In verse 27 it said that some standing there would not taste death before they see the Kingdom of God.  Some people who don’t trust the Bible think this is something that Jesus got wrong.  They think of it as a mistaken reference to the second coming.  I think that today’s reading shows what jesus was talking about.  The Transfiguration revealed the glory of the Kingdom of God.

Luke 9:28-36

²⁸ About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. ²⁹ As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. ³⁰ Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. ³¹ They spoke about his departure,^[a] which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. ³² Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. ³³ As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what he was saying.)

 ³⁴ While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and covered them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. ³⁵ A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” ³⁶ When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves and did not tell anyone at that time what they had seen.

Questions

1. Who did Jesus take up onto the mountain with him?
2. How did Jesus’ clothes change?
3. What does God the Father say to affirm the Son?
4. Do you picture Jesus in his glory or in his rags?
5. How does this story of Jesus’ glory encourage you?

Going Deeper

Observation

1. How many days passed since verse 27?
2. Why did Jesus and his disciples go up the mountain?
3. Who appeared with Jesus?
4. What did Peter say?
5. Whom did the disciples tell about what they had seen?

Interpretation

1. Why is there a direct reference in verse 28 to verse 27?
2. Was Jesus’ intent really to pray?
3. Why did Moses and Elijah appear with Jesus?  Why not Daniel and Abraham?
4. What does Peter’s response show us?
5. Why did the disciples keep this quiet?

Application

1. How is the Kingdom of God glorified in the world today?
2. What amazing things have happened when you have prayed?
3. How does Jesus show his glory through individuals?
4. Who do you know who has to speak when it is best to be quiet?  How can God use this?
5. Does Jesus make personal appearances to people today?  In what form and where?