The Transfiguration
May 17, 2021
Commentary
At the close of Jesus’ sermon on “cross-bearing” in the previous chapter He promised that some of the disciples would “see the son of man coming in His kingdom” (Matt. 16:28). He chose Peter, James and John as witnesses to this event. This text does not say for sure where the miracle took place but it was probably on Mount Hermon, which is close to Caesarea Philippi (v. 1).
Jesus’ transfiguration indicates an actual change of form, not a mere change of appearance. It states that His face was as brilliant as the sun and His clothes were as clear as the whiteness of pure light (v.2). Then Moses and Elijah appeared (vv. 3-4). Moses represented the Law and Elijah the prophets. Why were Moses and Elijah, of all Old Testament characters present on this occasion? Perhaps it was to show that all of the Law and prophets point to Christ and are fulfilled in Him (Heb. 1:1). At both the baptism and transfiguration of Jesus, God the Father publicly declared His great pleasure in His only Son. Jesus speaks for the Father, and we are to obey Him as we obey the Father.
Again we find Peter trying to tell Jesus what to do. He suggested that they build three shelters for Jesus, Moses and Elijah so they could stay there and enjoy glory (v. 4)! While Peter was still speaking God the Father interrupted by speaking from a bright cloud (v. 5). He said, “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him”. With all this the disciples became terrified and fell down on their faces (v. 6). At this point Jesus came over and touched them and told them not to be afraid and to get up (vv. 7-8). He had already resumed His normal appearance and Moses and Elijah were gone. As they descended the mountain Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone what they had seen (v. 9). Jesus tells his disciples why Elijah must come before the Messiah (vv. 10-11). He explains how the Son of Man will also suffer (vv. 12-13).
Application
What has been a mountaintop experience in my life? Has it changed the course of my life in any way?
Matthew 17:1– 13 (NET)
1 Six days later Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John the brother of James, and led them privately up a high mountain. 2 And he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. 3 Then Moses and Elijah also appeared before them, talking with him. 4 So Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you want, I will make three shelters —one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my one dear Son, in whom I take great delight. Listen to him!” 6 When the disciples heard this, they were overwhelmed with fear and threw themselves down with their faces to the ground. 7 But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Do not be afraid.” 8 When they looked up, all they saw was Jesus alone.
9 As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Do not tell anyone about the vision until the Son of Man is raised from the dead.” 10 The disciples asked him, “Why then do the experts in the law say that Elijah must come first?” 11 He answered, “Elijah does indeed come first and will restore all things. 12 And I tell you that Elijah has already come. Yet they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they wanted. In the same way, the Son of Man will suffer at their hands.” 13 Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them about John the Baptist.
Illustration: Jesus’ Mysterious Change
This 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 bare the sins of the world. (Source Unknown).