The Transfiguration: A Glimpse of Jesus’ Divine Glory
There are moments in life that take our breath away—moments so profound, so otherworldly, that they leave an indelible mark on our souls. For the disciples Peter, James, and John, the Transfiguration of Jesus was one such moment. It was a glimpse of divine glory, a revelation of Jesus’ true nature, and a foretaste of the kingdom of God.
The Transfiguration, recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, is one of the most mysterious and awe-inspiring events in the life of Jesus. It is a moment where the veil between heaven and earth is lifted, where the divine breaks into the ordinary, and where the disciples are given a vision of Jesus as He truly is—the radiant, glorified Son of God.
In this blog, we will explore the significance of the Transfiguration, the profound truths it reveals, and the lessons it offers for our spiritual journey.
### The Setting: A Mountain-Top Experience
The Transfiguration takes place on a high mountain, traditionally believed to be Mount Tabor or Mount Hermon. Mountains are significant in Scripture; they are often places of divine encounter and revelation. Think of Moses receiving the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai, or Elijah hearing the still, small voice of God on Mount Horeb. For Jesus, the mountain is a place of prayer, intimacy with the Father, and revelation.
Jesus takes Peter, James, and John with Him, leaving the other disciples behind. This inner circle of disciples had already witnessed significant moments in Jesus’ ministry, such as the raising of Jairus’ daughter. Now, they are about to witness something even more extraordinary.
### The Transfiguration: A Revelation of Glory
As Jesus prays on the mountain, His appearance changes dramatically. Matthew describes it this way: “His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light” (Matthew 17:2). Mark and Luke add that His clothes became “dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them” (Mark 9:3).
This transformation is not just a physical change; it is a revelation of Jesus’ divine nature. The glory that Jesus had with the Father before the world began (John 17:5) breaks through, illuminating His humanity with the radiance of divinity. It is a moment of unveiled splendor, a glimpse of the glory that will be fully revealed at His second coming.
But the Transfiguration is not just about Jesus. Two figures appear with Him—Moses and Elijah. These towering figures of the Old Testament represent the Law and the Prophets, the two pillars of Jewish faith. Their presence signifies that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets, the One to whom all of Scripture points.
The conversation between Jesus, Moses, and Elijah is significant. Luke tells us that they spoke about Jesus’ “departure,” which He was about to bring to fulfillment in Jerusalem (Luke 9:31). The Greek word for “departure” is *exodos*, a clear reference to the Exodus story. Just as Moses led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, Jesus would lead humanity out of slavery to sin through His death and resurrection.
### Peter’s Response: A Human Reaction to Divine Glory
Peter’s reaction to the Transfiguration is both endearing and revealing. Overwhelmed by the glory before him, he blurts out, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah” (Matthew 17:4).
Peter’s desire to build shelters reflects a very human impulse—to hold on to moments of glory, to capture and preserve them. But the Transfiguration is not meant to be a static experience; it is a glimpse of something greater, a foretaste of the kingdom of God.
Before Peter can finish speaking, a bright cloud envelops them, and a voice from the cloud declares, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” (Matthew 17:5). This is the voice of God the Father, echoing the words spoken at Jesus’ baptism. It is a divine affirmation of Jesus’ identity and authority, a command to listen to and follow Him.
### The Descent: Back to the Mission
As suddenly as it began, the vision ends. Jesus is alone again, His appearance returned to normal. He instructs the disciples not to tell anyone what they have seen until after His resurrection.
The descent from the mountain is a reminder that moments of divine revelation are not an end in themselves. They are meant to strengthen and equip us for the journey ahead. For Jesus and His disciples, the journey would lead to the cross, a place of suffering and sacrifice. But the Transfiguration reminds us that the cross is not the end; it is the path to glory.
### The Significance of the Transfiguration
The Transfiguration is rich with theological and spiritual significance. Here are some key truths it reveals:
1. **The Divinity of Jesus**: The Transfiguration is a powerful affirmation of Jesus’ divine nature. It reveals Him as the Son of God, the radiance of God’s glory, and the exact representation of His being (Hebrews 1:3).
2. **The Fulfillment of Scripture**: The presence of Moses and Elijah underscores that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. He is the One to whom all of Scripture points, the culmination of God’s redemptive plan.
3. **The Glory of the Kingdom**: The Transfiguration offers a glimpse of the glory of the kingdom of God. It is a foretaste of the future, when Jesus will return in glory and all creation will be renewed.
4. **The Call to Listen and Follow**: The Father’s command to “listen to him” is a call to discipleship. It reminds us that our faith is not just about moments of revelation but about a lifelong journey of following Jesus.
### Lessons for Our Spiritual Journey
The Transfiguration is not just a story from the past; it is a living, breathing reality that speaks to our lives today. Here are some lessons we can draw from this profound event:
1. **Embrace Moments of Revelation**: Like Peter, James, and John, we all have moments of divine encounter—times when God’s presence feels especially near, when His glory breaks into our lives. These moments are gifts, meant to strengthen and encourage us.
2. **Hold Glory and Suffering in Tension**: The Transfiguration reminds us that glory and suffering are not opposites but part of the same journey. Jesus’ path to glory led through the cross, and our journey of faith will include both mountaintops and valleys.
3. **Listen to Jesus**: The Father’s command to “listen to him” is a call to prioritize Jesus’ words and teachings in our lives. It challenges us to align our thoughts, actions, and priorities with His will.
4. **Live in the Light of the Kingdom**: The Transfiguration offers a vision of the kingdom of God, a reality that is both now and not yet. It calls us to live as citizens of that kingdom, reflecting its values of love, justice, and hope in our daily lives.
5. **Share the Vision**: While the disciples were initially told not to share what they had seen, after Jesus’ resurrection, the Transfiguration became a powerful testimony to His divinity. Similarly, we are called to share the vision of God’s glory with others, pointing them to Jesus.
### Conclusion: A Glimpse of Glory
The Transfiguration is a story of divine revelation, a moment where heaven touches earth and the glory of Jesus is unveiled. It is a reminder that, no matter how ordinary or challenging our lives may seem, there is a deeper reality at work—a reality of divine love, power, and glory.
As we reflect on the Transfiguration, may we be inspired to seek moments of divine encounter, to listen to Jesus’ voice, and to live in the light of His kingdom. May we hold on to the hope that, just as Jesus was transfigured before His disciples, one day we too will be transformed, and we will see Him as He truly is.
In the end, the Transfiguration is not just a glimpse of Jesus’ divine glory; it is a glimpse of our future glory as well. It is a promise that, through Christ, we are being transformed into His likeness, from one degree of glory to another (2 Corinthians 3:18). So let us fix our eyes on Him, the radiant Son of God, and journey forward in faith, hope, and love.