Mount of Transfiguration
Introduction: The transfiguration of Jesus is recorded in 3 of the 4 gospel accounts, which provides information from varied perspectives. Jesus had already confirmed to his disciples that he was the Christ of God, and told them he would be killed at Jerusalem and raised on the third day. It is interesting that Matthew was one of the twelve chosen apostles, but not present at the transfiguration, while John was there but did not record it in his gospel.
NOTE: Scripture passages are from the World English Bible.
A — Jesus Took Three Apostles to the Mountain
Matthew 17 “1 After six days, Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain by themselves. 2 He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his garments became as white as the light. 3 Behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them talking with him.”
Luke 9 “30 Behold, two men were talking with him, who were Moses and Elijah, 31 who appeared in glory, and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.”
Comments: After a period of public teaching, Jesus withdrew to a remote location to pray, taking only three select men with him. On the mountain the appearance of Jesus’ face and even his clothing was very bright. These three apostles saw Jesus Christ transformed into his glorious state, and they saw two servants of the LORD from centuries past, very much alive in that glory and talking together with Christ. Luke’s account gives us the additional information that Moses and Elijah spoke about the departure that Jesus would soon accomplish at Jerusalem — a term that can apply to the departing of the soul from the body at death, but conveying the sense of a completion to the point of perfection.
B — A Voice Came Out of the Cloud
Matthew 17 “5 While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them. Behold, a voice came out of the cloud, saying, ‘This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to him.’ 6 When the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces, and were very afraid.”
Comments: In Luke’s account we find that Peter and his companions were sleepy, and Peter spoke without fully knowing why he was making his suggestion to build three tents. The fear of the three disciples was so much they fell on their faces when the cloud surrounded them and the voice from the cloud declared Jesus to be the beloved Son. Before Jesus began his public ministry, a voice spoke from heaven when John baptized Jesus saying the same words, giving John the Baptist a very unique confirmation of the full identity of Jesus.
C — Moses and Elijah Were No Longer Present
Matthew 17 “7 Jesus came and touched them and said, ‘Get up, and don’t be afraid.’ 8 Lifting up their eyes, they saw no one, except Jesus alone. 9 As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, ‘Don’t tell anyone what you saw, until the Son of Man has risen from the dead.’”
Comments: A touch can be so reassuring, and Matthew records that Jesus came to the men and touched them, telling them not to be afraid. As they looked around they did not see anyone other than Jesus. Jesus told them not to tell anyone what they had seen until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead. According to Mark’s account they questioned among themselves what the rising from the dead meant. Part of the question in their minds may have been whether that would immediately bring in the kingdom of God. Even for those who believed in resurrection based on Old Testament scripture, some of the interrelated prophecies could not be fully reconciled without spiritual revelation and complete fulfillment.
D — Elijah and John the Baptizer
Matthew 17 “10 His disciples asked him, saying, ‘Then why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?’ 11 Jesus answered them, ‘Elijah indeed comes first, and will restore all things, 12 but I tell you that Elijah has come already, and they didn’t recognize him, but did to him whatever they wanted to. Even so the Son of Man will also suffer by them.’ 13 Then the disciples understood that he spoke to them of John the Baptizer.”
Comments: The three disciples gave evidence of their synagogue training when they asked Jesus why the scribes say that Elijah must come first. They were still trying to understand if the resurrection of Jesus would immediately bring the kingdom of God into full reality. The prophet Malachi had spoken of a messenger who would prepare the way before the Lord. When the angel spoke to Zacharias, he said that his son John would go before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah. The disciples understood by Jesus’ words that he was speaking of John the Baptizer, and yet they still would not have been able to grasp whether this was a type or a literal fulfillment.
Reflections in Prayer
LORD, I am so thankful to you for the scriptural record of the events at the mount of transfiguration. What a blessing it is to review them knowing that your Word is truth, and your plans are perfection. You chose three apostles to witness that glimpse of your true glory, and of the continuing life of your servants Moses and Elijah in the glory that you reserve for all who believe. The voice from heaven also gave them a most startling proof of your identity as the Son of Man and the Son of God to strengthen their preparation for their special part in furthering your kingdom. I thank you, LORD, that the New Testament scriptures give all believers today additional truth to help us better understand that event and many others in the complex plan of salvation. I still do not fully understand all the meaning in your rich Word, but I wait confidently for the reward that I know I will receive with other believers because of your grace, mercy, and unbounded love. Amen and amen!
Published 27 January 2015