Today we mark the feast of the Transfiguration of Jesus, our Lord. This event is only recorded in two of the four gospel accounts (Matthew and Mark). Unlike other gospel stories, however, that give varying details regarding certain events, the details of the transfiguration are almost identical in both Matthew and Mark. Additionally, this event is a well-known biblical story by Christians of all traditions. This then begs the question: why is the transfiguration so important? Before we answer that question let us first look at the biblical details of the story.
Matthew and Mark tell us that Jesus took three of his apostles: Peter, James, and John up on a high mountain. The name of the mountain is not recorded in the gospel accounts, however, Church Tradition tells us that these events took place on Mount Tabor. Once Jesus and the three apostles got up on the mountain suddenly Jesus was “transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light” (Matt 7:2, ESV). Yet this was not the most unusual part of the story. Beside Jesus appeared “Moses and Elijah talking with him” (vs. 3). Mark‘s account includes the detail that Peter, James, and John were “terrified.” This stands to reason given the fact that apparitions of dead people do not occur every day. As they were talking to him suddenly a cloud overshadowed them and an audible voice declared, “this is my beloved Son, listen to him” (Mark 9:7). Then suddenly as it came, it was all gone, and the apostles were standing with Jesus alone as he was before.
There is too much to unpack from this story that we do not have time to cover here. Yet it would be helpful to unpack a few observations from this story to help us better understand it. First, Jesus is revealing something about himself to his apostles that he had not yet fully revealed, namely, his divinity. Jesus is no mere mortal, and not merely a prophet. He is the divine Son of God. This is revealed in the fact that he “transfigured before them.” The light that emanated from him can only be seen as divinity. The Nicene Creed describes Jesus’ divinity in the same way declaring that he is “God from God, Light from Light, True God from True God, begotten not made, of one being with the Father.” It is for this reason that he only took three of his apostles Peter, James, and John. They were among his closest friends and he could trust them with this revelation. Soon, however, this truth would be declared throughout the world.
Secondly, the presence of Moses and Elijah, who appear with him, signify that both the Law and the Prophets bear witness to the truth of Jesus’ divinity. It is also important that the biblical accounts record that Moses and Elijah appeared with him and not merely that they “appeared to be with him.” They were talking with Jesus and didn’t merely “appear” to be talking with Jesus. God is the God of the living and not the dead. Although both of these men had died, they show up in a new glorified body signifying the future glory of the resurrection.
Lastly, if we still don’t get the point, the voice from heaven, God the Father himself makes it absolutely clear, “this is my beloved Son, listen to him.” This is a call to all of us to heed the call to trust in Jesus as our only hope of salvation and to listen to him. That is the gospel at its core. If we trust, if we listen, and follow Jesus we too, will experience the glory of the resurrection.
On this feast day of the Transfiguration, may we heed the words of God the Father and listen to Jesus. The psalmist puts it this way, “Kiss the Son” (Psalm 2:12). For “blessed are those who take refuge in him.”
Collect (Prayer) of the Day
O God, who on the holy mount revealed to chosen witnesses your well-beloved Son, wonderfully transfigured, in raiment white and glistening: Mercifully grant that we, being delivered from the disquietude of this world, may by faith behold the King in his beauty; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (taken from the Book of Common Prayer, 2019).
Bible Reading
Matthew 17:1-8 (ESV)
And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.
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