Discussion Questions: Luke 9:28-36

For the message, The Glory of Jesus, the Son of God, given by Pastor John Ferguson
at New City Church of Calgary on June 15, 2014

These discussion questions are designed to help you reflect upon and apply the message from the Scriptures.
You can use these by yourself for reflection, or with your family or small group for discussion.

Introduction:

In the opening of this study, Pastor John referred to the iconic television commercials for EF Hutton, in which
the narrator says, When EF Hutton talks, people listen. He then went on to say that it is the conviction of
Christianity that God has spoken clearly and definitively through Jesus of Nazareth. This claim confronts us
with two questions: (1) Is it true? (2) Are we listening?

Reflect on the possibility that God has spoken clearly, but that many are not listening. Why might that be the
case?

Read Luke 9:28-36

Questions:

1. Luke tells us that when Jesus was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing
became dazzling white. Matthew adds, And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the
sun (Mt. 17:2).

What are we to understand is happening here? Compare the following Scriptures: Hebrews 1:1-3 &
Revelation 1:12-16.

2. In this moment, the text of Luke tells us that Moses and Elijah appeared with Jesus and talked about his
departure. Pastor John explained that the word used by Luke is exodus. In light of the OT Exodus event,
what kind of light is shed on the significance of the death of Jesus being described as the exodus, which
he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem (vs. 30).

3. Peter wanted to build three tents/ tabernacles for the three men, but Luke said he didnt know what he was
saying. Speculate as to why Peter may have wanted to do this.

Compare this with what Jesus had already described as his mission (Luke 9:21-22). If Peter had
accomplished his desire, how might that be an obstacle to the mission of Jesus?

4. Were told that a voice came from the glory cloud saying, This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!
How does the command necessarily follow from a true understanding of Jesus identity?

5. Luke tells us that the three disciples didnt speak of this incredible moment to anyone until after Jesus had
died and rose from the dead. The gospel writer, Mark, tells us why? Read Mark 9:9-10.

Why was it important to understand the resurrection first, before they could fully understand the transfigura-
tion?

6. In the application, Pastor John made reference to John 14:6-10, and stated that Jesus is the fullest
revelation of God that we have. Whats the connection in believing this, and listening to Jesus?

7. Pastor John suggested that Peters instincts were right. We wanted to savor the glory of Jesus. The
Scripture plainly teaches that well one day savor the glory of Jesus for eternity.

How should this instill hope and longing within us? How should this affect our daily lives now in the
present?

Conclusion:

What is the one thing you want to take away from this study to remember or to make a change in your
life? How does this text help you understand your need for Jesus? How does this text challenge you to
follow him?

Renewing your mind:

Hebrews 1:1-3, Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but
in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom
also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he
upholds the universe by the word of his power.