The Mount of Transfiguration

While on a high mountain with Jesus, Peter, James, and John witnessed His transfiguration. Peter said it was “good for us to be here.” In the same way, it is “good for us” to look at what happened on this occasion. This event teaches us about Jesus and our responsibility before Him.

The Scene

• The mountain – unidentified in the Bible, but two possible locations have been suggested; (1) Mount Tabor is the “traditional” location; (2) Mount Hermon is closer to Caesarea Philippi (Matthew 16:13)
• The disciples – Peter, James, and John; Jesus’ “inner circle”
• The transfiguration – Greek word for “transfigured” is metamorphoo; this is where we get our word metamorphosis (ex: caterpillar to butterfly); Jesus was visibly changed; His face shone like the sun (Matthew 17:2; Luke 9:29); His garments became as white as light (Matthew 17:2; Mark 9:3)
• The ones who appeared with Jesus – Moses represented the Law; Elijah represented the prophets; Jesus came to fulfill what was written in the Law and the prophets (Luke 24:44)

The Nature of Jesus

• The previous chapter contained a question about the “Son of Man” (Matthew 16:13) – the disciples identified various theories people had (Matthew 16:14); but when asked, Peter gave the correct answer that Jesus was “the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:15-16)
• In this chapter, God the Father identified Jesus as “My beloved Son” (Matthew 17:5) – this same point was made at the baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:16-17); this claim made the enemies of Jesus want to kill Him (John 5:17-18)
• The deity of Jesus (“Son of God”) – He was eternal (John 1:1-2; 8:56-58); He was the Creator (John 1:3; Colossians 1:15-17); He was equal with the Father (John 1:18; 5:18; 10:30); therefore, He has “all authority” (Matthew 28:18); “listen to Him” (Matthew 17:5)
• The humanity of Jesus (“Son of Man”) – He partook of flesh and blood (Hebrews 2:14-15); He took the form of a servant (Philippians 2:5-8); however, He was still God in the flesh (Colossians 2:9); yet His humanity proves that He can sympathize with us (Hebrews 4:14-16; 2:17-18)

The Preeminence of Jesus

• Two prominent Old Testament figures appeared with Jesus – Moses and Elijah; Peter wanted to build three tabernacles to honor them and Jesus; his intentions were good, but this was not what God wanted
• Moses was the lawgiver (Exodus 24:3-4) – he received the law from God; God’s people were expected to follow it (Deuteronomy 5:31-33; 32:45-47); yet this law ultimately pointed to Christ (Galatians 3:24)
• Elijah was a prophet (1 Kings 18:22) – the prophets spoke for God (Deuteronomy 18:18), and revealed His will and plans; but they (collectively) looked ahead to the time of Christ (1 Peter 1:10-12)
• God the Father said, “listen to Him,” not “listen to them” – Moses and Elijah spoke by inspiration, ultimately to point people to Christ (Deuteronomy 18:15; Acts 3:22); Jesus spoke with authority (Hebrews 3:5-6)

What We Need to Understand about Jesus

• Jesus came to earth to make atonement for our sins (Matthew 16:21; Romans 5:6-11) – He knew He would suffer and die on the cross, but fulfilled the mission anyway
• Jesus’ resurrection proved He was the Son of God (Romans 1:4) – He was victorious over death (Hebrews 2:14-15); His resurrection gives us hope (1 Corinthians 15:20-22) IF we obey Him (Romans 6:3-5)
• Jesus now has all authority (Matthew 28:18) – this is why the gospel is preached (Matthew 28:19), and why we obey His commandments (Matthew 28:20)
• Jesus is the head over His church (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 1:22-23) – He purchased the church with His blood (Acts 20:28); the gates of Hades will not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18); we can be part of His church today (Matthew 16:19; Acts 2:36-41, 47)
• As Jesus was transfigured, we must be transformed (2 Corinthians 3:18) – same Greek word; do not be conformed to the world, but be transformed (Romans 12:2); when we become like Christ, we should be visibly different from the world (1 Peter 4:1-4); not necessarily in our appearance, but in our behavior, thoughts, words, priorities, etc.

Conclusion

• The transfiguration reminds us that the Law and the prophets pointed to Christ
• The transfiguration also identifies Jesus as the Son of God
• At the transfiguration, God the Father calls us to listen to Jesus – so let us follow Him in all things