Transfiguration Through Prayer

Title: Mount of Transfiguration

Theme: Message about how prayer takes us to the next level on the mountain.

Text: Luke 9:28 - 36

Reference used is Awake My Soul by J Sudlow Baxter

Scripture Reading

Luk 9:28-36 Now it came to pass, about eight days after these sayings, that He took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray. (29) As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening. (30) And behold, two men talked with Him, who were Moses and Elijah, (31) who appeared in glory and spoke of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. (32) But Peter and those with him were heavy with sleep; and when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men who stood with Him. (33) Then it happened, as they were parting from Him, that Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah"--not knowing what he said. (34) While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were fearful as they entered the cloud. (35) And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!" (36) When the voice had ceased, Jesus was found alone. But they kept quiet, and told no one in those days any of the things they had seen.

“When we survey prospectively our Lord’s life on earth, seven preeminent events stand out like successive mountain - pinnacles. “

Those seven are, His birth (symbolizing “God with Us”), His baptism (obedience to the law), His temptation (power of the word), His transfiguration (eternal existence), His crucifixion (sacrifice for our sins), His resurrection (power to forgive and resurrect), His ascension (He’s coming back).

So right in the middle of the seven is the transfiguration. It is the pinnacle of Jesus life. It is truly a “new level” that transcends the world around. I want us to look at this event again with fresh eyes. I believe there is something here for us all as we begin 2024.

Luke 9:28-36 Now it came to pass, about eight days after these sayings, that He took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray.

Jesus seemed to have an inner few. Those were closest to him. When you survey biblical history you will see that they made the biggest impact of the disciples.

Note: We might want to be these men. Yet it is more about what they became that who they were at the moment. Peter was bold and brash and God had to squelch this without losing his courage. John was selfish (wanting to be the greatest) but Jesus had to tamper this without losing his desire for more of God. James was timid, Jesus wanted to give him courage.

29 As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening. 30 And behold, two men talked with Him, who were Moses and Elijah,

“As He prayed” – that is an interesting statement leading into the story. Make a note of that and we will come back to it.

Notice the description. “face was altered” Moses face shone as he had been in the presence of God. “His robe became white and glistening” Danie 10:9 prophesied of a man whom would come and his countenance and attire would be different. He is the Messiah.

Why Moses and Elijah?

The two book ends of Israel. The law and the miracles.

They both spoked to Jesus. They knew who he was. Truthfully you could say they saw Him before He ever came.

31 who appeared in glory and spoke of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.

Interesting conversation between them. What were they talking about? The coming crucifixion. Prophecy. Maybe even the resurrection.

What was Peter and John doing?

32 But Peter and those with him were heavy with sleep; and when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men who stood with Him.

They missed it. They missed the revelation. They missed the conversation. Why? They were sleeping. The Bible has a lot to say about this.

Watch and Pray

Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."

Mark 13:33 Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.

Mark 14:38 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."

Luke 21:36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man."