What does Luke 9:28 mean?

Explanation

The verse Luke 9:28 describes an event in which Jesus takes three of His disciples, Peter, John, and James, to a mountain to pray.

This passage occurs in the narrative after Jesus has been talking to His disciples about the costs of following Him and His coming suffering, death, and resurrection.

The "about an eight days after these sayings" may indicate a vague time frame rather than a precise count, showing that some time has passed since the previous events.

The verse sets the scene for what is commonly known as the Transfiguration, a significant event where Jesus is transformed and His divine glory is revealed to the three apostles. Prayer is mentioned as the purpose of going up into the mountain, emphasizing the importance of prayer in Jesus’ life.

Historical Context

This verse is from the Gospel of Luke, one of the four canonical gospels in the New Testament, which is believed to have been written around 80-110 A.D.

The Gospel of Luke was written in a period when early Christians were trying to understand and interpret the life and teachings of Jesus.

Luke, who is thought to be a Gentile physician and a companion of the apostle Paul, wrote both the Gospel of Luke and Acts to provide a detailed account of Jesus's life and the early church.

Mountains had a significant role in Jewish tradition as places where God often revealed Himself (such as Mount Sinai).

They were therefore considered places of divine encounter.

Theological Insights

In Christian theology, this passage is pivotal as it leads up to the Transfiguration of Jesus, where His divine nature is revealed to Peter, John, and James.

It signifies the recognition of Jesus as the Son of God.

This event prefigures the resurrection and points to the kingdom of God that Jesus proclaimed.

The choice of these three disciples is also significant, as Peter, John, and James are often seen as part of the 'inner circle' of Jesus' followers, witnessing key events that the other disciples did not.

Practical Applications

This verse can remind believers of the importance of seeking out quiet times and places for prayer and reflection. It also illustrates the value of having close companions in one’s spiritual journey for support and shared experiences.

Christians can look at this verse as an encouragement to maintain a regular practice of prayer, understanding it as an opportunity to draw closer to God and possibly experience moments of spiritual insight or transformation.

Cross-References

• Matthew 17:1-2: "And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light."
• Mark 9:2-3: "And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them."
• Exodus 24:15-16: "And Moses went up into the mount, and a cloud covered the mount.

And the glory of the LORD abode upon mount Sinai."

Language Study

The key words in this verse when analyzed in the original Greek text include:

• "pray" (προσευχόμενος, proseuchomenos): This verb implies an act of worship and communication with God.
• "mountain" (ὄρος, oros): This term often symbolizes a place where significant religious experiences or divine encounters occur.

Understanding these terms in their original context provides a deeper appreciation of the implied sacredness of the act and the setting.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The conception of mountains as sacred spaces where deities reveal themselves is not unique to Christianity and Judaism.

Various religious traditions have considered mountains as the abode of the gods or places of revelation.

For example, in Greek mythology, Mount Olympus was believed to be the dwelling place of the Olympian gods.

The similarities draw attention to the universality of high places being seen as closer to the divine in various cultures.

Scientific Perspectives

While events like the Transfiguration as described in the New Testament involve supernatural elements that fall outside the purview of scientific explanation, modern science can offer insight into the psychological effects of religious experiences.

Neuroscientists and psychologists have studied how prayer, meditation, and spiritual experiences can affect brain activity and states of consciousness.

However, the specific events of this verse are considered matters of faith rather than scientific investigation.

Commentaries

Experts and commentators have various interpretations of Luke 9:28. For example, some see the "eight days" as symbolic, potentially relating to the concept of new creation or a covenant (since seven is a number of completeness, eight may symbolize a new beginning).

Many agree that the passage emphasizes Jesus' divinity and the transformation that takes place during prayer. Traditional commentaries often reflect on the significance of the inner circle of Peter, James, and John, noting their roles in witnessing and later proclaiming the resurrection.