The Transfiguration of Jesus: A Biblical Turning Point | Ministry Answers (2024)

February 21, 2022 by Editor

The Transfiguration of Jesus is one of the most important events in the Bible. It is a turning point in the Gospel narratives where Jesus reveals his divine nature and coming sacrifice to his disciples. This event marks a shift in Jesus’ ministry, from preaching and teaching to preparing for his death. In this blog post, we will explore the Transfiguration of Jesus and what it means for Christians today!

Important Questions and Answers about the Transfiguration

How does Transfiguration relate to Christians today?

Transfiguration relates to Christians today by showing us that God is not just an idea or concept – rather He exists in a tangible way and is willing to reveal Himself to us. Transfiguration also reminds us that Jesus is the only way to know God, because He is the one who came down from heaven and revealed Him (John 14:11). Finally, Transfiguration challenges Christians to put their faith in Jesus and follow Him no matter what the cost may be (Matthew 16:24). Transfiguration helps us understand what it means to be a disciple. Transfiguration shows us how Jesus shares divine glory with other people, because he wants everyone to experience salvation and not just an idea or concept – rather He exists in a tangible way that can reveal Himself to us. Transfiguration also reminds us that Jesus is the only way to know God.

Unlike Moses, Jesus gave us direct access to God and eternal life. Through his grace and the power of his resurrection we will taste death only once. Our human body can be transformed to be the same dazzling white light as our Savior. This revelation gives us great hope. It’s perhaps the most powerful moment of the New Testament and Old Testament, besides the resurrection of Christ.

Teaching Reference for The Transfiguration of Lord Jesus Christ

• Download a free Transfiguration of Jesus Sunday School Lesson on Luke 9:28-36
• Compare another Children’s Sermon on the Transfiguration of Jesus
• Compare several free PDF Sunday School Lesson Plans on the Transfiguration of Jesus from Matthew 17:1-9 & Mark 9:2-9

Matthew 17:1-12 NIV The Transfiguration

The story of Jesus’ transfiguration from the Synoptic Gospel of Matthew:

17After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and Johnthe 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. 4Peter said to Jesus, “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.” 5While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.Listen to him!” 6When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified.7But Jesus came and touched them.“Get up,”he said.“Don’t be afraid.”8When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus. 9As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them,“Don’t tell anyonewhat you have seen, until the Son of Manhas been raised from the dead.” 10The disciples asked him, “Why then do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?” 11Jesus replied,“To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things.12But I tell you, Elijah has already come,and they did not recognize him, but have done to him everything they wished.In the same way the Son of Man is going to sufferat their hands.”13Then the disciples understood that he was talking to them about John the Baptist.

Luke 9:28-36 NIV: The Transfiguration

The story of Jesus’ transfiguration from the Synoptic Gospel of Luke:

28About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and Jameswith him and went up onto a mountain to pray.29As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning.30Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus.31They spoke about his departure,which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem.32Peter and his companions were very sleepy,but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him.33As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, “Master,it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what he was saying.) 34While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and covered them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud.35A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen;listen to him.”36When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves and did not tell anyone at that time what they had seen.

Mark 9:2-9 ESV The Transfiguration

The story of Christ’s transfiguration form the Synoptic Gospel of Mark:

2And after six days Jesus took with himPeter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he wastransfigured before them,3andhis clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no oneon earth could bleach them.4And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus.5And Peter said to Jesus,“Rabbi,it is good that we are here. Let us make threetents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.”6Forhe did not know what to say, for they were terrified.7Anda cloud overshadowed them, anda voice came out of the cloud,“This is my beloved Son;listen to him.”8And suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them but Jesus only. 9And as they were coming down the mountain,he charged them to tell no one what they had seen,until the Son of Man had risen from the dead.

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