Albert Barnes Commentary Luke 9

The Christ of God. The Anointed of God. The Messiah appointed by God, and who had long been promised by him. See Barnes on Matthew 1:1.

The fashion. The appearance. Glistening. Shining like lightning—of a bright, dazzling whiteness. As Mark says, more white than any fuller could make it.

In glory. Of a glorious appearance. Of an appearance like that which the saints have in heaven.

His decease. Literally his exit or departure. The word translated here decease—that is, exit, or going out—is elsewhere used to denote death (see Barnes on 2 Peter 1:15).

Death is a departure or going out from this life. In this word there may be an allusion to the departure of the children of Israel from Egypt. As that was going out from bondage, pain, and humiliation, so death, to a saint, is simply going forth from a land of captivity and servitude to one of plenty and freedom; to the land of promise, the Canaan in the skies.

He should accomplish. Which was about to take place.

Heavy with sleep. Borne down with sleep—oppressed, overcome with sleep. It may seem remarkable that they should fall asleep on such an occasion; but we should bear in mind that this may have been during the night, and that they were weary from the day's labors.

Besides, they did not fall asleep while the transfiguration lasted. While Jesus was praying, or perhaps after he finished praying, they fell asleep. While they were sleeping his countenance was changed, and Moses and Elias appeared. The first that they saw of it was after they awoke, probably awakened by the shining of the light around them.

Jesus was found alone. That is, the two men had left him. In respect to them he was alone.