This is my visual commentary on the The Narrative Lectionary text Luke 9:28-45 for this weekend. It is Transfiguration Sunday. I think it is helpful to expand the reading to begin with Luke 9:21 so that we can see how the story of the transfiguration is bookended by Jesus’ proclamation of his mission and his intense call to follow.

Watch the Video

This video walks through the images with a voice commentary. You can view the images and walk through them on your own below. You can download the images in a PowerPoint here.

Walk through the Images

I will try to let the pictures do most of the teaching, and I’ll comment briefly between images.

notice the section that is unique to Luke’s version of the story.

It is important to note that the Greek word being translated departure is the word exodus. Could it be that they were discussing how he was going to do what Moses did for Israel, but this time for the whole world?

only Luke says that this was a prayer meeting.

It is very likely that this image connects to the image of the Son of Man and the Ancient of Days in Daniel 7:9. It is important to note that Jesus’ favorite way to refer to himself was not the Messiah, but the Son of Man.

Deuteronomy 18:15 said that a prophet like Moses would come to lead the people. The Jewish people were expecting Moses and Elijah to come before the Messiah. Well, here they are.

Only Luke mentions the term glory in this story. The word glory is doxa in Greek. It means to be famous.

Peter wants to camp out here. He is bewildered and doesn’t know what to say, but he thinks this is the end game and wants to stay.

Isn’t that what we want: to be famous and have all the glory?

The voice of God cuts Peter off. “Listen to what Jesus is saying. It isn’t about the mountain top.”

The disciples are baffled. So, what is Jesus talking about?

Just before this scene Jesus warns the disciples. The Son of Man must die. If you want to follow me, you must be willing to die as well. How’s that for glory?

Here’s a really interesting observation. The only person who is ACTUALLY LISTENING to Jesus at this point in the story is…wait for it…the unclean spirit. The spirit leaves when Jesus says, “Go!”

The disciples are still trying to heal in their own power, and it doesn’t work.

Then Jesus stops and says, “Now, listen to me very carefully. READ MY LIPS. I. AM. GOING. TO. DIE. That is my glory.”