, but to set things up for our thoughts today. When things are going well, it may be hard to remember what suffering is like. But then it happens. Problems arise. You stopped putting the work into your marriage and it doesn’t seem as happy as it once was. Your job isn’t as satisfying as it once was. Or you watch another casket of a loved one go into the ground. We don’t know what might happen today. Maybe your car won’t start, or the price of eggs goes up even more, or your doctor announces that you need to have surgery. We might be tempted to think, “Lord, what’s going on?”
That is the perfect time to climb back up the Mount of Transfiguration and catch a glimpse of Jesus’ glory. What you see will have an influence on how you will handle the tough times in your life. I know you won’t be surprised by the tough times because you know what the Bible says,
“We must go through many troubles on our way to the kingdom of God”
Acts 14:22
When it happens we need to remember two words, “The Transfiguration.” Then we can rely on God’s glorious promises during the difficult days in anticipation of the glorious days in heaven. Then we can look at the difficult days and remember that the Lord may be testing us to strengthen our faith. Or maybe he is discipling us because we’ve become lazy. But, all along we know God has the best in store for us. Listen to the writer to the Hebrews:
“5 Have you also forgotten the encouragement that addresses you as sons? My son, do not regard the Lord’s discipline lightly, and do not become weary of his correction. 6 For the Lord disciplines the one whom he loves, … 7 Endure suffering as discipline. God is dealing with you as sons. Is there a son whose father does not discipline him?….11 No discipline seems pleasant when it is happening, but painful, yet later it yields a peaceful harvest of righteousness for those who have been trained by it.”
When we learn this then we can evaluate the troubles in light of God’s love.
- We are frail and imperfect and need God’s help.
- Our stay in this world is temporary and God has the glory of heaven all prepared for us.
Why do you believe this? Two words, “The Transfiguration!” The Transfiguration gave Jesus great strength and peace as he approaches the cross. The Transfiguration gave the Disciples great comfort as they witnessed the suffering and death of Jesus. The Transfiguration gives you great hope as you Look At What Is Coming! The glory of the cross and then the glory of heaven! Amen!
