The transfiguration of Jesus is one of the key events recorded in the Gospels. It appears in Matthew 17:1-13, Mark 9:2-13, and Luke 9:28-36. During this event, Jesus’ appearance changed dramatically and became radiantly bright as He spoke with Moses and Elijah. God’s voice affirmed Jesus as His beloved Son. This miraculous happening held great meaning and significance for Jesus and His disciples.
The Setting of the Transfiguration
The transfiguration occurred toward the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry, likely around A.D. 29-30. Jesus took three of His closest disciples – Peter, James, and John – up on a high mountain to pray (Matthew 17:1; Mark 9:2; Luke 9:28). The exact location is unknown, but Mount Tabor and Mount Hermon are traditional possibilities. As Jesus prayed, an incredible transformation took place.
Matthew 17:2 states, “And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light.” Mark 9:3 describes, “And his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them.” The Greek word used is “metamorphoo,” from which we get the English word “metamorphosis” (Strong’s G3339). Jesus’ face and clothing grew dazzlingly bright.
The Appearance of Moses and Elijah
As Jesus shone brilliantly, Moses and Elijah suddenly appeared and began talking with Him (Matthew 17:3; Mark 9:4; Luke 9:30). Moses represented the Law of the Old Testament, while Elijah represented the Prophets (Barnes’ Notes on the Bible). Together, the Law and the Prophets foretold and prepared the way for the coming of the Messiah.
Luke 9:31 tells us they spoke of Jesus’ “departure,” literally His “exodus,” referring to His upcoming suffering, death, and resurrection. The transfiguration affirmed that Jesus was the fulfillment of the whole Old Testament.
Peter’s Offer to Build Shelters
Impulsive Peter reacted to this incredible scene by offering to construct three shelters or tents for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah (Matthew 17:4; Mark 9:5-6; Luke 9:33). Perhaps he wanted to prolong the experience.
But while Peter was still speaking, “a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him'” (Matthew 17:5). God the Father audibly affirmed Jesus’ identity and commanded the disciples to listen to and obey Him.
The Disciples’ Fearful Reaction
Not surprisingly, hearing the very voice of Almighty God caused the disciples to fall face down in terror (Matthew 17:6). But Jesus gently told them not to be afraid. When they looked up, they saw only Jesus – Moses and Elijah had disappeared (Matthew 17:8).
Coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them not to tell anyone about the transfiguration until after His resurrection (Matthew 17:9; Mark 9:9). The experience was to remain private until they understood it more fully in the context of His death and resurrection.
The Significance and Meaning of the Transfiguration
This amazing incident held much meaning for Jesus and His followers. Here are some key insights:
1. It confirmed Jesus’ divine identity.
God declared from heaven that Jesus was His beloved Son. The disciples had no doubt about Jesus’ divine nature. The transfiguration directly tied Jesus to the Old Testament Law and Prophets represented by Moses and Elijah. It fulfilled the prophecy about the Messiah given by Moses in Deuteronomy 18:15.
2. It looked forward to Jesus’ resurrection.
Moses and Elijah had died long ago, yet they appeared bodily on the mountain. This looked forward to the resurrection life Jesus would inaugurate (Luke 9:31). Peter later reflected on this in 2 Peter 1:16-18.
3. It encouraged the disciples’ faith.
This incredible experience strengthened the disciples’ faith in who Jesus was. They would need that faith in the difficult days ahead (Luke 9:31). The transfiguration helped sustain them through Jesus’ crucifixion.
4. It connected to the Feast of Tabernacles.
This feast celebrated Israel dwelling with God in the wilderness (Leviticus 23:33-43). Peter’s offer of shelters pointed to God dwelling with them through His Son.
5. It verified the superiority of Jesus over the Old Covenant.
As wonderful as Moses and Elijah were, God commanded the disciples to listen to Jesus. He was the final Word (Hebrews 1:1-2). The arrival of God’s kingdom in Jesus surpassed the old covenant.
6. It gave a glimpse of Jesus’ heavenly glory.
The disciples briefly saw the divine splendor that Jesus had before the world existed (John 17:5). It was a glimpse of His grandeur that He had veiled during His earthly ministry (Philippians 2:5-8).
7. It prepared the disciples for Jesus’ crucifixion.
Soon Jesus would suffer and be crucified. The transfiguration strengthened the disciples for this, reminding them of Christ’s divine glory and resurrection victory.
Lessons from the Transfiguration
This astounding event contains lessons believers today can apply:
1. Focus on Christ’s glory.
We must look beyond Jesus’ earthly suffering to behold His divine majesty and splendor. Like the disciples, we must listen to Him.
2. Wait on God’s timing.
Peter wanted to remain on the mountain, but that was not God’s timing. We need patience to wait on God’s plan.
3. Stay Christ-centered.
The disciples were tempted to marvel at Moses and Elijah, but God directed them back to Jesus alone. We must make Christ the center of our lives.
4. Listen to God’s Word.
The Father told the disciples to listen to Jesus. We need to continually listen to God’s Word in Scripture and obey it.
5. Walk by faith.
After the mountaintop experience came the valley. The disciples had to walk by faith again. We may not always sense God’s presence, but we can trust His purposes.
The transfiguration was a pivotal moment as Jesus headed toward the cross. It reinforced His divine identity and the culmination of God’s plan of redemption through His death and resurrection. This spectacular event helped prepare Jesus and His followers for the challenges to come. Most importantly, it revealed the glory of the eternal Son and the wondrous truth that in Christ God dwelt among us (John 1:14).