Instructor
The Emergence of Christianity
March 31, 2015
The Emergence of Christianity: An Exegesis of Luke 9:28-36
The glorious account of Jesus Christ Transfiguration has a clear prima facie function and meaning in Christ ministry. Moreover, it affirms and illustrates the supremacy of Jesus Christ. However, it not easy to interpret the whole text especially while comparing with Mathew17:1-9, and Mark 9:2-10 to develop similar meaning in the entire event. The subsequent exegesis will explore the Mosaic ties with account of the transfiguration while examining it contextual motif, literal criticism, theological implications and the pertinent questions this account addressed to the community by then.
Context Analysis
Chapter nine of Luke marks a critical advance of discipleship as well as a reflective account of the ‘new’ exodus theme,’ Mosaic typology (Evans 15). There is also some common sequence of events by all synoptic in the events leading to transfiguration . To begin with, Peter’s confession that Jesus is Messiah, Jesus instruction for that information kept secret, Jesus prediction of looming suffering, death and resurrection. In addition, the call for a self –sacrificing discipleship, the transfiguration followed by similar instruction for disciples not to tell anyone about it. According Julian synoptic gospels reveal similarity in interpretation to this transfiguration event with little differences (26). There was a common time designation, bringing of Peter, James and John. The change in Jesus, a sudden appearance of Elijah and Moses, utterance from Peter, the cloud, voice from the cloud, and fear with disciples, Jesus left alone.
Literal criticism of the text the climax of Luke 9:18-36, is at mountaintop transfiguration story. It was a time for Jesus temporary transformation of a complete revelation as shown on his glories state. The text fully packaged with different allusions and deeply symbolic references as well as poignant and powerful foreshadowing literal techniques. Some have argued that the transfiguration story is complex and ambiguous. However, there continue to exist varying opinion on the correct interpretation of this text as compared with other synoptic gospels (Fitzmyer 5). Historical-critical methodological approach of the synoptic interpretation of transfiguration events continues to elicit mixed reactions among bible commentaries.
The approach taken in this text is rather artificial and looks into four aspects of the text. How the story was structured, who are participants, the use of allusions and foreshadowing techniques in the text and finally literal devices like climax and setting?Morris stated that one of the advantage in giving a text literal criticism the concept of treating a text as a unified whole (35). Our passage of Luke 9:18 -36 follows, Marks version. Scholars have argued that Mark is the original text, and it’s like other synoptic get their meaning from Marks version. However, the historical concern is neither very important nor relevant in this textual analysis. The story begins with little economy, the trip up a mountain, transfiguration itself, reaction of disciples and Jesus response, appearance of Moses and Elijah as well as a voice affirming the Jesus identity (Fitzmyer 25). The Lukan account gives insightful feelings to the readers, the arrangement of text perfect and awe- inspiring bringing our his poetic literal excellence. The story concern two perspectives of issues, the divine action, and human reaction. Jesus transfiguration (Luke 9:29 ), Peters offer (Luke:9:33 ), Jesus declared God – Luke 9:35, disciples afraid, Jesus gives reassurance to the disciples, disciples trust, Jesus instructs that the story his death be kept secret, disciples question Jesus about Elijah and Jesus explains his suffering as the Son of man. The narrative point of one thing, Luke wanted the readers to empathize with disciples. First at the point of prayer they are asleep at the moment when the main purpose why they were invited to do at the mountaintop was dawning (Fitzmyer 11). It also gives a revelation that transfiguration time was at night though the gospels ignores it .
Luke 9:29, while they were still praying his appearance changed and his clothing became dazzling white. It the time the second person of the Trinity took upon himself. The glory of Jesus Christ was veiled . This was a reassuring moment for the disciples who perhaps had been stalled by the provocation of his death . All along he has been with them in his human flesh; the time for the human flesh to end had come . Luke records this divine splendour and glory sprung forth. Just like Moses the prophet of God had led the children of Israel by passing the red sea , Jesus was to lead God’s people to passing the waters of death (Nolland 7). Immediately Lukan accounts reveal the presence of Old Testament law and prophets by the significant appearance of Moses and Elijah. However, they were to be witnesses to the glorification of the Son and as a fulfilment of the law and prophets. The other significant picture Luke brings forth in the text is the ineptitude of the disciples. At the moment of an hour of prayer, they slept, perhaps only to walk up by the happenings (dazzling white, presence of Elijah and Moses and a voice from heaven). Peter immediately proposed erection of three booths wishing to prolong the glory that was there at the moment . However, Luke later reveals from Peters remarks that it was a stupid suggestion that has been interpreted that the two were equal in the same levels with Jesus. In both verse 18 and 19 the estimation of Jesus was recorded by the multitudes during the same account by disciples in verse 20 by Peter. Subsequently, Jesus confirms peters estimation. But it’s until verse 34 and 35 that we see Gods estimation of Jesus, ‘This is My Son, Listen to Him!” Jesus was the Son of God. The voice here is to assist the disciples be able to identify Jesus well different with the voice at the baptism that was meant to identify Jesus with John (Stein 3).
Luke has only mentioned the transfiguration took place on a mountain but does not indicate which mountain it was. However, the approximate estimate describes it as Mount Tabor in Israel (Julian 12). The underlying reason transfiguration took place to strengthen apostle’s faith in preparation for his passion. The ascent of the high mountain prepares ascent to Calvary. Christ came out as the head of the church radiates in the sacraments of hope of glory during transfiguration. Luke has mentioned several issues about this event unique to most of the gospel writers. His points of uniqueness were in first being an eyewitness; he reports what he saw. Secondly, he mentions that Peter, James and John were deep asleep that that moment, they got awakened when they saw the glory and the presence of Moses and Elijah. Luke goes further to mentions that immediately Elijah and Moses were departing Peter made his suggestion to make for them three booths. Just like the law in the tabernacle; peter’s idea hinted similarly to Jesus, Moses and Elijah living with them. However, this was a misguided idea. First, it was made when Moses and Elijah are just departing, and that means Peter still wanted to prolong the stay, and he is focusing not on the real meaning of the transfiguration. Luke emphasize that the experience of transfiguration was meant to strengthen disciples faith (Fitzmyer 9). In addition, it was to reveal the divinity behind the experiences Jesus was undergoing. It the same issue Luke accounts that Moses and Elijah were discussing with him his exodus that was to occur in Jerusalem
Theological analysis of transfiguration
Transfiguration journey in the minister of Christ began when he told his disciplines he would suffer, killed and lifted up (Luke 9:22). Then, moved with three disciples a mountain to pray. While still in the process of praying his appearance changed into glorified form. Luke records that his clothes became dazzling white and immediately Moses and Elijah appeared. Their appearance brings a connection of the old testaments prophets and the law; it’s said they talked to Jesus about his imminent death . Peter in a state of fear offered to put three tents for them referring to the old booths that were used during the Feast of Tabernacles in the book of Leviticus 23:34-42 . Then a cloud envelopes them and said this is my son, whom I have chosen . The cloud then lifted Moses and Elijah , and Jesus was left alone with fearful disciplines (Luke 9:28-36, Mathew 17:1-8 and Mark 9:2-8 .
Undoubtedly, the clear purpose of the transfiguration was to reveal Christ heavenly glory (Nolland 15). It was meant for his inner circle, Peter, James and John to gain a better insight on who Jesus was. Christ was transfigured such that the disciples would have a chance to know him as a deity of Christ (behold him in his glory). It was a reassuring moment for them after hearing his death pronouncement . All along, his disciples had known him as human, with flesh and the human body . The inner secrets of who Jesus was revealed at this moment. Elijah represented the prophets while Moses the law; however the voice from heaven clearly showed that both the law and prophets must give way now for Jesus. Jesus is the fulfilment of both the Old Testament prophets and the law . In addition, in his glorified state, the disciples foresaw his enthronement as lord of lords and king of kings . John reiterates this ‘we have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only (John1:14). The passage says Jesus is the Son of God, of whom God is well ‘please’ however his coming to stay with mankind was a fulfilment of the prophets and the law . However, Christ is highly glorified than all the prophets and the law. He is a deity ‘the son.’
Therefore , the theological significance of the transfiguration it symbolized and foreshadowed the resurrection of Christ (Evans 8). It was a temporary revealing of Jesus true identity as the son of God at the moment when disciples required reassurance (his eternal glory). The presence of Moses and Elijah representing the continuity of old testaments ministry with new unique approach to the ministry of Jesus Christ with full authority and majesty. It’s very significant; he alone wore the dazzling white clothes, he alone a voice from heaven commanded to be obeyed. Now the presence of Elijah and Moses next to him was not to take the glory but to endorse Jesus that it’s only through him that we can see God . The orthodox theology considers transfiguration as prefigurement of Lords resurrection and second comin g and very significant to spiritual life of a believer (Fitzmyer 21). It also reflects the transformed state Christ will appear during his second coming. It creates reassurance that after sorrows and deprivation the glory of the eternal blessedness with shine forth.
What are the questions this passage addressed to the community where it was written?
The question of transfiguration is very important in the Christian faith, and it just happened at a time when the community Jesus was living with were struggling to know his identity. Some said, ‘Elijah’ and other said ‘Moses raised from the dead.’ However, disciples through Peter got the question right even themselves they needed some reassurance on the same. Jesus had just told his disciples on his eminent death and suffering (Fitzmyer 14). Death and suffering are associated with our physical body. All along the people had known him as a human, walked with him and even requested he to show signs that he was ‘messiah’. Transfiguration presented Jesus in another form, the son the deity and was crown with honour in the presence of Moses and Elijah. The question of Jesus identity was clarified. The glory and the majesty that was shown during this process was also a fulfilment of old prophets depicting Jesus as the King of Kings, whose kingdom was to be everlasting (Evans 13).
Luka is telling us that Elijah, Jesus, and Moses when they appeared at this moment were discussing Jesus exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem ‘the eminent death through crucifixion’. However, what makes the passage quite baffling is the element of the kind of death. What lingered in the mind of that community is whether Jesus was truly the Son of God. If its true Jesus was the Messiah why God allowed him to die such shameful dead the kind of death for the capital offenders. What came out from transfiguration is that Jesus is the Son of God, and he is also God the Son. Luke tells us the Peter wanted to build three tents for them. The meaning of this passage is that Peter wanted Elijah, Jesus, and Moses to live with them. Tent and tabernacle were similar. However, Luke tells us that, these proposals from Peter were not accepted. The voice from heaven confirmed otherwise, ‘this is my beloved son’ it means it was Jesus not Elijah and Moses who were receiving the crown of honour but witnesses on this account.
Conclusion
The Lukan account of the transfiguration of the Messiah is very much unique in presentation. It’s only Luke, who brings in a contrasting theme, the exodus journey referring, them discussing this with the gentlemen who appeared to him at this moment. The narrative of Luke in this matter more often is a recitation of the book of Mark. However, look also brings in some unique areas and elements that simply emphasize what he say’ he records an account of Jesus as an eye witness . Luke paints a picture of second coming of Jesus with his glory and a remainder to his followers that the last day he will be coming to take transformed Christians.
Works cited
Evans, Craig A. Luke. New International Biblical Commentary Vol.3. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers (1990). Print.
Fitzmyer, Joseph A. The Gospel According to Luke I-IX: Introduction, Translation, and Notes. The Anchor Bible. Vol.28. Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1981. Print.
Julian, Smith. Crossing the Heart of Africa.1st Edition. New York USA: Harper Perennial. (2010). Print.
Morris, Leon. Luke. Tyndale New Testament Commentaries. rev. ed. Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press, 1988.Print.
Nolland, John. Luke 9:21-18:34. Word Biblical Commentary. Dallas: Word Books, 1993.Print.
Stein, Robert H. Luke. New American Commentary Vol.24. Nashville: Broadman Press, 1992.Print.
.
Last Completed Projects
| topic title | academic level | Writer | delivered |
|---|