The Transfiguration of Jesus is a pivotal event in the New Testament, where Jesus is revealed in his divine glory before Peter, James, and John on a mountain. This event is recorded in the Synoptic Gospels—Matthew 17:1-9, Mark 9:2-8, and Luke 9:28-36.
Relevant Bible Verses:
- Matthew 17:1-9 (ESV): “And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 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.’ 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.’ When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, ‘Rise, and have no fear.’ And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, ‘Tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead.'”
- Mark 9:2-8 (ESV): “[…] And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. […] A cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, ‘This is my beloved Son; listen to him.'”
- Luke 9:28-36 (ESV): “[…] And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white. […] And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, ‘This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!'”
Three Main Takeaways:
- Revelation of Jesus’ Divine Nature: The Transfiguration provides a clear revelation of Jesus’ divine glory, affirming his divinity. The presence of Moses and Elijah, representing the Law and the Prophets, also signifies Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament.
- The Father’s Affirmation: The voice from the cloud declaring Jesus as the beloved Son is a divine affirmation of Jesus’ identity and mission. It instructs the disciples to listen to him, underscoring Jesus’ authority and the importance of his teachings.
- A Glimpse of the Eschatological Hope: The Transfiguration gives the disciples, and by extension all believers, a foretaste of the resurrected glory of Christ. It points forward to the future glory that Jesus will have and shares with those who are his, promising hope and encouragement for the journey of faith.
These takeaways underscore the significance of the Transfiguration as a moment of profound revelation and hope, affirming Jesus’ identity as the Son of God and pointing towards the ultimate victory and glory of the resurrection.