The Transfiguration

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Permalink Reply by Rita Cullimore on March 4, 2012 at 8:52am

Lina,

I believe that Jesus was giving Peter, James and John a view of what was to happen. He was letting them know that there was something after this earthly life and if they followed Him, they would achieve it. He was showing them that even though Elijah and Moses had lived hundreds of years before, they lived still.

It is vitally important that people understand that there is more to life than this earthly life. Death doesn't not draw a conclusion...only this earthly one. I have great peace knowing that there is a life after this one.

Blessings to you as you study God's Word....

Rita

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Permalink Reply by Amanda on March 4, 2012 at 9:23am

Lina,

I found this article from www.gotquestions.org --a trusted web site. We have the Written Word which is an account inspired by the Holy Spirit through eye witnesses who were getting to know Jesus as the Savior, and also know that He was the Son of God and the second Person of our triune God. God has revealed Himself to mankind in many, many ways--through His Written Word, His creation, the Living Word which is Christ our Lord and through Holy Spirit.

Question: "What was the meaning and importance of the transfiguration?"

Answer: About a week after Jesus plainly told His disciples that He would suffer, be killed, and be raised to life (Luke 9:22), He took Peter, James and John up a mountain to pray. While praying, His personal appearance was changed into a glorified form, and His clothing became dazzling white. Moses and Elijah appeared and talked with Jesus about His death that would soon take place. Peter, not knowing what he was saying and being very fearful, offered to put up three shelters for them. This is undoubtedly a reference to the booths that were used to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles, when the Israelites dwelt in booths for 7 days (Lev. 23:34–42). Peter was expressing a wish to stay in that place. When a cloud enveloped them, a voice said, “This is My Son, whom I have chosen, whom I love; listen to Him!” The cloud lifted, Moses and Elijah had disappeared, and Jesus was alone with His disciples who were still very much afraid. Jesus warned them not to tell anyone what they had seen until after His resurrection. The three accounts of this event are found in Matthew 17:1-8, Mark 9:2-8, and Luke 9:28-36.

Undoubtedly, the purpose of the transfiguration of Christ into at least a part of His heavenly glory was so that the “inner circle” of His disciples could gain a greater understanding of who Jesus was. Christ underwent a dramatic change in appearance in order that the disciples could behold Him in His glory. The disciples, who had only known Him in His human body, now had a greater realization of the deity of Christ, though they could not fully comprehend it. That gave them the reassurance they needed after hearing the shocking news of His coming death.

Symbolically, the appearance of Moses and Elijah represented the Law and the Prophets. But God’s voice from heaven – “Listen to Him!” - clearly showed that the Law and the Prophets must give way to Jesus. The One who is the new and living way is replacing the old – He is the fulfillment of the Law and the countless prophecies in the Old Testament. Also, in His glorified form they saw a preview of His coming glorification and enthronement as King of kings and Lord of lords.

The disciples never forgot what happened that day on the mountain and no doubt this was intended. John wrote in his gospel, “We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only” (John 1:14). Peter also wrote of it, “We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to Him from the Majestic Glory, saying, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.’ We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with Him on the sacred mountain” (2 Peter 1:16-18). Those who witnessed the transfiguration bore witness to it to the other disciples and to countless millions down through the centuries.

Recommended Resource: Jesus: The Greatest Life of All by Charles Swindoll.

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Permalink Reply by Lina on March 4, 2012 at 9:54am

Thank you so much, Rita and Amanda, for clarifying this to me.  I have been pondering over it for sometime now and at least I was almost right.  Sometimes reading the Word needs total concentration and dedication to actually follow what is being said.  Those three disciples were truly the Lord's favorites to have given them a peek into what is to come. This awesome sight probably left them dazed for days.  Though the Lord is my clarity I am still in the baby stage of my faith journey and need to from time to time seek help from people who have long been on this journey.

May the Lord give you strength and courage to continue helping those like me who need your help.

 

Thank you and God bless.

 

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Permalink Reply by Amanda on March 4, 2012 at 10:28am

We're learning together, Lina, as sojourners here. Sojourn as a noun means a temporary stay and as a verb means to stay or reside temporarily. I suppose our journey began at conception and will continue through eternity and this life is one part of it only. You have helped me many times with your comments and as you know from all my questions that there are many things I need clarity about. We help each other. 

 

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Permalink Reply by RoyW on April 20, 2012 at 2:05am

Yes, as stated in the posts here on this forum, the transfiguration was for the benefit of these three disciples to know this truly was God's Son. God spoke to them and instructed them to listen to what Jesus told them. The event was also for Jesus Who was headed to Jerusalem to fulfill His purpose for coming to our earth. Note:

Lk 9:30-31 Two men, Moses and Elijah, 31 appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. NIV

This was not an easy task for Jesus for He was doing this as a man. No man could endure what Jesus endured. All the rest of us would have failed. It was critical that Jesus be successful and fulfill the plan of God that had been planned from all of eternity. Here, Jesus is getting the necessary encouragement and perhaps even further instruction about all that He was to do. I don't think Moses and Elijah were talking to Jesus just for a show. This conversation had great purpose.

Lina, you have brought up a good discussion - one that has great meaning.

Blessings to you.

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