What Jesus Did! 'Fulfilling God's Plan' — Luke 9:28-31

Tuesday, June 13, 2023

About eight days later Jesus took Peter, John, and James up on a mountain to pray. And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was transformed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly, two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared and began talking with Jesus. They were glorious to see. And they were speaking about his exodus from this world, which was about to be fulfilled in Jerusalem.
— Luke 9:28-31 NLT

Key Thought

The glorious appearance of Moses and Elijah happened while Jesus was praying. Their mission appears to be one of affirmation. They were there to reinforce Jesus' conviction that he had to go to Jerusalem and face rejection and death. That was not a new plan, however, but would be the fulfillment of something God had planned "before the world began." [1] Jesus was not delusional. Jesus did not have a death wish. Jesus was not blindly ambitious and unaware of what awaited him. Jesus was headed to Jerusalem to do the will of God and fulfill the promises God had made over the centuries through his prophets. [2] Jesus is the great reminder that God keeps his promises!

[1] 1 Peter 1:18-20.
[2] For example, Isaiah 53:3-5, 28:16. Cf. 1 Peter 2:4.

Today's Prayer

Father, thank you for your constant faithfulness to your promises. Sometimes, people I know don't scrupulously keep their word, as you do. Thank you for setting such a clear standard. Help me remember your faithfulness in those times when my life is hard and things are not going well. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 9:28-31 NLT — And they were speaking about his exodus from this world, which was about to be fulfilled in Jerusalem.

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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