The transfiguration of Jesus, as recorded in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 17:1-9, Mark 9:2-10, and Luke 9:28-36), is one of the most profound and revealing events in the New Testament. It is a moment that unveils the divine nature of Jesus, provides a foretaste of His glory, and serves as a pivotal point in His earthly ministry. To understand its significance, we must delve into the context, symbolism, and theological implications of this extraordinary event.
The event of the transfiguration occurs after Jesus predicts His suffering and death and speaks about the cost of discipleship. In Matthew 16:24-28, Jesus teaches His disciples about the necessity of taking up their cross and following Him. This teaching sets the stage for the transfiguration, which serves as a divine affirmation of Jesus's identity and mission.
The transfiguration takes place on a high mountain, traditionally identified as Mount Tabor. Jesus takes with Him Peter, James, and John, His closest disciples. The choice of these three disciples indicates the special nature of the revelation they are about to witness. As they reach the summit, Jesus is transfigured before them. His face shines like the sun, and His clothes become as white as light (Matthew 17:2). This radiant transformation signifies the unveiling of Jesus's divine glory, which had been veiled in His humanity.
The appearance of Moses and Elijah alongside Jesus is highly significant. Moses represents the Law, and Elijah represents the Prophets. Their presence underscores that Jesus is the fulfillment of both the Law and the Prophets. In Matthew 5:17, Jesus declares, "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." The transfiguration visually and symbolically affirms this truth. Moses and Elijah's conversation with Jesus, as Luke's account suggests, centers on His impending departure (Luke 9:31), indicating that His death, resurrection, and ascension are the culmination of God's redemptive plan.
Peter's reaction to the transfiguration is both revealing and instructive. He suggests building three shelters—one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah (Matthew 17:4). Peter's proposal reflects his desire to preserve the moment and perhaps his misunderstanding of its significance. However, before he can act on his suggestion, a bright cloud envelops them, and a voice from the cloud declares, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!" (Matthew 17:5). This divine proclamation echoes the words spoken at Jesus's baptism (Matthew 3:17) and serves as a powerful affirmation of His divine sonship and authority.
The voice from the cloud emphasizes the importance of listening to Jesus. The disciples, and by extension all believers, are called to heed His teachings and follow His example. The command to "listen to him" underscores Jesus's unique role as the ultimate revelation of God. As Hebrews 1:1-2 states, "In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son." The transfiguration, therefore, highlights the supremacy of Jesus's revelation and the necessity of aligning our lives with His teachings.
The disciples' reaction to the divine voice is one of fear and awe. They fall facedown to the ground, overwhelmed by the presence of God (Matthew 17:6). Jesus's response is tender and reassuring. He touches them and says, "Get up. Don't be afraid" (Matthew 17:7). This moment of comfort and encouragement reflects Jesus's compassionate nature and His desire to alleviate their fears. It also underscores the importance of faith and trust in Him, even in the face of divine revelation.
As they descend the mountain, Jesus instructs the disciples not to tell anyone about the vision until after His resurrection (Matthew 17:9). This command highlights the timing and purpose of the revelation. The full significance of the transfiguration can only be understood in light of Jesus's death and resurrection. The disciples' silence ensures that the event is not misunderstood or misinterpreted before its proper time.
The transfiguration has profound theological implications for our understanding of Jesus's identity and mission. It reveals His divine glory and affirms His unique relationship with the Father. The event also foreshadows His resurrection and exaltation, providing a glimpse of the future glory that awaits Him and all who follow Him. As Paul writes in Philippians 3:21, "He will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body." The transfiguration, therefore, offers a foretaste of the eschatological hope that believers have in Christ.
Moreover, the transfiguration serves as a source of encouragement and strength for believers. Just as the disciples were strengthened by the vision of Jesus's glory, we too can find hope and assurance in the knowledge that Jesus is the exalted Son of God. In times of trial and suffering, we can look to the transfiguration as a reminder of the ultimate victory and glory that awaits us in Christ.
The transfiguration also calls us to a deeper commitment to discipleship. The command to "listen to him" challenges us to align our lives with Jesus's teachings and to follow His example of self-sacrificial love and obedience. The event underscores the importance of faith, trust, and obedience in our relationship with Jesus.
In conclusion, the transfiguration of Jesus is a momentous event that reveals His divine glory, affirms His identity as the Son of God, and foreshadows His resurrection and exaltation. It serves as a powerful reminder of the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets in Jesus and calls us to a deeper commitment to discipleship. As we reflect on the transfiguration, may we be encouraged by the vision of Jesus's glory and strengthened in our faith and trust in Him.
