The Transfiguration of Jesus: A Key Event in His Ministry

(a) Relating the Transfiguration of Jesus (Luke 9: 28-36)

The Transfiguration of Jesus is a significant event recorded in the Gospel of Luke. Here are the key elements:

• Jesus took John, Peter, and James with Him to witness this miraculous occurrence.
• He went up the mountain to pray, demonstrating the importance of prayer in His ministry.
• As He was praying, His face changed, and His clothes became dazzling white, symbolizing His divine nature.
• Moses and Elijah appeared, speaking to Jesus about His impending death, which indicates a connection between the Law, the Prophets, and Jesus’ mission.
• The disciples were asleep during this profound moment.
• Upon waking, they saw Jesus in His glory, along with Moses and Elijah, highlighting the majesty of Jesus.
• Peter, in a moment of awe, suggested making three tents—one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah—indicating his desire to honor them.
• Suddenly, a thick cloud enveloped them, instilling fear among the disciples.
• A voice from the cloud declared Jesus as the Son of God, affirming His divine identity and purpose.
• After the voice spoke, Jesus was found alone, emphasizing His unique status as the Messiah.
• The disciples did not tell anyone what they had seen, reflecting the profound nature of the experience.

(b) The Importance of the Transfiguration in Jesus’ Ministry

The Transfiguration holds several important implications for Jesus’ ministry:

• It prepared the disciples for His upcoming death and resurrection, providing them with hope for life after death.
• The appearance of Moses signifies that Jesus came to fulfill the Law.
• The presence of Elijah indicates that He fulfilled the prophecies of the prophets.
• God’s voice affirming, “This is my Son,” confirms Jesus’ identity as the Son of God and the expected Messiah, validating the disciples’ faith in Him.
• The disciples witnessed the presence of God, strengthening their understanding of His divine nature.
• They also experienced heavenly glory, reinforcing the reality of the kingdom of God.
• This episode teaches that Jesus came to usher in the heavenly kingdom.
• It prepared Peter for future leadership within the church, equipping him for the role he would play after Jesus’ resurrection.
• The event underscores the importance of privacy during prayer, emphasizing the need for personal communion with God.
• The comforting words of God encouraged Jesus to continue His ministry, reflecting divine support.
• Ultimately, it strengthened the faith of the disciples, providing them with a profound understanding of Jesus’ identity and mission.

(c) Ways Christians Show Respect to God

Christians demonstrate their respect for God in various ways, including:

• Setting a day of worship to dedicate time to God.
• Building places of worship, such as churches, to gather in His name.
• Avoiding the careless mention of God’s name, showing reverence in speech.
• Obeying God’s commandments as an expression of their faith.
• Praying to Him regularly, fostering a relationship with the divine.
• Depending on God in times of trouble, acknowledging His power and presence.
• Giving offerings and paying tithes, reflecting their gratitude and support for His work.
• Praising the Lord with songs, celebrating His goodness and faithfulness.
• Helping the needy in society, embodying the love and compassion of Christ.
• Preaching the gospel, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ to others.
• Observing Christian rituals such as baptism and marriage, marking significant spiritual milestones.