Transfiguration Sunday

Jason Schafer

Epiphany • Sermon • Submitted 2 months ago • Presented 3 months ago

2 Corinthians 3:12–4:2

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Welcome Statement

Today is transfiguration Sunday. It is the day in our Christian calendar where we recognize the revealing of the divine nature of Christ as not just the Son but also as God, as being a bearer of the divine name.

It is when we celebrate that we as a Christian Body were revealed to the otherworldliness reality of what God made flesh really means, what it really is. On paper just reading such a sight does not do it justice, our human words can't captivate what was being experienced by the Apostles, but we reap what they first experienced through our own faith and experience.

Before we get a head of ourselves and dive into Luke, I want us to first look at a reading from the Old Testament, I admit this is actually a new reading I'm unfamiliar with as well, I found it really peculiar as it actually hints to the transfiguration, of when one could be certain he really indwelled both man and divine.

We will see a description here of Moses own experience with the divine.

So we see here Moses became beaming like a light.

Old Testament Reading - Book 1:1 ABC

Exodus 34:29–35 NRSV

Moses came down from Mount Sinai. As he came down from the mountain with the two tablets of the covenant in his hand, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, the skin of his face was shining, and they were afraid to come near him. But Moses called to them; and Aaron and all the leaders of the congregation returned to him, and Moses spoke with them. Afterward all the Israelites came near, and he gave them in commandment all that the Lord had spoken with him on Mount Sinai. When Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil on his face; but whenever Moses went in before the Lord to speak with him, he would take the veil off, until he came out; and when he came out, and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, the Israelites would see the face of Moses, that the skin of his face was shining; and Moses would put the veil on his face again, until he went in to speak with him.

Moses’ face shone because he had been in God’s presence. In Exodus 34:29-35, after receiving the second set of the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai, Moses came down, and his face was radiating light. This happened because he had spoken with God directly. The Israelites were afraid to come near him, so he wore a veil when speaking to them, removing it only when he returned to God’s presence.

Theologically, this event signifies:

1. God’s Glory Reflecting on Moses – Being in God’s presence changed Moses, just as God’s holiness transforms those who encounter Him.

2. Mediatorship – Moses acted as an intermediary between God and Israel, showing that divine truth is too overwhelming for the people to face directly.

3. Foreshadowing Christ – In 2 Corinthians 3:7-18, Paul contrasts Moses’ fading glory with the greater and permanent glory of Christ, whose light is unveiled and transformative.

Would you say this has connections to the Transfiguration in the New Testament?

New Testament Reading - Book 1:1 ABC

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. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. 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. 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. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” 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. On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him. Just then a man from the crowd shouted, “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son; he is my only child. 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. I begged your disciples to cast it out, but they could not.” Jesus answered, “You faithless and perverse generation, how much longer must I be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here.” 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. And all were astounded at the greatness of God. While everyone was amazed at all that he was doing, he said to his disciples,

There are a few things that happen here so I will break it down: 1. Jesus brought Peter James and John to pray - Jesus only brought a few up the mountain with him, this was a tremendous and important event and the leaders of the Church at the time needed to witness this and carry on the story.

2. Jesus’s face was changed, it’s not clear how, but in old Orthodox icons, it is traditionally shone that his face is radiating with light, and his clothes are completely white. This is to represent that he is not just the son but also God incarnate

The Transfiguration (Luke 9:28-36; Matthew 17:1-9; Mark 9:2-10) symbolizes several key theological themes:

1. Jesus as the Fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets – Moses (the Law) and Elijah (the Prophets) appear, signifying that Jesus is the culmination of both.

2. Divine Sonship and Glory – Jesus’ face and clothes shine, revealing His divine nature, much like Moses’ face shone after being with God. However, unlike Moses, Jesus’ glory is inherent, not reflected.

3. Foreshadowing the Resurrection – The transformation anticipates Jesus’ glorified state after the resurrection.

4. God’s Voice Affirming Jesus – The Father declares, “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to Him!” mirroring His declaration at Jesus’ baptism.

The First Thing Jesus Does After the Transfiguration in Luke (9:37-43)

The next day, Jesus descends the mountain and immediately casts out a demon from a boy. This has deep symbolic significance:

1. From Glory to the Struggles of the World – Like Moses descending to Israel’s sin with the golden calf (Exodus 32), Jesus comes down from divine glory into human suffering and spiritual oppression.

2. Power Over Evil – The Transfiguration shows His divine nature, but the exorcism demonstrates His authority over demonic forces in the real, broken world.

3. Foreshadowing the Cross – The disciples fail to cast out the demon, highlighting their spiritual weakness and foreshadowing their struggles in Jesus’ coming passion. It also underscores the necessity of faith (Luke 9:41).

This movement—from the mountain of divine revelation back to human need—reinforces Jesus’ mission: He is not just a glorious figure to be admired but a Savior who enters suffering to defeat evil and restore humanity.

Do you think there’s a parallel to how Moses’ glowing face fades, whereas Jesus’ glory is permanent?

The Transfiguration and Moses’ shining face both highlight the transformative power of being in God’s presence—a concept that still applies to us today. Here are some key takeaways:

1. True Transformation Comes from Encountering God

• Just as Moses’ face shone after meeting with God and Jesus was revealed in glory, time spent in God’s presence—through prayer, Scripture, worship—should change us.

• Application: Are we allowing our time with God to shape our attitudes, thoughts, and actions? Do others see Christ in us?

2. Faith is Lived Out in the Valley, Not Just on the Mountain

• The disciples wanted to stay on the mountain (Luke 9:33), but Jesus led them back into the world to confront suffering and spiritual battles.

• Application: Our spiritual highs (retreats, deep study, worship) should prepare us for real-world struggles. How do we carry the light of Christ into dark places?

3. Listening to Jesus is Key

• God’s voice said, “Listen to Him!” (Luke 9:35). Unlike Moses’ temporary radiance, Jesus’ glory is eternal and meant to transform us permanently.

• Application: Are we listening to Jesus daily? Through Scripture, prayer, and obedience, do we seek His voice above all others?

4. Spiritual Weakness Without Faith

• The disciples failed to cast out the demon (Luke 9:40), showing that spiritual power isn’t automatic—it requires faith and reliance on God.

• Application: Are there areas where we’re trying to handle things on our own instead of relying on Christ’s power?

5. Jesus’ Mission: Glory Through Sacrifice

• Jesus’ glory points toward the cross. Unlike Moses, whose light faded, Jesus’ glory leads to permanent redemption.

• Application: Are we willing to follow Jesus into both glory and suffering? Do we seek transformation only for comfort, or are we willing to take up our cross?

This passage challenges us to move beyond momentary spiritual highs and walk in daily faithfulness. What stands out to you most in how this applies today?