QotD On The Transfiguration

Quote of the Day in my editing work on Vol. 2 of Luke Commentary. This is the wrap-up statement at the end of the chapter on “The Transfiguration of Jesus: Luke 9:28-36.”

“O Christian, if you would have more of such transfigurations in life, seek them in prayer. Let Hermon take its place in your Christian experience. Without such a transfiguration, life, and life made the most and best of, will only prove fantastic mockery, as well as fearful mystery. It will be all that pessimism paints it for delusion and woe... But with such a transfiguration, life with all its cares and sorrows and temptations, its woes and aches and death, becomes an existence measureless in its possibilities of disciplined character, exalted service, exuberant gladness, immortal hopes, and finally eternal fruition.”

- Murray, John, Collected Writings of John Murray, 4 Volumes, (Edinburgh, Banner of Truth Trust, 1982) Vol. III, p. 233-234

Luke 9:28-36

Some eight days after these sayings, He took along Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while He was praying, the appearance of His face became different, and His clothing became white and gleaming. And behold, two men were talking with Him; and they were Moses and Elijah, who, appearing in glory, were speaking of His departure which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions had been overcome with sleep; but when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men standing with Him. And as these were leaving Him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three tabernacles: one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not realizing what he was saying. While he was saying this, a cloud formed and began to overshadow them; and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. Then a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My Son, My Chosen One; listen to Him!” And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent, and reported to no one in those days any of the things which they had seen.

- Luke 9:28-36