On this Last Sunday after the Epiphany, we will read from the Gospel according to Luke. We conclude this "season of light" with the dazzling appearance of Jesus' transfiguration on the mountaintop. The transformed appearance of Jesus is not only a sign of his divine nature, but the proclamation of Jesus as God's "chosen Son" is the recognition of his role as Messiah: the One who will be rejected, die, and be raised again. This powerful moment almost slips past the sleepy minds of the three disciples, and is a call for us to be awake and be attentive to the voice of God in our lives.
Our Scripture passage is found in the Gospel according to Luke. You may find the Scripture lesson by selecting the following link: (Luke 9:28-43).
For continuing study, reflect on these questions (found in the study guide below):
Read the assigned Scripture lesson for the week. The entire lesson presents both the Transfiguration of the glory of God, in Christ, and the healing of the boy. The account of the Transfiguration of Christ will be addressed in this lesson: what thoughts did you have as you read the story of the glory of Christ? What do you imagine it would have been like if you were with Peter, James, and John on the mountaintop that day?
After reading the "WHAT..." paragraph in the guide below, reflect on the author's statement regarding God's pronouncement, "This is my Son, my Chosen." Similar words are said by God at the Baptism of Jesus. How might the Baptism and the Transfiguration of Jesus be connected; how do they reveal what God is doing in the mission and ministry of Jesus? How would you interpret the Transfiguration of Christ, and the healing and restoration of the boy the very next day? Does this connection speak to the healing power of Christ in our lives?
Read the "WHERE..." paragraph below, and reflect on the author's statement that the three chosen disciples of Christ almost miss the point of the miraculous Transfiguration of Christ...and miss the point of the expression of God's glory. If the disciples' "sleepy" state of being is a metaphor for something, what aspect of their understanding of Christ's mission where they confused or "sleepy" about? How might we also be a bit "sleepy" in understanding and following Christ in our lives?
Read the "SO WHAT..." paragraph below, and reflect on the author's statement at the end of the paragraph, "We are called to be faithful to the unique revelation of Jesus Christ"...how are we faithful as we hear and understand the revelation of God, made known to us in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ?
Read the "NOW WHAT..." paragraph below, and reflect on the many "voices" we encounter in our lives. What voices might we need to take a break from listening to if we are to hear the true voice of Christ? If we find Christ's voice through prayer and worship, reflect on the author's final point: "what grace might we encounter that we cannot now imagine?"
