Luke 9:28-36 (NRSV)
Read Luke 9:28-36 on biblegateway.com
Verse 28Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. Verse 29And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Verse 30Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. Verse 31They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Verse 32Now 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. Verse 33Just 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. Verse 34While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Verse 35Then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!" Verse 36When 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.
Devotion
Could there be any doubt as to the identity of Jesus now? The all-star list of witnesses appears with him, the voice from the cloud testifies to him, his clothes are glowing, his face is shining. Seems like a complete picture, a full testimony. Peter apparently thinks so. Through his sleepiness he acknowledges the glorious event with an offer of hospitality. Set up tents, move in, honor Jesus and these other great figures with the best we have, he suggests. Why is this such a bad thing? Don't we do the same thing with our worship facilities? Doesn't Jesus deserve the best we have to give? Of course. I personally think Jesus was honored at Peter's gesture. It's just that, as these disciples see who Jesus really is, they also need to see what his identity really means. Sitting atop a mountain and separated from the world is not it.
Prayer
Dearest Jesus, your love for the world is revealed in who you really are: Messiah, Lord, Savior, Redeemer. As you come to us in your full glory, help us to know that your splendor is most fully revealed in your saving grace made real in the world. Amen.