Meditation and Questions on the Transfiguration
Luke 9: 28-43
After reading the account in Luke as to how Jesus changed in appearance on the mountain top, prepare to quietly meditate on the story.
Jesus tried to prepare his apostles for his coming death. As we prepare to remember what he has gone through for us, Let’s get into a mood of quiet reflection by sitting quietly, eyes closed, breathing deeply and letting the cares of the day go by. Think of how it was to be with Jesus as he spoke to the crowds and traveled with his friends. Picture yourself with them. You have been camping overnight at the foot of a mountain and Jesus wakes you along with his three friends, Peter, John and James. “Come up with me.” he says. You get up and climb up the mountain, wondering what is going to happen. Jesus has gone up the mountain to pray by himself before, but this is different.
When you get to the top of the mountain, Jesus starts to pray. As you watch with him, his face changes. It is so bright you can hardly look at him. Suddenly there are two other shining figures standing there with him. You know in your heart of hearts that they are Moses and Elijah. Peter speaks in an awed voice: “Let us build three tents for you.” If you had any doubt as to the identity of Jesus, now you know. He is truly blessed. As you watch, a shining cloud begins to enclose the figures. Rays shoot out from it. You are nearly blinded. You can’t open your eyes. A voice thunders: “This is my chosen Son. Listen to Him.”
When you open your eyes the other two figures are gone. Jesus stands there alone. You look into Jesus’ eyes and ask him what he wants you to know.
During these weeks of watching how Jesus conducts his public life with teaching and healing and waiting for the events that will lead to Resurrection Sunday, think of how Jesus shows us who he is.
Questions on Luke 9: 28- 43
1. Were you able to picture how Jesus changed in front of his friends? What were your thoughts?
2. Why did Jesus choose the men he did to witness the transfiguration?
3. What does Peter’s request to build three tents for Moses and Elijah tell you about him?
4. Matthew, Mark and Luke all tell of the transfiguration. None of them were there. John was there but doesn’t tell about it. Why do you think that is so?
5. Why did the three who were chosen to witness the transfiguration grow silent? Why didn’t they tell anyone about what they had seen? Do you think they talked about it among themselves?
6. Notice how the following healing shows people how Jesus is stronger than they realized. Also, notice how he is a bit frustrated because the disciples aren’t doing what he asked them to do. He even calls them perverse. Would he call us perverse?
Beautifully written. I would have loved to be one of those people thst followed Jesus town to town and watch the miracles and just bask in his love. I never told anyone on Triond this but I get so upset on Good Friday’ because they killed Jesus I know that was God;s will but I still hate to think of what he went through and he did mpt complain once. I complain everyday I don’t write enough, I don;t have enough time in the day and here Jesus went through what one could say was TORTURE and NEVER complained. Thanks for teaching me a lesson.
I am speechless after reading this wonderful share.
nice i love jesus………..
Cool and like it!
These are words to ponder surely. I have often thought about what it would have been like to have actually physically walked with Jesus, to witness first hand His being. Though I cannot physically see Him today I still know His presence and can see His works. Our God is an awesome God indeed. Wonderful article and it has given me thoughts to ponder anew.
Very good. Glad to see you again.
Even though, I’m not a practising catholic, I’lll include this for a reread and quiet meditation. this is beautifully written and thought provoking one, Christine!
Good article, on the Mount of Transfiguration, I do not think any of the three understood what happened there. These three were always most near Jesus everywhere he went. Peter was even near when they were first questioning Jesus (paraphrase) that is why they questioned Peter, are you not one of His followers? We know that of course Peter denied Jesus 3 times before the cock crowed. Peter was with Jesus when they come to get Him to be tried, then Peter cut one of the ears off of one of those who had come to get Jesus, which Jesus put back on.
Then John at the cross, Jesus hanging there it was John whom Jesus asked to take care of His mother, Mary.
John and James, there were two James, but the one at the Mount of Transfiguration was John’s brother James, one place in the Bible they were called the sons of thunder.
A lot of historians, which I am not one or even very knowledgeable on the Bible, but they and I also believe it was James that was the first Overseer or leader of the early church, not Peter although Peter spoke first after the day of Pentecost.
On the Mount of Transfiguration, Peter in the FLESH asked Jesus, lets build three tabernacles, this comment showing Peter, more than likely James and John also missed the whole point here, Jesus rebuked Peter. Peter though misunderstanding Jesus at different times, he was an avid follower of Jesus. Peter was willing to get out of a boat and walk on water for a while with Jesus, which none of the rest of the disciples did.
I think the reason Jesus chose Peter, James and John is because they followed Jesus more closely than the others. Like in the Old testament it was Elisha who got to see Elijah go up in a whirlwind. Elisha never let Elijah get out of his sight.
Today even, it is those who follow Jesus more close who will get to witness more of His glory. Sorry to write so much, probably most of this does not even make sense, tried to answer some of your questions. Thanks for a good share.
Good article, on the Mount of Transfiguration, I do not think any of the three understood what happened there. These three were always most near Jesus everywhere he went. Peter was even near when they were first questioning Jesus (paraphrase) that is why they questioned Peter, are you not one of His followers? We know that of course Peter denied Jesus 3 times before the cock crowed. Peter was with Jesus when they come to get Him to be tried, then Peter cut one of the ears off of one of those who had come to get Jesus, which Jesus put back on.
Then John at the cross, Jesus hanging there it was John whom Jesus asked to take care of His mother, Mary.
John and James, there were two James, but the one at the Mount of Transfiguration was John\’s brother James, one place in the Bible they were called the sons of thunder.
A lot of historians, which I am not one or even very knowledgeable on the Bible, but they and I also believe it was James that was the first Overseer or leader of the early church, not Peter although Peter spoke first after the day of Pentecost.
On the Mount of Transfiguration, Peter in the FLESH asked Jesus, lets build three tabernacles, this comment showing Peter, more than likely James and John also missed the whole point here, Jesus rebuked Peter. Peter though misunderstanding Jesus at different times, he was an avid follower of Jesus. Peter was willing to get out of a boat and walk on water for a while with Jesus, which none of the rest of the disciples did.
I think the reason Jesus chose Peter, James and John is because they followed Jesus more closely than the others. Like in the Old testament it was Elisha who got to see Elijah go up in a whirlwind. Elisha never let Elijah get out of his sight.
Today even, it is those who follow Jesus more close who will get to witness more of His glory. Sorry to write so much, probably most of this does not even make sense, tried to answer some of your questions. Thanks for a good share.
Thank you for sharing, very well written.
Lovely and inspirational, Hope you are well xo
very good post
Wonderful post.
Oh wow.. hello so good to see you my friend.. I would have loved to be one of the chooses.. but I don’t know why they stayed silent.. maybe it was shock? I don’t know and I don’t know how I would have felt? but I would like to think I would want to tell everyone.. what a great write.. I love this..
blessings to you
Debbie