Luke 9:28-29 (ESV) Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white.
Although Jesus had done many miracles, so had his disciples. Doing miracles did not prove Jesus was the Messiah. But now Jesus was going to unveil his glory in a way that no human being ever could. As Jesus was praying on the mountain with his closest disciples, it was if the veil of humanity was drawn back to reveal the glory of the son of God. Jesus’ face and clothes began to shine with a light and glory that no human being had. It was similar to the vision of Jesus that John had in Revelation 1. There Jesus face was like the sun shining in full strength. Not only was Jesus’ appearance transformed as he was transfigured, but there was even more proof that he was the Messiah.
Luke 9:30-31 (ESV) And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.
Moses, the great leader of Israel and Elijah the prophet appeared with Jesus. They were Old Testament believers who were in heaven with God. They now came to tell the open-eyed disciples what Jesus’ mission was. Peter wanted to build some shelters for everyone and camp out, but that was not to be.
Luke 9:34-35 (ESV) As he was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!”
Finally, God the Father spoke with a thundering voice out of the glory cloud. He announced that Jesus was the son of God, His chosen one. They all were to listen to him and do what he said. This was an experience that Peter, John and James would remember for the rest of their lives. There would never be a shadow of doubt in their minds that Jesus wasn’t the Messiah. They would follow him for the rest of their days, laying down their lives for the kingdom. Jesus revealed the Messiah’s glory.
Jesus, the Messiah came to this earth to fulfill God’s mission. A mission to destroy the power of Satan, to provide forgiveness and bring the kingdom of God near to all. The capstone of his mission would be dying on the cross and rising from the dead three days later. After 40 days instructing his disciples, he would ascend back into heaven.
In heaven, he would begin pouring out the baptism in the Holy Spirit to empower every believer with the same power that he had on the earth. The kingdom of God would begin advancing on the earth. The supernatural power of God would continue through Jesus’ disciples. The gospel of the kingdom would continue to spread, people would be healed and set free from demonic powers through Jesus’ followers.
But his followers would still await his second coming. For when Jesus comes again, all evil will be banished and the kingdom of God will reign supreme forever and ever. Jesus reveals the Messiah’s glory.
The most important question in life for every person to answer is who is Jesus? The only true answer is that Jesus is the Messiah, the son of God. Knowing that answer, the only proper response is to bow the knee and believe in Jesus. One day, the Bible tells us, that every knew will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord. But is only those who confess Jesus is Lord in this life, who will spend eternity with him. Those that only recognize him for who he is after his coming, will not spend eternity with him.
God gives everyone an opportunity in their lifetime to accept or reject Jesus. May each of us accept that opportunity and bow our knee to Jesus Christ, the Messiah. And may we do all we can to lead those around us to also believe in Jesus the Messiah.