In Year C of the three-year lectionary, the Gospel for Transfiguration is from the Book of Luke. We dig into this text for our devotion, which comes from Concordia Pulpit Resources.
Scripture Readings
Deuteronomy 34:1–12
Psalm 99
Hebrews 3:1–6
Luke 9:28–36
Devotional Reading
This revelation of Jesus in his divine glory is an affirmation for the disciples that, just as Peter had confessed eight days earlier, Jesus truly is the Christ, the Promised One. To leave no doubt, God the Father said on the mountain, “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!” (v 35).
And why do the disciples need that message at this time? So they can know that suffering and death will not be the end for Jesus. This one who will suffer and die is the Son of the living God, and death cannot hold him. As the disciples are seeing with their own eyes, Jesus is the light of the world—the light that the darkness cannot overcome. Yes, he will suffer and die. But suffering and death cannot and will not be the end for this one who now stands before them radiant in divine majesty.
Nor will cross-bearing and death be the end for Jesus’ disciples. The living presence of Moses and Elijah on the mountain testifies to the glorious future that awaits all who abide in the faith. Moses had gone through a great deal in his life. And few prophets had experienced more opposition than Elijah. But that hardship had not lasted. What had lasted was their fellowship with the living Lord. Moses and Elijah had passed through the temporary trials of this life into eternal joys at God’s right hand. . . .
At times, it might seem as if the hardships of this fallen world will never end. And our Lord Jesus Christ, who has suffered with us and for us, knows what that feels like.
But take heart. The Lord who accompanied his disciples back down from the Mount of Transfiguration into the sin-filled, chaotic messiness of this world will also be with you in whatever hardships you face. And the Lord who was lifted up on Mount Calvary for you has, by his death and resurrection, ensured that those hardships won’t last. They will come to an end and be replaced by everlasting peace and joy in his kingdom that knows no end. Amen.
Devotional reading is adapted from Concordia Pulpit Resources, Vol. 26, Part 1, Series C, Transfiguration sermon © 2015 Concordia Publishing House. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Hymn
Video is of “Lord Jesus Christ, with Us Abide” from Twenty-Four Hymn Introductions for Reformation © 2016 Concordia Publishing House.
