Exit Strategy

In 1991, former President George H. W. Bush came to our neighborhood in Dallas in his campaign against drugs. The corner house had drug users and dealers. He spoke there. As with all travels of presidents, the Secret Service canvased our neighborhood, closed off hard-to-manage streets and roads, and streamlined traffic so that the President’s life wasn’t in danger. Later, I found out that until the President arrived and left, even the police didn’t know his route. The Secret Service had several contingency exit plans should there be chaos or an attempt at his life.

Jesus, the Great King, too, had an exit plan, which two of his top officials came to discuss.

“On the eighth day, Jesus took Peter, John, and James and ascended a mountain to pray. While he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his garments became white like that of lightning. See, two men were speaking with him, who were Moses and Elijah. While standing in their glory, they were talking about his exit strategy (Exodus), which would happen in Jerusalem. (Luke 9:28–31)

In the previous week, Jesus had explained to his disciples that he would have to suffer, be betrayed by religious leaders, be killed, and be resurrected before he inherited his kingdom, God’s rule (9:22). The same path awaited his disciples, whoever was committed to follow him (9:23–26). Such a kingdom or rule wasn’t too far off; Some standing there with him would see it with their own eyes (9:27).

What he didn’t tell them was that he had to exit or exodus for the rule to actualize fully. After suffering, betrayal, death, and resurrection was the exodus or exit. The Greek word is picturesque: ex “out” odos “way” – “the way out.” Such a way out can be good or bad. If we are thrown out of a movie for talking aloud or videoing the cinema, such an exodus is bad. But if we received a better offer from another company or a study scholarship overseas, such an exodus would be good. For the Hebrews, the exodus from Egypt was good news – escape from slavery and bondage and entrance into a promised land of milk and honey. Until Jesus suffered, was betrayed, killed, buried, resurrected, and departed (exodus), God’s rule couldn’t come. So, Moses (of the first exodus) and Elijah appeared with Jesus to discuss his exit strategy. Jesus appeared in his glorious appearance and his formal clothing.

Peter – who couldn’t comprehend Jesus’s suffering, betrayal, death, and resurrection – couldn’t understand his exit strategy either. Plus, he was “weighed down with sleep” (9:32). He saw Jesus in his glory and two men standing with him. As he woke up more, he said to Jesus:

“Master, it’s wonderful for us to be here. Shall we make three tents – one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah?” (9:33)

Tents in their culture meant a residing place. While Jesus, Moses, and Elijah were discussing an exit strategy, Peter talked about staying or living here on earth.

I can’t blame Peter – it’s never fun when a friend leaves. As vagabonds, we’ve said goodbyes to many people. As a professor, I sent off several graduates that I never will see. Saying “goodbye” is never fun. Peter didn’t want to do the same with his beloved master and friend, Jesus. Sadly, until he leaves, God’s rule couldn’t come. The good news, however, is that one day, he and we all will see him again.