A Mountain Top Experience

If Peter's confession of Jesus as Messiah was at all in doubt, those would soon be put to rest by what takes place next. Luke tells us that eight days later, as Jesus was praying, Moses and Elijah appeared beside him in a glorified, dazzling state. And they speak with him regarding his "exodus." Luke refers to this death (or departure) as something which will soon take place in Jerusalem and as an accomplishment. The disciples are overwhelmed by the glory of the moment, and Peter mistakenly offers to build tabernacles for Christ and his two heavenly visitors. To this, the Lord responds through the descending of a thick cloud (often symbolizing God's presence in the OT) from which he speaks affirming the Sonship and the election of Christ.

In this event known as The Transfiguration, Luke seems to be making a few points abundantly clear. First, Jesus is NOT merely Elijah or one of the prophets. This has been the hypothesis put forward recently by the crowds. It is clearly not true since Elijah is here standing next ot him, and the voice of God is definitively declaring otherwise. Second, the cross of Christ and the glory of Christ are not at odds with one another. Just as Jesus responded to Peter's Messianic confession with a prediction of his death, so too does this moment of glorious rapture also center around a conversation about his departure. Even now, we are beginning to see that the cross will be the theatre of Christ's glory - not its obstacle. And third, Christ is about to accomplish something profound. The Law and the Prophets literally stand beside him to magnify his glorious exodus. A new exodus which will accomplish for his people what neither the first exodus nor the law and prophets to follow could.