Bailey Methodist Church
3/2/2025
  • Ancient Of Days
  • All Hail The Power
  • Spirit of the Living God
  • Mighty To Save
  • Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow!
  • Luke 9:28–43 ESV
    28 Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. 29 And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white. 30 And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah, 31 who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. 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. 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. 34 As he was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!” 36 And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen. 37 On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him. 38 And behold, a man from the crowd cried out, “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child. 39 And behold, a spirit seizes him, and he suddenly cries out. It convulses him so that he foams at the mouth, and shatters him, and will hardly leave him. 40 And I begged your disciples to cast it out, but they could not.” 41 Jesus answered, “O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here.” 42 While he was coming, the demon threw him to the ground and convulsed him. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit and healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. 43 And all were astonished at the majesty of God. But while they were all marveling at everything he was doing, Jesus said to his disciples,
    Many Christians view the Transfiguration of Jesus as a mysterious event where he reveals his divinity to Peter, James, and John on a high mountain, meeting Moses and Elijah. This event follows Peter’s declaration of Jesus as the Christ. While Luke doesn't specify a location, Matthew ties Peter's confession to Caesarea Philippi, an area significant in the Old Testament due to its connection to the Israelites' journey to the promised land and the rule of Og, a giant from Bashan.
    The likely site for the Transfiguration is Mt. Hermon, close to Caesarea Philippi, located in Bashan. According to Second Temple Judaism, this mountain was associated with the fallen angels who descended to sin, leading to the birth of the Nephilim. The evil spirits Jesus confronted were believed to be their dead offspring awaiting judgment. Some of these fallen angels were part of the sons of God who were given power over the nations who rebelled against God at the Tower of Babel, according to Deuteronomy 32:8.
    The significance of the Transfiguration's location lies in its declaration of Jesus as the divine Son of God, challenging the powers of darkness. It symbolizes his mission to reclaim the nations for God and establish his lordship over humanity. Let's explore three key points illustrating how Jesus fulfills God’s promises and overcomes oppression.

    1. The fullness of God’s glory is revealed. (vs. 28-29)

    When the disciples arrive with Jesus on the mountain, they witness a display of His divine glory. Throughout the gospels, Jesus reveals to the disciples that He is God in the flesh. However, it is not until this moment that Peter, James, and John truly see it face to face. They experience what Paul describes in Colossians 1:19-20, where he states that the fullness of God was pleased to dwell in Christ. This means that all that God is was present in Christ while He was on earth.
    The Transfiguration was not caused by something external to Christ; it was internal. The fullness of divine glory was present in Christ even when it was not visibly shown. His actions displayed God’s glory. Similarly, our actions can display God’s glory when we act within His will. We can witness healing and feel inspired in our teaching and preaching, but all this occurs through the power of the Holy Spirit, which is completely separate from us. Jesus’ power was intrinsic to Him; it was His nature. He was fully human and fully divine. The three disciples were able to see what Moses experienced in Exodus 33 when God descended on Mount Sinai and stood with Moses. Because Moses had been in God's presence, he reflected His glory so much that he had to cover his face. While we can reflect God’s glory and His presence, we are not the source. Jesus was the source, and the disciples witnessed this.
    This revelation challenges us to recognize that Jesus is not merely a prophet or teacher, but the incarnate Son of God whose glory and power surpass all human understanding. The claim that God is making is, "The world is mine." Because Jesus displays the fullness of God’s glory in the Transfiguration, this means that God has made His presence known to the enemy. We must remember that Satan and his associates are not omniscient; they cannot know the fullness of God’s plans. All they know is what has happened. God has never done anything like this before. The Transfiguration and the revealing of God’s glory provoke Satan into actually furthering God’s plan of salvation for the world. It occurred in a place where a significant deception was concocted by fallen angels; here, God declared His claim on humanity and His plan to bring them back to Himself.

    2. Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s covenant. (vs. 30-36)

    An essential aspect of Jesus' transfiguration is the appearance of Moses and Elijah on the mountain, representing the Law and the Prophets, respectively. Their presence signifies that Jesus embodies the fulfillment of Old Testament messianic prophecies. This event highlights that Jesus is establishing a new exodus, forming a new messianic community.
    The actions of God through Israel in the Old Testament foreshadow Jesus' completed work. For example, Moses leading Israel out of Egypt parallels Jesus leading humanity from sin to salvation. Similarly, Elijah's teachings anticipate Jesus' instruction of his disciples, who would found the church. As noted in Matthew 5:17, Jesus did not come to abolish the Law and the Prophets but to fulfill them.
    The disciples are confused by the transfiguration. Peter suggests staying on the mountain and building shelters, referencing the Festival of Tabernacles. However, waiting would impede God's plan, as Jesus' mission to the nations must continue with their journey to Jerusalem.
    God responds to Peter with a cloud symbolizing divine presence, indicating that the new exodus has begun. This moment emphasizes that the disciples are in God's presence. God’s declaration, “Listen to him!” echoes Deuteronomy 18:15, urging the disciples to understand Jesus' role as the suffering Messiah. Their remaining time with Jesus will focus on this theme, as every promise in Scripture is fulfilled through Him.

    3. Jesus defeats the powers of darkness. (vs. 37-43)

    As Jesus and the three disciples descend from the mountain, they encounter a troubling scene. A father has brought his demon-possessed son to the remaining disciples, seeking to have the evil spirit cast out. However, the disciples are unable to help. The demonic forces that have taken over this boy seek only to torment and destroy anyone created in God's image. These evil spirits are in rebellion against God; they have been confined to this world until the time of judgment and harbor a deep hatred toward God and His creation. The spirit uses a medical condition to inflict suffering upon the child, which is a common objective of demonic possession.
    While the inner circle of Jesus witnesses His glory, the other disciples face significant failure, unable to expel the demon. Previously, Jesus granted them authority over evil spirits and diseases, as stated in Luke 9:1: “And He called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases.” Given this authority, they should have succeeded. The reasons for their failure are not explicitly stated; however, Jesus indicates their lack of faith and self-centeredness may be to blame. Perhaps they were trying to impress the onlookers. This serves as a reminder that we cannot withstand or defeat the attacks of Satan and his minions on our own.
    Where the disciples falter, Jesus triumphs. Instantly, He casts out the demon and heals the boy of epilepsy, demonstrating His authority over the forces of darkness. This act foreshadows the greater victory that Jesus will achieve through His death and resurrection. In a world overshadowed by darkness and evil, Jesus delivers us. Paul reminds us in Colossians 1:13-14, “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Jesus asserts that His kingdom will prevail in the world. The kingdom of the Son is active against evil forces. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus has defeated Satan, stripping him of the power he once held.
    Although Satan still attempts to deceive and possess people, and Christians may experience oppression from demonic powers, the war has already been won. Satan is aware of this reality; his kingdom cannot advance against the kingdom of God. He remains on the defensive. As Jesus mentioned after Peter’s confession in Matthew, the gates of hell cannot prevail against the church. Gates are meant for defense, not offense. Therefore, the church is on the offensive against Satan, breaking down the gates. No power of darkness can resist the power of Jesus’ name.
    In Luke 9:28-43, Jesus establishes His authority in three significant ways: by revealing His divine glory on the mountain, fulfilling God’s promises through the testimony of Moses and Elijah, and demonstrating absolute authority over the forces of darkness. As we reflect on these truths, let us commit to listening to Jesus, trusting in His authority, and living as people transformed by His light. His claim is not one we can ignore; it invites us to embrace a new life under the reign of the King of kings.
  • Open My Eyes, that I May See
Bailey Methodist Church
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