Transfiguration of Jesus Christ

Many preachers preach about transformation or metamorphosis when talking about the transfiguration of Christ, and that is great, but now and again, something stands out as I read scripture. I make a connection that I have not seen or thought of before. For me today, the transfiguration of Christ is one of those scriptures. I am blown away by how our God loves us enough that He wants us to be a part of His life through Jesus. He wants to help us be prepared for things to come, which helps strengthen us for life in Him. Even if we do not currently understand, He tells us what we need to know. Allow me to explain my thoughts through scripture.

Jesus asks His disciples, who they think He is, and Peter responds with “The Christ of God.” (Luke 9:20) Ok, so Peter’s got this, and in Matt 16:17-19, Jesus starts reveling some spiritual truths that will take place. These are all positive things, and all seems well. Jesus tells His disciples not to tell anyone. Jesus informs His disciples that He must suffer, be rejected, die, and be raised on the third day. (Luke 9:22) In Matt 16:22, Peter rebukes Jesus telling Him these things will not happen. Jesus has to set Peter straight (Matt 16:23). Jesus continues teaching His disciples. Just before He finishes, He tells them that some people will not die before they see the kingdom of God. (Luke 9:27).

About a week later, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up on a high mountain. As Jesus prayed, He was transformed. Moses and Elijah appeared in glory and talked with Jesus about what He was going to do in Jerusalem. (Luke 9:28-31, Matt 17:1-3). I want to stop here a moment and ponder what is happening here. This is a spiritual moment happening in our physical world. In my opinion, this is a glimpse into the kingdom of God. The veil of humanity is pulled back briefly to reveal the glory of Jesus. He is talking with two other people, also appearing in glory. Could this be a snapshot of what it will be like to get our glorified bodies, radiant and our clothing as white light? Could it be that Peter, John, and James are three who were standing there that get to see the kingdom of God before they die? These three disciples never met Moses or Elijah, yet they recognized them. Will we be able to identify everyone when God’s kingdom is entirely in place? To know and be known by all…so beautiful within God’s glory!

What is the significance of this transfiguration moment? I believe God is once again communicating to all who will listen about the superiority of Jesus. Here we have Moses, the man God who gave God’s law to Israel (Ex 20:1-17), and we have Elijah, the prophet who was taken up to heaven by a whirlwind. (2 Kings 2:1-15). They represent the entirety of the Old Testament. The disciples have learned and lived by these laws to try and understand God. Now we have Jesus, who is the awaited Messiah. The one who fulfills the law and whom the prophets spoke. Jesus gives us a more complete revelation of God. Moses and Elijah, these two Old Testament saints, are looking to Jesus and talking about His passion! (How He will die for the sins of humanity (Act 1:3)!

I picture Peter being excited and happy about this encounter because he says to Jesus, it is good for us to be here; we can make tabernacles for each of you. (Luke 9:33) God Himself interrupts Peter. A cloud overshadows them, and they experience fear as they enter into the cloud. A voice out the cloud says, “This is my beloved Son: hear him.” When the voice stops, Jesus was found alone. (Luke 9:34-36) Moses and Elijah were gone. Isn’t it amazing how God Himself announces to Israel, (through the disciples), to listen to His beloved Son, instead of Moses or Elijah?

Though Peter continued to have his ups and downs in understanding (don’t we all?) during and after Jesus was crucified, I think this experience strengthened Peter and prepared him for the purpose God had for his life. As Peter teaches about Jesus, he refers to this event in 2 Peter 1:16-18. He explains that they did not follow myths but were eyewitnesses of the honor and glory that God bestowed upon our Lord Jesus Christ. God identifies Jesus as His beloved Son. It helped Peter grow solid in Christ. 

This [JESUS], is my beloved Son: HEAR HIM! So, how do we hear Jesus? While I don’t want to put God in a box, because I believe God can speak to us any way and any time He chooses, I first turn to His Word the Bible. We hear Jesus by studying and spending time in God’s Word, praying, and allowing the Holy Spirit to teach us.

I was listening and very much enjoying a sermon the other day entitled The Right Voice. This young worship pastor said something that stuck with me. I have not heard it put quite this way. He said paraphrased, you can’t find every situation or problem listed in the Bible; for example, should I wear a mask or not wear a mask during this time of COVID 19? But you can always find a response in the Bible for any situation or problem. Those who have authority over me require that I wear a mask; therefore, I will wear one even though I hate them.

I love that! You can always find a response for any situation in the Bible. To do that, we must look to God’s beloved Son and hear him.

Let’s ponder His Word and enjoy the journey.