Luke Bible Study, Day 20
Today’s passage: Luke 9:28–62
Focus verse: “This is my Son, whom I have chosen.” (Luke 9:35)
Eight days after Jesus said some of his disciples wouldn’t die until they saw the kingdom of God, we perhaps see his promise play out.
Jesus takes his three main followers—Peter, John, and James—on an outing. They go up a mountain to pray.
We can only guess what this prayer time might look like. Is Jesus praying as the disciples listen? Are they all in individual, silent prayer? Or might they take turns praying out loud?
Regardless of how these prayers occur, a glorious, supernatural manifestation happens.
As Jesus prays, his appearance changes. His face glows. His garments blaze as bright as a lightning flash. What a magnificent, awe-inspiring, and frightening image.
But there’s more. Two men appear next to Jesus. It’s Moses and Elijah. They also shine brightly, like Jesus.
Peter, James, and John had been sleepy during their prayer time, perhaps in a spiritual trance. But with Jesus aglow, and Moses and Elijah making a surprise visit, suddenly the three disciples are very much awake.
Jesus, Moses, and Elijah begin talking with each other. They discuss what Jesus will soon do, departing from Earth and fulfilling what the prophets predicted.
Then the conversation ends.
Moses and Elijah prepare to leave and return to the supernatural realm.
Peter, likely desperate to capture this moment and the incredible event he just witnessed, blurts out the first thing he thinks. “This is so cool. Let’s make three shrines, one for each of you.”
Jesus doesn’t respond.
A cloud envelops them. If the disciples weren’t already frightened, now they surely are. A voice comes from the cloud. It’s the voice of God.
He says, “This is my boy. I picked him for you. Listen to what he says.”
Then the three disciples find themselves alone with Jesus. Moses and Elijah are gone.
This isn’t the first time, however, that God speaks out loud about Jesus. As we read in Luke 9:28-36, after John baptizes Jesus, they also hear God’s voice.
The message of affirmation is similar. “You’re my boy. I love you. And I’m most pleased with you.”
Peter, James, and John have just witnessed a grand, supernatural event. Is this what Jesus meant when he said some of his disciples would see the kingdom of God before they died?
Questions:
If God spoke about us—like he did for Jesus—what might he say?
What does the kingdom of God mean to us?
[Discover more about the kingdom of God in Luke 17:20–21, Acts 1:3, and Romans 14:17.]
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Read more about the book of Luke in Dear Theophilus: A 40-Day Devotional Exploring the Life of Jesus through the Gospel of Luke, now available in ebook, paperback, and hardcover.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront a status quo faith and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
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