1After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. 3Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.
(Matthew 17:1-3)
Thoughts: Jesus was in Caesarea Philippi (according to Matthew 16), and went to a high mountain. It does not identify the mountain- early Christians identified it as Mt. Tabor and a monastery is built there to remember the act. Jesus did not take everyone, just a few who had proven most faithful. Even today Jesus reveals more of Himself to those who are the most faithful to Him.
What was the nature of this "transfiguration"? In old literature it speaks of saints having a special light, glow or halo about them. But perhaps Jesus' glow is similar to the glow on Moses' face when he met with God on Mt. Sinai (Ex. 34:29-35). When the angels appeared at the resurrection is says (28:3): "His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow." The God of light leaves a trace like radiation on the face of the One who comes near to Him. God was especially present in glory on top of this mountain. It was symbolized by Moses (representing the Law), Elijah (representing the prophets) and the voice from heaven affirming his sonship, his pleasure with what Jesus has said and done, and the need for the disciples to listen to Jesus.
The transfiguration had a purpose. It was from here that Jesus goes to Jerusalem to die. He would face fierce applause and fiercer opposition from this point on. Moses and Elijah were both leaders who withstood the tests of their time. Moses was one of the only true believers left when he came down and saw the people reveling like pagans. Elijah was the only prophet left and they tried to kill him too. They were encouraging Jesus to persevere. Perhaps the transfiguration is for us to remember to persevere too. Let us not lost sight of those who persevered in the past nor lose sight of our future hope and reward.
What was the nature of this "transfiguration"? In old literature it speaks of saints having a special light, glow or halo about them. But perhaps Jesus' glow is similar to the glow on Moses' face when he met with God on Mt. Sinai (Ex. 34:29-35). When the angels appeared at the resurrection is says (28:3): "His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow." The God of light leaves a trace like radiation on the face of the One who comes near to Him. God was especially present in glory on top of this mountain. It was symbolized by Moses (representing the Law), Elijah (representing the prophets) and the voice from heaven affirming his sonship, his pleasure with what Jesus has said and done, and the need for the disciples to listen to Jesus.
The transfiguration had a purpose. It was from here that Jesus goes to Jerusalem to die. He would face fierce applause and fiercer opposition from this point on. Moses and Elijah were both leaders who withstood the tests of their time. Moses was one of the only true believers left when he came down and saw the people reveling like pagans. Elijah was the only prophet left and they tried to kill him too. They were encouraging Jesus to persevere. Perhaps the transfiguration is for us to remember to persevere too. Let us not lost sight of those who persevered in the past nor lose sight of our future hope and reward.
Prayer: Lord, give me grace to remember those who were faithful and follow in their footsteps. But let me also hope in the prospects of your glory.
Mt. Tabor Wikimedia picture by Boesch 7/2005
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Tabor#/media/File:Mount_of_transfiguration_is.JPG
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Tabor#/media/File:Mount_of_transfiguration_is.JPG
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