What does Luke 9:36 mean?

Explanation

The verse Luke 9:36 is situated right after the account of the Transfiguration, where Jesus takes Peter, John, and James up a mountain to pray.

During the event, Jesus' appearance changes, and he is described as conversing with Moses and Elijah.

In this specific verse, the phenomenon has ended, and Jesus is found alone by the disciples.

The disciples, who had just witnessed this remarkable event, are instructed not to disclose what they saw to anyone "in those days," which implies a period before the resurrection of Jesus.

The literal meaning here is clear: the disciples are commanded to maintain silence about the Transfiguration event.

On a deeper level, the verse suggests the importance of timing in divine revelation and the disciples' process of understanding who Jesus truly is.

It also emphasizes the personal nature of spiritual experiences, as it wasn’t meant to be shared with others immediately.

Historical Context

The Transfiguration occurred in a period where Jesus' ministry was gaining both popularity and hostility.

It takes place in the context of first-century Judaism under Roman occupation.

Visions and encounters with the divine like this were deeply meaningful in the Jewish tradition, linked with the prophets communicating with God.

This period was also one of messianic expectation among the Jews.

Many were awaiting a liberator.

Jesus, in discussing with Moses and Elijah (lawgiver and prophet, respectively), represents something unique: a fulfillment of the law and the prophets, indicating that Jesus was more than just another teacher or prophet, and his closest disciples had to understand that first before spreading the message.

Theological Insights

From a Christian perspective, this verse has been interpreted diversely.

Some view it as an illustration of the divinity of Jesus and a confirmation of his messianic role.

The keeping of the experience secret until the "time was right" (post-Resurrection) aligns with the concept of "Messianic Secret" found in the Gospels, where Jesus' identity and mission were concealed until his death and resurrection fulfilled the prophecies.

Catholic and Orthodox traditions often see the Transfiguration as a manifestation of the Trinity, with the voice of God as the Father, Jesus as the Son, and the bright cloud as a symbol of the Holy Spirit.

The instruction to silence reflects a need to fully grasp Jesus' teachings and prepare for the inevitable scandal of the cross before proclaiming his divinity.

Practical Applications

In a practical sense, this verse can encourage believers to contemplate the importance of discernment in sharing spiritual experiences. It may also suggest that certain experiences are intended for personal growth and understanding before they can be used to teach or guide others.

Additionally, the verse speaks to the relevance of timing and readiness – not every truth or insight is immediately ready for sharing, and there's wisdom in knowing when to speak and when to remain silent.

Cross-References

• Matthew 17:9: "And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead."

• Mark 9:9: "And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead."

• Acts 10:41: "Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, a notable word is “διετήρησαν” (dieterēsan), translated as "they kept [it] close”; it comes from “τηρέω” (tereo), which means to guard, observe, or keep a secret.

Another word is “ἕως” (heos), translated as “until,” indicating that the silence the disciples maintained was not intended to be permanent but bound to a specific time frame that of Jesus' resurrection.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The motif of being instructed to keep a divine encounter secret is not unique to Christianity.

In various religious traditions and mythologies, those who encounter deities or receive visions are often commanded to withhold the details of their experiences.

For instance, in Greek mythology, initiates of the Eleusinian Mysteries were forbidden to reveal sacred rites and knowledge to the uninitiated.

Similarly, in some Buddhist traditions, esoteric teachings are only revealed to students prepared for them, reflecting the value of discretion when it comes to sacred knowledge.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, visions or supernatural experiences cannot be objectively verified and are often treated with skepticism.

Cognitive science might investigate such experiences as altered states of consciousness, potentially induced by intense prayer or fasting which were common practices in religious settings of the time.

However, the psychological aspect of the importance of keeping a secret is an area of interest in modern psychology, concerning the impact of such practices on human behavior and group dynamics.

Commentaries

Scholars and theologians have various interpretations of Luke 9:36.

William Barclay suggests that the reason for keeping the vision secret was to avoid further misunderstanding of Jesus' mission.

Others, like John Calvin, viewed the command for silence as a means to prevent the disciples from boasting about the experience or causing premature disruption before Jesus' crucifixion.

Matthew Henry's commentary touches on the human tendency to want to stay in spiritual highs like the Transfiguration, yet points out the necessity of returning to normal life and keeping such experiences private for a time.

Each of these perspectives offers a different insight into why Jesus might have instructed secrecy among his disciples following such a significant event.