Six days later Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as light. – Matthew 17:1-2 NLT
What Is the Transfiguration?
The Greek word for “transfiguration” in this chapter is metamorphoō, which means “to change into another form, to transform, to transfigure.” This was more than just an external transformation, but rather an internal transformation so powerful it had outward effects as well. As He reveals His glory, Jesus’ countenance becomes so bright that the disciples can hardly look at Him.
Up until this point, Jesus has kept His glory hidden. But in this moment He chooses to reveal His glory to Peter, James, and John. Nineteenth century theologian Charles Spurgeon says, “For Christ to be glorious was almost a less matter than for Him to restrain or hide His glory. It is forever His glory that He concealed His glory; and that, though He was rich, for our sakes He became poor.”
What Is the Significance of the Appearance of Moses and Elijah?
Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus. – Matthew 17:3 NLT
Though Moses had lived 1,400 years before the time of Jesus—and Elijah 900—they both appear bodily in a resurrected state to talk with Jesus. These men were two of the most significant figures in the Old Testament—Moses represented the Law, and Elijah represented the Prophets.
Jesus, however, is greater than both. When Peter offers to build three tents for Moses, Elijah, and Jesus—symbolically putting them on the same level—God’s glory appears in a cloud. Just like at Jesus’ baptism, God declares and confirms Jesus’ identity: “‘This is My dearly loved Son, who brings Me great joy. Listen to Him’” (Matthew 17:5 NLT).
At the sound of God’s voice, the disciples are terrified. They fall face down on the ground, which is an entirely appropriate response to being in God’s presence. But Jesus quickly reassures them that they have nothing to fear: “Then Jesus came over and touched them. ‘Get up,’ He said. ‘Don’t be afraid’” (Matthew 17:7 NLT).
What Was the Purpose of the Transfiguration?
In the previous chapter of Matthew, Jesus gave the first prediction of His death and resurrection. He told His disciples that it was “necessary for Him to go to Jerusalem, and that He would suffer many terrible things at the hands of the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but on the third day He would be raised from the dead” (Matthew 16:21 NLT). It’s evidenced by Peter’s strong reaction in the next verse—“‘Heaven forbid, Lord…This will never happen to you!’”—that the disciples didn’t believe such a horrible fate would await the true Messiah.
So Jesus’ transfiguration on the mountain served as a confirmation to the disciples that He was indeed the Messiah, the Son of God, despite the reality of His future suffering and death. As we reflect on the transfiguration of Jesus, it reminds us that despite His suffering, nothing would ever stop Jesus’ glory from radiating throughout eternity.
