The Transfiguration
July 13, 2022
Commentary
This passage gives us a record of the transfiguration. This was the only time during Christ’s earthly ministry when He revealed the glory of His person. It is thought by many Bible scholars to have taken place on Mount Hermon above Caesarea Philippi. Jesus had taken Peter, James and John up there to pray (v. 28). At the transfiguration three events take place:
Jesus’ countenance was changed and His clothes glistened (v. 29).Moses and Elijah appeared and spoke with Jesus (v. 30).The conversation was about Jesus’ coming death on the cross (v. 31).Warren Wiersbe says,"This may well have been the greatest Bible Conference ever held on earth!" You certainly had the greatest speakers: Moses, representing the law; Elijah, the prophets; and Jesus, who came to fulfill the Law and the prophets (Matt. 5:17).
While all of this was taking place the three disciples were fast asleep and were surprised by what they saw when they awoke (v. 32). Peter was so impressed that he immediately suggested that they build three tabernacles or shrines (v. 33). When he suggested making these tabernacles he may have been thinking of the Feast of Tabernacles, when shelters were set up to commemorate the Exodus, God’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt. Peter, James, and John experienced a wonderful moment on the mountain, and they didn’t want to leave. While he was speaking, a cloud surrounded them and God said, “This is my beloved Son: hear Him” (v. 35). Immediately the cloud was gone and they were again alone with Jesus (vv. 34-36).
Application
It seems that Peter got in trouble because he spoke before really knowing the facts. I need to be careful that I do not speak before I know what the facts are.
Luke 9:28– 36 (NET)
28 Now about eight days after these sayings, Jesus took with him Peter, John, and James, and went up the mountain to pray. 29 As he was praying, the appearance of his face was transformed, and his clothes became very bright, a brilliant white. 30 Then two men, Moses and Elijah, began talking with him. 31 They appeared in glorious splendor and spoke about his departure that he was about to carry out at Jerusalem. 32 Now Peter and those with him were quite sleepy, but as they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. 33 Then as the men were starting to leave, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us make three shelters, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he was saying. 34 As he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 Then a voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen One. Listen to him!” 36 After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. So they kept silent and told no one at that time anything of what they had seen.
Illustration: A Mysterious Change to Jesus on the Mount
The “transfiguration“ refers to the mysterious change that occurred to Jesus on the mount: “Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John 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 dazzling white.” (Matt. 17:1-2). The transfiguration preceded Jesus’ time on the cross and may have been the Father’s preparatory provision to strengthen Jesus as He prepared to bear the sins of the world. (Source Unknown).