The Mount of Transfiguration

The Mount of Transfiguration stands as one of the most mysterious and powerful moments in the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. This extraordinary event, recounted in the Gospel of Matthew, is a window into Jesus’ divine identity and His fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. The transfiguration was a mystical experience for Peter, James, and John and a profound spiritual revelation where God the Father publicly and supernaturally acknowledged Jesus as His beloved Son, with whom He was well pleased. This post will explore the significance of this event in Matthew 17, along with related scriptures, to shed light on its implications for understanding Jesus’ divine nature, His mission, and God’s continued work in the lives of believers.

The Setting of the Transfiguration

The transfiguration narrative begins in Matthew 17:1-2 (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.”

Jesus intentionally took only three of His disciples—Peter, James, and John—up the mountain. This choice reveals something important about the dynamics of discipleship. These three were often present for crucial moments in Jesus’ ministry, such as the raising of Jairus’ daughter (Mark 5:37) and His agony in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:37). Their experience on the Mount of Transfiguration, however, is unparalleled. As they stood in the presence of their Lord, they were given a supernatural glimpse into Jesus’ divine majesty, which had been concealed up until this point. His face shone with the sun’s brightness, and His clothes became radiantly white—symbols of His inherent divine glory.

The event’s timing is also significant. Matthew notes that this occurred “after six days,” likely referring to the time following Jesus’ conversation with His disciples about His coming death and resurrection (Matthew 16:21-28). The transfiguration thus serves as a divine affirmation of Jesus’ forthcoming suffering and glory.

The Significance of Moses and Elijah

In Matthew 17:3 (ESV), the narrative continues: “And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with Him.” This detail is immensely symbolic, as Moses and Elijah represent two foundational elements of the Old Testament: the Law and the Prophets. As the great lawgiver, Moses symbolizes the entire Torah, while Elijah, often regarded as the greatest of the prophets, stands for the prophetic tradition. Together, they point to the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets in the person of Jesus.

The appearance of Moses and Elijah also carries eschatological significance. In Jewish expectation, both figures had roles in the coming of the Messiah. Deuteronomy 18:15 (ESV) speaks of a prophet like Moses who will come, and Malachi 4:5-6 (ESV) foretells the return of Elijah before the day of the Lord. Their presence with Jesus on the mountain signals that He is indeed the promised Messiah who fulfills both the Law and the Prophets, confirming the testimony of Scripture.

Luke 9:31 adds that Moses and Elijah were speaking with Jesus about His impending “departure” or “exodus” (Luke 9:31, ESV), a term reminiscent of Moses’ exodus from Egypt. This further ties Jesus’ mission to God’s redemptive work throughout history. His death and resurrection would inaugurate a new exodus—a liberation from sin and death for all who believe.

Peter’s Response and the Heavenly Correction

Peter, ever eager but sometimes misguided, responds to this supernatural vision by suggesting that they make three tabernacles—one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. “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” (Matthew 17:4, ESV). Peter’s impulse to honor the trio with tabernacles or shelters reflects his desire to commemorate this sacred moment. However, Peter’s suggestion inadvertently places Jesus on the same level as Moses and Elijah, missing the uniqueness of Jesus’ divine sonship.

While Peter is still speaking, a voice from heaven interrupts him. “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’” (Matthew 17:5, ESV). The cloud here is reminiscent of the shekinah glory of God in the Old Testament, a manifestation of God’s presence. The voice of God the Father affirms Jesus’ sonship and commands the disciples to “listen to Him,” thereby establishing Jesus’ superiority over the Law and the Prophets. The Father’s declaration echoes earlier affirmations of Jesus’ divine sonship, particularly at His baptism (Matthew 3:17).

This is a pivotal moment. The command to “listen to Him” (Matthew 17:5, ESV) is a divine directive for the Church. In this simple yet profound statement, God the Father acknowledges Jesus as His beloved Son and affirms that Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God. The Law and the Prophets pointed to Him, but now, in the person of Jesus, God’s voice is heard most clearly. As Hebrews 1:1-2 (ESV) tells us, “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son.”

The Disciples’ Reaction

Upon hearing the voice of God, “the disciples fell on their faces and were terrified” (Matthew 17:6, ESV). This fear reaction is consistent with other Biblical accounts of encountering the divine presence. Isaiah, for example, had a similar reaction when he saw the Lord in a vision: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips” (Isaiah 6:5, ESV). The disciples’ fear was not only a natural human response to the voice of God but also an acknowledgment of their unworthiness in the presence of divine holiness.

However, Jesus’ immediate response to their fear is one of comfort and compassion. “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” (Matthew 17:7-8, ESV). This moment is filled with theological significance. The disciples are told to rise and not be afraid because they are in the presence of their loving Lord, not a distant or unapproachable deity. Jesus’ touch, His words of assurance, and the vision of “Jesus only” (Matthew 17:8, ESV) underscore that He alone is sufficient. Moses and Elijah disappear from view, reinforcing that Jesus alone is the culmination of God’s redemptive work.

Spiritual Significance for Believers Today

The Mount of Transfiguration is not just an isolated historical event; it offers deep spiritual insight for believers today. The transfiguration reveals several key truths about God and the believer’s relationship with Him.

Firstly, it demonstrates that God sometimes grants extraordinary spiritual experiences to reveal His nature more fully. As Peter, James, and John stood in awe of the transfigured Jesus, they were given a momentary glimpse of His divine glory. In much the same way, God may allow believers today to experience spiritual moments of profound significance. However, it is essential to understand that such experiences do not end in themselves. Their purpose is to focus our attention on God, just as the disciples’ attention was directed to Jesus during the transfiguration. Experiences that do not lead to more excellent worship and obedience to God are likely not from Him.

Secondly, the transfiguration teaches us that the glory of God is not distant from His people. Psalm 145:18 (ESV) reminds us, “The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.” Jesus, who revealed His glory on the mountain, also promised that He would be with His followers until the end of the age (Matthew 28:20, ESV). The transfiguration dispels the false notion that God is far removed from His creation. Rather, He is intimately involved in the lives of His people, revealing Himself through His Word and the Holy Spirit.

Thirdly, this event underscores the importance of listening to Jesus. The Father’s command, “Listen to Him” (Matthew 17:5, ESV), is a call for the Church to heed the words of Christ. His teachings, life, death, and resurrection are the ultimate revelation of God’s character and will. Therefore, to be a disciple of Jesus is to continually listen to His voice, which is primarily heard through the Scriptures. As the Gospel of John affirms, Jesus is the Word made flesh (John 1:14, ESV), and His words are spirit and life (John 6:63, ESV).

A Glimpse of the Kingdom

The transfiguration of Jesus was not merely a supernatural spectacle; it was a foretaste of the glory to come. It gave Peter, James, and John—and, by extension, all believers—a preview of Jesus’ glorified state, pointing to His future resurrection and the ultimate establishment of His Kingdom. For believers today, this event should deepen their faith in Jesus as the Son of God and encourage them to listen to Him as the Father commanded.

In the Gospel of Matthew, the transfiguration is a profound confirmation of Jesus’ divine identity and His fulfillment of the Old Testament promises. It calls believers to fix their eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of their faith (Hebrews 12:2, ESV), and to live in anticipation of the day when His glory will be fully revealed. Until that day, believers are called to listen to Him, follow Him, and trust in His redemptive work, knowing that He is the beloved Son, with whom the Father is well pleased.