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Extra - Transfiguration

THE SIGNIFICANCE AND MEANING OF THE TRANSFIGURATION

Bible References:   Matthew 17:1-8, Mark 9:2-8, Luke 9:28-36, and 2 Peter 1:16-18.

Definition:  The word "transfiguration" in the original Greek, metamorphoĊ, means to change into another form and is where we derive the English word metamorphous.

Matthew's account, in 17:1-8, states:

1 And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. 3 And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 4 And Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah." 5 He was still speaking when, behold, 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." 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. 7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Rise, and have no fear." 8 And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.

Examination: 

  • "high mountain" - The exact location is unknown, but since they had been in Caesarea Philippi eight days before, nearby Mt. Hermon (7,336 feet) is thought to be mostly likely location.
  • "face shone like the sun...clothes became white as light" - Up to this time, Peter, James, and John had seen Jesus only in human form.  His appearance changed because they now saw Him for the first time in His glorified state, that is, His divine glory shining out through His human form.  John later said, "...God is light, and in him is no darkness at all." -John 1:5.   
  • "Moses and Elijah, talking to Him" - The appearance of Moses and Elijah represent the Law and the Prophets, who are present to witness Jesus as the Messiah, the one who fulfills the OT.  "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them."  -Matthew 5:17.  Elijah was prophesized to be forerunner of the Messiah in Malachi 4:5-6, which was actually fulfilled by John the Baptist (see, explanation in Matthew 17:12-13). 
  • "bright cloud...voice" - This echoed God's presence in OT times (Ex. 13:21-22, 34:5-7, 1 Kings 8:10-13).
  • "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him" - In an audible voice, God the Father publically proclaims and confirms His beloved Son as the incarnate Son of God, superior to Moses and Elijah, with the command, "listen to Him," so that they would understand His messianic purpose. 
  • "terrified" - Fear was the common reaction of OT people who experienced the mind-boggling reality of God's awesome presence. 

Purpose:  To allow the inner circle of disciples to achieve a greater understanding of who Jesus was in reality.  Christ underwent a dramatic change in appearance so that they could behold Him in His glory.  With this experience, they now had a greater realization of the deity of Christ, and though they could not fully comprehend it, it still gave them the reassurance they needed after being informed of the shocking news of His coming suffering and death.  As Peter said much later, " 16 For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,..." 
2 Peter 1:16-17.