The Glory of Christ Revealed: A Sermon for Transfiguration Sunday

Luke 9:28-43 NRSV

Now, about eight days after these sayings, Jesus took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. 29 And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. 30 Suddenly, they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. 31 They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. 32 Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. 33 Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, 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 terrified as they entered the cloud. 35 Then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!" 36 When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.

37 On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him. 38 Just then, a man from the crowd shouted, "Teacher, I beg you to look at my son; he is my only child. 39 Suddenly, a spirit seizes him, and all at once, he shrieks. It convulses him until he foams at the mouth; it mauls him and will scarcely leave him. 40 I begged your disciples to cast it out, but they could not." 41 Jesus answered, "You faithless and perverse generation, how much longer must I be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here." 42 While he was coming, the demon dashed him to the ground in convulsions. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. 43 And all were astounded at the greatness of God.

Sunday, March 2, 2025, is Transfiguration Sunday. Before we begin our study, I want to expound upon the terms "transfiguration" and "transformation," which are often used interchangeably, but they hold distinct meanings, especially in a theological context. Transfiguration refers to a profound change in appearance that reveals divine glory, as seen in the biblical account of Jesus' transfiguration on the mountain. His face and clothes became dazzling white, revealing His divine nature to Peter, John, and James. On the other hand, transformation is a broader term that denotes a thorough or dramatic change in form or character. In a spiritual sense, transformation refers to the ongoing process of becoming more Christ-like in one's thoughts, actions, and character. While transfiguration is a momentary, divine revelation, transformation is a continuous, personal journey of spiritual growth and renewal. Both concepts highlight different aspects of the Christian experience: the former underscores the divine nature of Christ, and the latter emphasizes the believer's journey toward spiritual maturity.

Today, we are invited to ascend with our Lord to the mountain of divine revelation. Today, we reflect upon the wondrous account found in Luke 9:28-43, where the glory of Christ is revealed in a profound and transformative manner. This passage offers us two pivotal points for our contemplation: the manifestation of Christ's divine glory and the affirmation of His mission. Neither of these points should be taken lightly by Christians.

In Luke 9:28-36, we witness a moment of unparalleled splendor as Jesus takes Peter, John, and James up the mountain to pray. It is here, in the quietude of prayer, that the appearance of His face changes, and His clothes become dazzling white. This transfiguration is a divine disclosure of Christ's true identity. Believe it or not, there is a term for Peter, John, and James’s experience on that mountain. Theologians call it a theophany. It is when a deity manifests in an observable and tangible form. This theophany unveils Jesus’ divine nature. This is not the first time in the Bible this has happened. In Genesis 18, God visits Abraham and tells him Sarah will have a baby. Later in Exodus 19, Moses meets God on Mt. Sinai. It is never a small feat when a theophany occurs in the Bible. Luke 9 is no different.

This particular theophany is made even more impressive by the presence of Moses and Elijah, who represent the Law and the Prophets. This manifestation signifies the fulfillment of the Old Testament through the person of Christ. Their conversation with Jesus about His impending departure (death) in Jerusalem points to the salvific work He is about to accomplish. The voice from the cloud, declaring, "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to Him!" (v.35), serves as a divine confirmation of Jesus' relationship to God’s authority. It is a call for us to heed His teachings and recognize Him as the ultimate revelation of God's glory.

As you reflect on the transfiguration of our Lord, be reminded of the dual aspects of His glory and mission. In Christ, we behold the radiance of God's glory and the embodiment of His redemptive love. Therefore, in the light of this theophany (pun intended), how can we, in our daily lives, embody the transformative vision of Christ's glory and mission and be faithful witnesses to His teachings and love? In lay terms, how does this transfiguration transform you?

The second part of our passage, Luke 9:37-43, brings us down from the mountaintop experience into the reality of a suffering world. As Jesus and His disciples descend, they are met by a great crowd and a desperate father pleading for his possessed son. This scene starkly contrasts the divine glory witnessed on the mountain, yet it is here that the purpose of Christ's mission is poignantly affirmed. This contrast is similar to the divide we see between what is preached on Sunday morning in sanctuaries across this country and what is practiced outside these doors Sunday afternoon through Saturday night.

Jesus' rebuke of the unclean spirit and the subsequent healing of the boy demonstrate His authority over evil and His compassion for the afflicted. The juxtaposition of the transfiguration with this healing miracle underscores the holistic nature of Christ's mission. He is not only the glorified Son of God but also the compassionate Savior who enters our brokenness to bring restoration. The crowd's astonishment at the greatness of God reminds us that the glory of Christ is made manifest not only in moments of divine revelation but also in His redemptive work among us.

If Christ’s transfiguration is a momentary glimpse of his divine self, it must have a transformative effect upon those who believe and claim him as Savior. It must be a beacon of light that lasts longer than that moment in our hearts. Our transformation must be continuous. By the Spirit, ever-changing our demeanor, always striving to reflect that brilliant light that Peter, James, and John saw on that mountain while praying.

As we reflect on our Lord's transfiguration, let us remember the dual aspects of His glory and mission. In Christ, we behold the radiance of God's glory and the embodiment of His redemptive love. May we, like Peter, John, and James, be transformed by this vision and faithful witnesses to His glory in our lives.

Invitation to the Table:

Now, we prepare to partake in communion; let us carry this vision of Christ's glory and mission into our hearts. The bread and the cup symbolize His body and blood, given for us in an act of ultimate love and sacrifice. This is a celebration of our liberation from sin, not a solemn remembrance of a loss because Jesus is not dead; he is risen. As such, all who believe in the power of Jesus’ sacrifice for us are invited. This is not DPC’s table; it is not PC(USA)’s table. It is the Lord’s table. Therefore, there is no pressure to or not to participate. As we receive these elements, be reminded of the transformative power of Christ’s love and be renewed in commitment to live out His teachings. Let us approach the table with reverence and gratitude, ready to be nourished by His presence and empowered to be His faithful witnesses in the world.

Let us pray:

Gracious and loving God, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude and reverence as we prepare to partake in this holy communion. We thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, whose body was broken and whose blood was shed for the forgiveness of our sins. As we gather around this table, we are reminded of the depth of Your love and the sacrifice that was made for our redemption.

Lord, we invite Your presence to be with us in this sacred moment. May the bread and the cup be more than mere symbols, but a true communion with the living Christ. As we receive these elements, may we be filled with Your grace and transformed by Your love. Help us to remember the significance of this act and to carry its meaning into our daily lives.

We give thanks for the community of believers with whom we share this meal. May our hearts be united in love and our spirits be strengthened in faith. As we partake in this communion, may we be renewed in our commitment to follow Christ and to be His faithful witnesses in the world.

In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, we pray. Amen.

• Bibliography

• Ιnterlinear Bible. Nov. 29, 2024. https://biblehub.com/interlinear.

• Merriam-Webster. 2024. https://unabridged.merriam-webster.com.

• NIV Study Bible. Grand rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011.

• "NRSVue." NRSVue Holy Bible with Deuterocanonical/Apocryphal Books of the Old Testament. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2022.

• W   Powery, Emerson B., et al., . The Westminster Study Bible. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2024.