WORSHIP HIS MAJESTY

LUKE 9:28-36

          Some eight days after these sayings, He took along Peter and John, and James and went out on the mountain to pray. And while He was praying, the appearance of His face became different, and His clothing became white and gleaming. And behold two men were talking with Him, and they were Moses and Elijah, who appearing in glory, were speaking of His departure which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.

          Now Peter and his companions had been overcome with sleep; but when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men standing with Him. And as they were leaving Him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good for us to be here, let us make three tabernacles, one for you, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah"--not realizing what he was saying. While he was saying this, a cloud formed and began to overshadow them; and they were afraid as they entered the cloud

          Then a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is my Son, My chosen One, listen to Him." And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent, and reported to no one in those days any of the things which they had seen (NASB).

INTRODUCTION

          In Touch and Live, George Vandeman writes, “A young stranger to the Alps was making his first climb, accompanied by two stalwart guides. It was a steep, hazardous ascent. But he felt secure with one guide ahead and one following. For hours, they climbed. And now, breathless, they reached for those rocks protruding through the snow above them—the summit.”

          The guide ahead wish to let the stranger have the first glorious view of heaven and earth, and moved aside to let him go first. Forgetting the gales that would blow across the summit rocks, the young leaped to his feet. But the chief guide dragged him down. “On your knees, sir!” he shouted. “You are never safe here except on your knees.”

          When you and I catch a glimpse of the glory of Christ in worship, the safest place to be is on our knees. I would like to share with you on the topic: “Worship His Majesty.”

I.                  THE GLORIOUS TRANSFORMATION VV. 28-29

          This passage comes after Jesus has taken the disciples to Caesarea Philippi where He asks them the penetrating question, “Who do the people say that I am?”(Luke 9:18). After the disciples have told Jesus what the people think He is, Jesus brings the question home to the disciples, “But what do you say that I am” (Luke 9:20)? Peter, the spokesperson for the disciples answered and said, “The Christ of God.” Jesus then warns them not to share that privilege information with anyone.

          Jesus goes on to lay before them the cost of discipleship, but before then He has told them of His impending death. Subsequent to these revelations, Jesus takes the three intimate disciples, Peter, John, and James to the mountain to pray. Luke says that the episode at the Mount of Transfiguration takes place eight days after the events of verses 1-27 have taken place. Luke, the Gospel writer does not tells us the name of the mountain. Therefore, there is no need to speculate its identity. Many African preachers and prophets insist that Christians are to go to the mountains to pray simply because Jesus frequented the mountains. Jesus frequented the mountains simply because it was one of the places of solitude where He could commune with His Father. There was nothing special or significant about the mountains or the gardens where Jesus sought solitude. What makes a place sacred is not the place itself but the person who visits that place. Therefore, you can seek solitude with God whichever place you choose.

          Probably, Jesus has taken the disciples to this mountain on several occasions for prayer and solitude with the Father. However, on this occasion during His time of prayer, Jesus is transformed into a glorious figure with brilliance like lightning. In other words, while He is praying, His divine majesty shines so gloriously through His human nature that even His garment glistens in a white glow. Jesus’ glorious manifestation recalls the description of Moses on the mountain in Exodus 34:29-34.

II.           THE CONFIRMATION OF THE PASSION VV. 30-31

                               

          This glorious transformation of the appearance of Jesus Christ is the most significant event between His birth and passion. In each of the Synoptic Gospels, it stands as a magnificent Christological statement. In this glorious manifestation, Jesus is not alone. He is joined by Moses and Elijah. The presence of these two Old Testament prominent figures has spawned much discussion. Why are Moses and Elijah present? Do they represent themselves or stand for a large group? Moses typifies the type of prophetic office Jesus will occupy, especially since the voice from heaven will allude to Deuteronomy 18:15. Elijah represents the prophet of the eschaton (end times) (cf. Mal. 4:5), so he depicts a commitment to the arrival of the age of fulfillment. Moses and Elijah highlight that Jesus personifies a realization of the Old Testament hope, since the two figures also span both the early and late periods of Old Testament history. Jesus has come to fulfill the Law and the Prophets, and so God specially sends Moses, through whom He has given the Law, and Elijah, the typical representative of the prophets through whom God has spoken and prepared the way of the coming of Christ.

          The topic of Moses and Elijah’s discussion concerns the departure of Jesus. Luke is the only Gospel writer who records the subject of these two Old Testament figures’ discussion. The departure or “exodus” alludes to the journey Jesus is taking, with its turning point being His death in Jerusalem. What Moses and Elijah have come to testify is to confirm the passion of Christ. In other words, they have come to confirm what Jesus has already told the disciples about His impending suffering and subsequent death at Jerusalem. The first exodus had delivered Israel from bondage in Egypt. Jesus by His exodus would deliver His people from a far worse bondage, the bondage of sin. The most remarkable event in the history of Israel is the deliverance from the bondage in Egypt. The most remarkable event in the history of the human race is the redemption from sin through the atonement of Jesus on the cross of Calvary. How the three disciples came to know the identity of these two figures with Jesus is a matter of divine revelation. That Moses and Elijah choose to discuss the departure of Jesus in this majestic encounter is an indication of the importance and the centrality of the death of Jesus in the drama of human redemption.

          III. THE HUMAN PROPOSITION VV. 32-34

          While this resplendent event was taking place, Peter and his companions were fast asleep. Evidently as Jesus was praying, the disciples fell asleep, but they were awakened by the shining of the light. When they woke up, they saw the glory of Jesus and the two individuals standing with Him. This might have been a remarkable sight. As these two persons were about to leave, Peter in his impulsiveness suggested to Jesus that they build three booths or tabernacles for the three of them. Peter in his excitement wants to make a temporary dwelling for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. This was a mountain top experience that Peter wanted to enjoy for the rest of his life. In the Christian life, those who walk in intimacy with Christ, He sometimes gives us a mountain top experience. However, the Christian life is not going to be a constant mountain top experience. The mountain top experiences are occasional but the real Christian life is lived in the ordinary days in the valleys. Peter was oblivious to the proposition that he was making. He was ignorant of his suggestion that they build three booths for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. You cannot build three booths for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah, because Jesus is not one among equals. Moses and Elijah have come only as witnesses to the impending death of Jesus on the cross. Peter was making the mistake that many religions have made. These religions put Jesus in the category of Mohammed, Buddha, Krishna, and other religious gurus. However, when you put all these religious figures together, they pale in comparison to Jesus. Jesus did not originate from the earth. He preexisted before the foundation of the world (John 1).

          In our pluralistic society, people long for spiritual examples, and like Peter, they want as many booths to be built in a row as possible. Our society desires to assemble a religious hall of fame from as many religious traditions as possible, all in honor of our commitment to religious toleration. But Jesus does not ask for a booth alongside others. Jesus is the category all by Himself. Jesus is uniquely the Son of God. Peter’s proposition was purely humanistic because he did not factor in the exodus for which Moses and Elijah have come to testify. At best, Peter’s suggestion was an attempt to prevent Jesus from going to Jerusalem to die on the cross to save you and me. As Peter was still speaking a cloud was forming around Jesus and the two witnesses—Moses and Elijah. The cloud is the symbol of the presence of God (Acts 1:9). When Peter, John, and James caught a glimpse of this glorious sight, they were afraid. Fear is the natural response to the supernatural manifestation.

IV.            THE HEAVENLY PROCLAMATION VV. 35-36

           To silence Peter of his erroneous proposition a voice thunders from the cloud, “This is My Son, My Chosen One; Listen to Him!” Who do you think is speaking at this time? It is the voice of God giving affirmation and credence to the person of Jesus. This is the second time that God has affirmed the Sonship of Jesus. The first one took place at His baptism (Luke 3:21-22). In this proclamation, God makes three important assertions. First, He says, “This is My Son,” implying that Moses and Elijah were His servants, but Jesus is His unique Son. Jesus is the ultimate multicultural figure, calling everyone to Himself in the ultimate equal opportunity call. The world does not need the clash of competing religious figures and examples. It needs a Savior for all humanity. If the problem of the world were entertainment, God would have sent a comedian. If the fundamental problem of the world were money, God would have sent an economist. If the problem of the world were wisdom, God would have sent a philosopher. If the basic problem of the world were lunacy, God would have sent a Psychiatrist. If the basic problem of the world were human behavior, God would have sent a psychologist. However, the basic problem of the world is sin, therefore God sent a Savior to save us from sin. His name is Jesus Christ. The Transfiguration is a divine declaration that such a unique person exists, and the world should listen to Him. As the divine Son of God, you are to be obedient to Him.

          The second important assertion in the divine proclamation is, “My Chosen One.” Jesus is the Chosen One of God (Psalm 2:7-8; Heb. 1:5-6). As God’s Chosen One, He possesses divine authority for His mission on earth. As God chose Moses to deliver the nation of Israel from bondage in Egypt, so has He chosen His Son Jesus Christ to deliver the human race from the bondage of sin and the Devil. The final declaration of God is, “Listen to Him.” This is to confirm what Moses told the Israelites in the wilderness (Deut. 18:15). Today there are many voices that are whispering to your ears but God says that listen only to the voice of Jesus. Today the Muslims say that Mohammed is the last prophet of God, but God says listen to Jesus My Son, My Chosen One. Today the Mormons say that Joseph Smith is the way to the truth, but God says listen to Jesus Christ. Today, the Buddhist say that Buddha is the enlightened one but God says, Jesus is My beloved Son, listen to Him. Today the Jehovah’s Witnesses say that their religion is the only way to heaven, but God says, “This is My Son, My Chosen One, Listen to Him.” The question is whom are you listening to these days? Are you confused of all voices that are clamoring for your attention? Do not make any mistake; listen to only the voice of Jesus Christ. Give Him your life; give Him your time; give Him your talent; give Him your treasure; give Him all your attention, and you will never live to regret.

          When God says, “Listen to Him” it is not only a command or imperative; it is also a correction of your tendency to substitute human opinion for divine revelation. Sometimes a so-called prophet would come and tell you, God has told me this about you. Do not believe it. Rather, go to the Bible and you will hear what God is saying to you. Moses commanded the Israelites to listen to the Prophet that God would give them at His own time, but when Jesus came, they did not listen to Him, because they were listening to the scribes, Pharisees, and the Sadducees. Jesus alone is the true Prophet, the Chosen Servant, and the Son of God. He is the only One to whom  you need to give your allegiance.

          The Bible says that “When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone.” When God spoke His words of affirmation concerning His unique Son, Moses and Elijah were removed from the scene. This is to say that there should not be any confusion about what the Father had said about the Son. Therefore, the scene ends with Jesus as the center of their attention. Who is the center of the attention of your life? Is self the center of attention of your life? Is money the center of attention of your life? Is fame the center of attention of your life? Or is it Jesus who is the center of attention of your life? God does not want any person or thing to compete for attention in your life, apart from His Son Jesus, His Chosen One, therefore listen to Him. Jesus is the only One who is worthy of your worship. Do not bow the knee of your heart to anybody. Do not bow the knee of your heart to anything. Bow the knee of your heart to Jesus alone.  When the heavenly proclamation was completed, Jesus was found alone. When it comes to the person of Jesus Christ, God does not want us to have any conflicting personalities. When it comes to the message of Jesus Christ, God does not want us to have any conflicting or confusing message. Jesus should not have any competitor in your life, because He will not play a second fiddle. Jesus must be the center of attraction in your life. Jesus is the Son of God. Jesus Is the Savior. Jesus is the Chosen One of God. Jesus is the only One to whom you should listen. Worship belongs to Jesus and Jesus alone.

          The Bible says that the disciples “kept silent and reported to no one in those days any of the things which they had seen.” It was a wonderful experience but it was not something that encouraged idle chatter. There are some of you that when God reveals something to you, you cannot wait to share with others. Sometimes it is wise to ask God whether you need to share that experience or not. When God reveals a glimpse of His glory to you, He sometimes wants you to keep it to yourself. He did that for Paul and Paul kept them to himself. The disciples would later share this phenomenal experience but it would be after the resurrection of Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 1:16-21).