Luke 9:35 – “A voice came from the cloud, saying, ‘This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.'”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, God’s voice speaks from the cloud during the transfiguration, making a powerful declaration about Jesus. He identifies Jesus as His Son, chosen to fulfill His mission of salvation, and commands the disciples to listen to Him. This divine statement leaves no doubt about Jesus’ identity and authority. The disciples, who have already witnessed His miracles and heard His teachings, are now given direct confirmation from God Himself.
The phrase “listen to him” is crucial. God isn’t just identifying Jesus as the Messiah; He is instructing the disciples to follow and obey Him. Up to this point, the disciples had been struggling to understand Jesus’ mission, especially His predictions of suffering and death. By commanding them to listen, God is calling them to trust Jesus, even when His teachings or actions don’t fit their expectations.
Historical Context
This moment echoes significant events in Israel’s history where God’s voice spoke directly to His people. For example, God spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai, giving him the law and confirming His covenant with Israel (Exodus 19:9). Similarly, God’s voice appeared when Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal and called the nation back to worship the true God (1 Kings 18). By placing Jesus in this context, God is making it clear that Jesus is greater than Moses and Elijah, and His mission will bring the ultimate fulfillment of God’s plan.
The statement “This is my Son, whom I have chosen” also echoes Psalm 2:7, a Messianic psalm in which God declares the authority of His chosen king. This is a direct confirmation of Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, who will establish God’s kingdom not through political power but through His sacrificial death and resurrection.
Theological Implications
- Jesus Is the Son of God – God’s declaration affirms Jesus’ unique relationship with the Father. He is not just a prophet or teacher but the divine Son who carries God’s authority.
- The Importance of Obedience – By commanding the disciples to “listen to him,” God is emphasizing that following Jesus means trusting and obeying His words, even when they challenge human understanding.
- God’s Sovereign Choice – The phrase “whom I have chosen” reminds us that Jesus was sent as part of God’s plan of salvation. His mission wasn’t random or reactive—it was divinely orchestrated from the beginning.
Literary Analysis
This verse is the climax of the transfiguration narrative. The voice from the cloud interrupts Peter’s impulsive suggestion to build shelters and shifts the focus from human plans to God’s purpose. The structure of the verse highlights three key elements: Jesus’ identity (“This is my Son”), His mission (“whom I have chosen”), and the response required from His followers (“listen to him”).
The language used here is similar to the voice that spoke at Jesus’ baptism (Luke 3:22), where God declared Jesus as His beloved Son. The repetition of this declaration at the transfiguration underscores its importance and marks key moments in Jesus’ ministry.
Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 2:7 – “You are my son; today I have become your father,” a prophecy fulfilled in Jesus.
- Deuteronomy 18:15 – Moses predicts that God will raise up a prophet like him, and the people must listen to Him.
- Isaiah 42:1 – “Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight,” a prophecy pointing to the Messiah.
- Matthew 17:5 – A parallel account of the transfiguration, where the same declaration is made.
- John 10:30 – Jesus declares His unity with the Father, saying, “I and the Father are one.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christians, this verse is a reminder to prioritize Jesus’ words and teachings in their lives. The command to “listen to him” is just as relevant now as it was for the disciples. In a world filled with competing voices and opinions, believers are called to tune in to Jesus’ voice through Scripture, prayer, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
This verse also challenges believers to trust Jesus even when His ways are difficult to understand. Just as the disciples had to trust Jesus as He prepared to go to the cross, Christians today are called to follow Him through both the joys and challenges of life, knowing that His plan leads to eternal life.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in His clear and direct revelation of who Jesus is. He doesn’t leave the disciples to wonder or figure things out on their own—He speaks from heaven to confirm Jesus’ identity and mission. This act of revelation is an expression of God’s desire for people to know and follow His Son, leading them to salvation.
God’s command to “listen to him” is also an act of love. By instructing the disciples to follow Jesus, God is guiding them toward the truth and the path of eternal life. His love is not only demonstrated in what He reveals but also in how He patiently leads His people to understanding.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse directly identifies Jesus as the Son of God, the chosen one who fulfills God’s plan of redemption. It also reinforces Jesus’ role as the ultimate prophet and teacher, surpassing Moses and Elijah. Throughout His ministry, Jesus consistently pointed to His unity with the Father and His authority to reveal God’s will.
The command to “listen to him” points to the fact that Jesus is the Word of God in human form (John 1:1). His teachings, life, death, and resurrection are the ultimate revelation of God’s love and purpose. The transfiguration serves as a preview of Jesus’ future glory, which will be fully revealed after His resurrection and when He returns as King.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does God’s declaration of Jesus as His Son affect your understanding of Jesus’ authority and mission?
- What does it mean to you personally to “listen to him” in your daily life?
- Are there areas in your life where you struggle to trust or obey Jesus’ teachings? How can you work through those challenges?
- Why do you think God chose this moment to confirm Jesus’ identity to the disciples?
- How can this verse encourage you to prioritize studying and applying Jesus’ teachings, even when they go against cultural or personal preferences?