Luke 9:28-36 [37-43] (NRSV)
Read Luke 9:28-36 [37-43] on biblegateway.com
Verse 28Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. Verse 29And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Verse 30Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. Verse 31They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Verse 32Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Verse 33Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah" -not knowing what he said. Verse 34While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Verse 35Then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!" Verse 36When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.[
Verse 37On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him. Verse 38Just then a man from the crowd shouted, "Teacher, I beg you to look at my son; he is my only child. Verse 39Suddenly a spirit seizes him, and all at once he shrieks. It convulses him until he foams at the mouth; it mauls him and will scarcely leave him. Verse 40I begged your disciples to cast it out, but they could not." Verse 41Jesus answered, "You faithless and perverse generation, how much longer must I be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here." Verse 42While he was coming, the demon dashed him to the ground in convulsions. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father.
Verse 43And all were astounded at the greatness of God. While everyone was amazed at all that he was doing, he said to his disciples,]
Devotion
After a mountain top experience—a time perhaps when your heart has been greatly moved by a song, a word, a gift of friendship or forgiveness—it is sometimes nice to have a few moments of quiet for reflection on its meaning for our life. After the mountain top, Jesus was left alone—and the disciples were moved to silence. Perhaps a good thing, because they weren't all that sure of what to say anyway. But the break was short-lived. The gospel story will not let us stop and rest for long. Jesus has a journey to keep and miracles of healing to perform for those in need. And he invites us to hang on for a marvelous ride. There will be changes in people's lives when they come into contact with this chosen son of God. And let us hope that we will join with the crowds in astonishment and wonder that his presence and mission is a mark of the greatness of our God.
Prayer
Gracious God, open our eyes to see with wonder the good news of your presence in your Chosen Son. Inspire us to see in him the marks of your greatness and the promise that in him you have come to claim as your own. Amen.