A Conversation That Was Worthy
Luke 9:29 And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white.
Luke 9:30 And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah,
Luke 9:31 who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.
Luke 9:32 Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, but when they became fully awake they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him.
Luke 9:33 And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said.
Luke 9:34 As he was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud.
Luke 9:35 And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!”
Right now, all who believe that Jesus is the Son of God that died for our sins and rose from the dead are what the apostle Paul called “In Christ.” Our sins have been taken away and we are clothed in righteousness, even on the days we feel like a big stupid dumbhead.
Jesus, of course, was “in Christ” all of the time because He was the Christ. He was the chosen one, anointed by God. When He went up on this mountain to pray, James, John, and Peter saw Him as He really looked. His clothes shined and His face looked like it was lit up.
These guys didn’t have electric lights. They didn’t even have glow sticks. They didn’t have a reference point to describe this except that Jesus’ face changed and His clothes were white.
But they give us another hint.
Throughout the Old Testament, God’s glory shows up like a fire, a cloud, and a sort of lit-up-mist. The cloud part is here in Jesus’ prayer time, but the actual light part is coming from Jesus!
Moses and Elijah show up “in glory” also. They are lit up and glowing and bright with God’s glory. They talk about the “His departure and what He is about to accomplish in Jerusalem.” They are talking about the passion, the cross, and the resurrection! Never mind how awesome it would be to hear Jesus talk about it, but there was something about it that warranted discussion with Moses and Elijah.
You can’t get more of a completion and consummation than coordinating Jesus’ death and resurrection with Moses and Elijah. The three of them spread over 1400 years, but what they were doing was all connected. Moses and the Law, Elijah and the prophets, and now Jesus with the cross.
It is something so big and so expansive to talk about, that God’s glory is tangible all around their conversation, and they shine with the Glory of God.
The last word comes from God, who makes it clear that you don’t have three perfect thirds coming together for a plan. Instead, you have 2 faithful workers coming to get final instructions.
The Boss is about to do what He’s been preparing for since before the foundations of the world.
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