In Luke 9 Jesus feeds 5,000 men, is transfigured, is rejected in Samaria, and is approached by three unfit followers.
The Transfiguration
The transfiguration is recorded in the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). Jesus took Peter, James, and John high on a mountain at night (Luke 9:28, 32). While he was praying, Jesus was transfigured. His face shone like the sun, and his clothing became white as light (Matthew 17:2).
Moses and Elijah, representing the Law and the prophets, appeared speaking “about his departure” (Luke 9:31). When Peter offered to build 3 tabernacles, God said, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” Jesus was God’s new messenger.
It’s interesting to note the stages of life that are represented at the transfiguration.
- Moses died and was divinely buried (Deuteronomy 34:5-7, Jude 9).
- Elijah never died, being taken to heaven in a fiery chariot (2nd Kings 2:11).
- Jesus and the eyewitnesses were still living.
Luke 9 Outline
9:1-6
The 12 are sent out to preach and heal
9:7-9
Herod hears about Jesus
9:10-17
Jesus feeds the 5000
9:18-27
Peter confesses that Jesus is the Christ
9:28-36
The Transfiguration
9:37-45
Jesus heals a demon possessed boy
9:46-50
Disciples debate greatness
9:51-56
Samaritan village rejects Jesus
9:57-62
Three unfit followers
9:57-58
Volunteer that doesn’t count the cost
9:59-60
One commanded offers conditional obedience
9:61-62
Man volunteers to follow with condition
Keys to the Kingdom of Heaven
Following Peter’s confession, Jesus made a promise, “I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 16:19). This authority was later promised to all of the apostles (Matthew 18:18-19).
Apostles disclosed the law of Christ through the guidance of the Holy Spirit (John 16:13). What they bound was forbidden, and what they loosed was permitted. The kingdom of heaven was open to those who believed and obeyed their teaching, and closed to those who rejected their teaching.
Fast Facts
- Jesus received news of John the Baptist’s death shortly before he fed the 5000 (Matthew 14:10-15).
- James and John wanted to call fire down on a village that refused to receive Jesus (Luke 9:51-56).
- Jesus’ death is mentioned 3 times in Luke 9. Jesus predicts it in verses 22 and 44, and it’s discussed at the transfiguration (31).