Where in the Bible can we find the account of the transfiguration?

The account of the Transfiguration is one of the most profound and mysterious events in the New Testament, vividly depicted in the Gospels. This event is recorded in three of the Synoptic Gospels: Matthew, Mark, and Luke. For our focus, we will delve into the account as it is presented in the Gospel of Matthew, specifically in Matthew 17:1-9.

In Matthew 17:1-9 (NIV), the passage reads:

"After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.

Peter said to Jesus, 'Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.'

While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!'

When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. 'Get up,' he said. 'Don’t be afraid.' When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.

As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, 'Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.'"

This passage is rich with theological significance and offers a glimpse into the divine nature of Jesus Christ. Let us explore this event in greater detail and understand its implications for the Christian faith.

The Setting and Participants

The Transfiguration takes place "after six days," which links it closely to the preceding events, particularly Peter's confession of Jesus as the Messiah and Jesus' subsequent prediction of His suffering and death (Matthew 16:13-28). Jesus selects Peter, James, and John, His closest disciples, to witness this extraordinary event. These three disciples often accompany Jesus during pivotal moments, such as in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46). Their presence underscores the importance of the event.

The Transfiguration

On the mountain, Jesus is "transfigured" before them. The Greek word used here is "metamorphoo," from which we get the English word "metamorphosis." This term signifies a profound transformation. Jesus' face shines like the sun, and His clothes become dazzling white. This radiant transformation reveals His divine glory, which had been veiled in His human form. This moment is a foretaste of the glorified Christ who will return in power and majesty.

The Appearance of Moses and Elijah

The appearance of Moses and Elijah is highly symbolic. Moses represents the Law, and Elijah represents the Prophets. Their presence signifies that Jesus is the fulfillment of both the Law and the Prophets. In their conversation with Jesus, they discuss His "departure," which He is about to accomplish in Jerusalem (Luke 9:31). This term "departure" (Greek: "exodos") alludes to Jesus' impending death, resurrection, and ascension, drawing a parallel to the Exodus led by Moses.

Peter's Response

Peter's reaction is both spontaneous and revealing. He offers to build three shelters for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. This gesture reflects Peter's desire to prolong the moment and perhaps his misunderstanding of the event's significance. The suggestion of building shelters may also indicate that Peter perceives this as a fulfillment of the Feast of Tabernacles, a time of dwelling in booths to commemorate God's provision (Leviticus 23:33-43).

The Divine Voice

While Peter is still speaking, 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!" This divine affirmation echoes the words spoken at Jesus' baptism (Matthew 3:17). The command to "listen to him" emphasizes the authority of Jesus and the necessity of heeding His teachings. The disciples' response—falling facedown in fear—reflects the awe and reverence due to the presence of God.

Jesus' Comfort and Instruction

In a tender moment, Jesus touches the disciples and reassures them, saying, "Get up. Don’t be afraid." When they look up, they see only Jesus, indicating that the vision has ended. As they descend the mountain, Jesus instructs them to keep the vision to themselves until after His resurrection. This command underscores the timing of God's revelation and the necessity of understanding Jesus' mission in the context of His death and resurrection.

Theological Significance

The Transfiguration is a pivotal event that reveals several key theological truths:

1. The Divinity of Christ: The radiant transformation of Jesus underscores His divine nature. The Transfiguration provides a glimpse of the glorified Christ and affirms His identity as the Son of God.

2. Fulfillment of the Law and Prophets: The presence of Moses and Elijah highlights that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. He is the culmination of God's redemptive plan as foretold in the Old Testament.

3. The Suffering Messiah: The discussion of Jesus' "departure" with Moses and Elijah points to His impending suffering, death, and resurrection. The Transfiguration prepares the disciples for the reality of the suffering Messiah and the glory that will follow.

4. Divine Approval: The voice from the cloud affirms Jesus' identity and mission. The declaration, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased," echoes the divine approval given at Jesus' baptism and reinforces His unique relationship with the Father.

5. Call to Discipleship: The command to "listen to him" underscores the authority of Jesus' teachings. Discipleship involves not only witnessing Jesus' glory but also obeying His words and following His example.

Reflection and Application

The account of the Transfiguration invites believers to reflect on the glory and majesty of Jesus Christ. It calls us to recognize His divine nature and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through Him. As we contemplate this event, we are reminded of the importance of listening to Jesus and following His teachings.

In our own spiritual journey, the Transfiguration serves as a source of encouragement and hope. Just as the disciples were given a glimpse of Jesus' glory to sustain them through the trials ahead, we too can find strength and assurance in the promise of Christ's return in glory. The Transfiguration challenges us to live with an eternal perspective, grounded in the reality of Jesus' divine authority and the hope of His coming kingdom.

In conclusion, the account of the Transfiguration in Matthew 17:1-9 is a profound revelation of Jesus' divine nature and His fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. It affirms His identity as the beloved Son of God and calls us to listen to Him and follow His teachings. As we meditate on this event, may we be inspired to live with a deeper awareness of His glory and a steadfast commitment to His mission.