Topical Encyclopedia The Transfiguration of Jesus is a pivotal event in the New Testament, recorded in the Synoptic Gospels: Matthew 17:1-9, Mark 9:2-10, and Luke 9:28-36. This event is a profound revelation of Jesus' divine nature and a significant moment in His earthly ministry, providing a glimpse of His heavenly glory.Biblical Account According to the Gospel accounts, the Transfiguration took place on a high mountain, traditionally identified as Mount Tabor, although some scholars suggest Mount Hermon due to its proximity to Caesarea Philippi. Jesus took with Him Peter, James, and John, His closest disciples, to witness this extraordinary event. As described in Matthew 17:2 , "There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light." This transformation revealed Jesus' divine glory, a visible manifestation of His divine nature, which had been veiled in His humanity. During the Transfiguration, Moses and Elijah appeared, conversing with Jesus. Their presence is significant, representing the Law and the Prophets, respectively, and symbolizing the fulfillment of the Old Testament in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Luke 9:31 notes that they spoke of Jesus' "departure, which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem," referring to His impending crucifixion and resurrection. The Voice from the Cloud A cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud declared, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!" (Matthew 17:5). This divine affirmation echoes the voice heard at Jesus' baptism (Matthew 3:17) and underscores His unique Sonship and authority. The command to "listen to Him" emphasizes the supremacy of Jesus' teaching and His fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. The Disciples' Reaction The disciples, overwhelmed by the divine presence, fell facedown in fear. Jesus approached and touched them, saying, "Get up. Do not be afraid" (Matthew 17:7). When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus, signifying the centrality of Christ in God's redemptive plan. Theological Significance The Transfiguration serves multiple theological purposes. It confirms Jesus' divine identity to His disciples, preparing them for the coming challenges of His passion and crucifixion. It also prefigures the glory of the resurrected Christ and the future glory of believers, as promised in Romans 8:17-18. Furthermore, the event reinforces the continuity between the Old and New Covenants, with Jesus as the fulfillment of both. The presence of Moses and Elijah highlights the unity of God's redemptive history, culminating in Christ. Instruction to Silence After the Transfiguration, Jesus instructed the disciples not to tell anyone about the vision until "the Son of Man has been raised from the dead" (Matthew 17:9). This command reflects the necessity of understanding Jesus' mission in light of His death and resurrection, which would only be fully comprehended after these events. Conclusion The Transfiguration remains a cornerstone of Christian theology, illustrating the divine nature of Christ, the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets, and the promise of future glory for believers. It is a testament to the majesty and authority of Jesus, the beloved Son of God. |