Biblical Genres- Gospel

Podcast & Media - Vine39

Read Luke 9:28-36

Luke 9 has several stories in it and in the middle of these stories about other people there is a pause for a story about Jesus himself. In the middle of a longer chapter there is an aside for this story of the transfiguration. It begins by making a note that it is eight days after the previous story. This is a new week. We have no idea what had been going on in the previous week but the author points that out so the story stands out. Jesus takes three disciples; Peter, James, and John with him up a mountain. Traditionally, Mount Tabor in lower Galilee was the site of the event, which doesn’t look like a mountain to us but more like a hill with it’s peak elevation of 1886 feet. They go there to pray. Something Jesus often did alone but this time he brings witnesses. As the disciples pray they get sleepy, just like they do in the Garden the night Jesus is arrested. Then they are awakened by a profound experience where they see the heroes of the Jewish faith and God speaks in a way that is reminiscent of when Jesus was baptized and with a similar theme. When the voice was done speaking there was no one there but Jesus. The experience was over as quickly as it began.

This story follows an arch. They ascend, there is an experience, there is confusion, God breaks through and speaks, then they descend being told not to share about the experience.

1. Often in the western church, when you ask someone what the “gospel” is, they quote the Apostle Paul and something about being saved. As N.T. Wright put it, we should be asking, “What is the gospel in the gospels.” This story is in the Gospel of Luke. What is “gospel” or “good news” about this story?

2. Jesus takes three disciples with them but then tells them not to tell anyone about there experience. (which they did or we wouldn’t have the story) Why do you think this story is told? Who was the experience for?

3. Peter, as usual, is the first to speak. Jesus is there, Moses and Elijah are there... and Peter speaks first. It’s kinda funny. He’s so overwhelmed that he just starts talking. Where it says “He did not know what he was saying” may have been Peter’s own commentary when he shared this story. Why does that moment get attention in an epic experience about the identity of Jesus?

4. Jesus is baptized in Luke 3 and the Spirit of God says, “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” This launches the ministry of Jesus. This time the voice of God says, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” Jesus is about to go to Jerusalem where he is killed and his ministry is passed on. This is why Jesus is talking about his death after they go back down. How do you see the message God speaks about Jesus to be different in these two occasions?

5. All these stories have something for us in them even when they are a story that is pretty far removed from our experience. When reading scripture notice what STANDS OUT for you because there is something FOR YOU in that feeling. What stands out to you and what do you need to take with you?