The Transfiguration of Jesus by Raphael
Class Announcement for the Ministry Fair: The Ministry Fair is scheduled for 8AM to 1PM. If you wish to attend during our class hour, please feel free to do so, but if you wish to come to class, we will be continuing with our Sunday Lenten Lectionary studies.
For our lesson this week of Sunday the 28th we are continuing with the life of Jesus from the Gospel of Luke. Last week we looked at the Temptation of Jesus. We explored the different aspects of popularity, power, and prestige that Jesus was faced with in his role as the Messiah.
Last week Jesus was in the midst of being tempted by the devil, now he appears before Peter, James, and John in full and brilliant glory with Moses and Elijah on either side. What a contrast from our lesson before.
For contemplation and discussion for Sunday:
There is also contrast in our story today. First Jesus stands between the Law and the Prophet on the mountaintop. Then later he is in company of a demon possessed son.
What implications are in this story for us as we live the life patterned after Jesus? How do we balance the mountaintop with the valley experiences?
The Scripture:
9:28 Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. 29 And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. 30 Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. 31 They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. 32 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. 33 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. 34 While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. 35 Then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!" 36 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. 37 On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him. 38 Just then a man from the crowd shouted, "Teacher, I beg you to look at my son; he is my only child.
39 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. 40 I begged your disciples to cast it out, but they could not." 41 Jesus answered, "You faithless and perverse generation, how much longer must I be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here." 42 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. 43 And all were astounded at the greatness of God.
Look forward to seeing you this Sunday.
