Transfiguration

Summary

Just after Jesus has given them a new perspective of success in this world, He decides to giveHis disciples a picture of glory. As He goes up on the mountain to pray He is transfigured. This means that He can be seen in His glorified body. The disciples see Jesus in a way that confirms, without a doubt, who He is. This is supported by His companions: Moses and Elijah. Jesus is then established as the fulfillment of the law and prophets. If all this were not enough, the voice of God the Father declares that Jesus is His Son and is pleasing to Him. All of this would be overwhelming. To see your friend glowing like the sun, then have two historically significant people show up (also glowing) to hang out with Him, topped off by the voice of God booming from heaven, would be overwhelming. But it also puts things into perspective. On the way down, they were no longer wondering if He was the Messiah, they were trying to figure out what that means. Confirmation of Jesus’ glory allows us to focus on how we should respond to Him.

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.” Matthew 17.5

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