The transfiguration of Jesus is documented by Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Each records that Jesus Himself spoke about it (Matt.16:28–17:9; Mark 9:1–9; Luke 9:28–36). Jesus spoke of the transfiguration both before and after that unique event when His human body underwent a temporary transformation. The Synoptic Gospels indicate that the transfiguration had a particular relevance to those disciples who witnessed it and were forbidden to speak about it for a while. We will use Jesus’ statements to consider the transfiguration.
The Kingdom of God
First, Jesus mentions the kingdom of God. Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom” (Matt.16:28, emphasis added). All three evangelists connect the transfiguration with the kingdom of God. Luke describes it as “the kingdom of God”; Mark adds the words “come with power”; Matthew mentions “the Son of Man.” In spite of these minor but significant variations, they all place this saying immediately before the transfiguration.
Matthew and Mark record that Jesus and His disciples were in the region of Caesarea Philippi (Luke mentions no location) when He asked them for common views about His identity. His gracious words and powerful deeds had raised the question of whether He was the promised Messiah. The replies assigned Jesus the honored category of a notable prophet. He then turned the question to the disciples, asking, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter’s reply that He was God’s Messiah was wiser than he knew. He protested vehemently when Jesus informed the Twelve of His impending rejection and crucifixion. Peter was thinking of messiahship in the same way as his fellow Jews, who expected merely a prophet or a national deliverer, someone like Theudas or Judas of Galilee (Acts 5:36–37). Peter was reproved as emphatically as he had been declared blessed. The disciples were informed that not only did a “cross” await Jesus because He wasGod’s Messiah, but “a cross” also awaited all who followed Him (Matt. 10:38; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23).
The transfiguration pointed to Jesus’ future resurrection and glory.
The “some” who were standing there who would not taste death until they saw the kingdom of God were Peter, James, and John, whomJesus “took and led up a high mountain by themselves” (Mark 9:1–2).1 James and Peter were to be martyred, and John was to be incarcerated. But their deaths would result in reward when the Son of Man comes “with his angels in the glory of his Father” (Matt. 16:27). The transfiguration was a momentary disclosure to them of the supremacy of Jesus as God’s King and the security of His servants at the end of all things (see Dan. 7:13–14).
Jesus’ Death and Resurrection
Secondly, Jesus said, “Tell no one the vision until the Son of Man is raised from the dead” (Matt. 17:9). The Lord’s prohibition was solemn and explicit (Matt. 17:9; Mark. 9:9). It was, however, time-related, and its validity expired when Jesus rose from the dead. Luke records after the event that the three disciples “kept silent and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen” (Luke 9:36).
Frequently, Jesus forbade those whom He healed to speak publicly about Him in order to reduce popular excitement and the antagonism of the leaders of the Jews. However, that is not an adequate explanation here because it is Peter, James, and John who were explicitly charged to disclose nothing of what they had seen and heard, not even to their fellow disciples. Why did Jesus prohibit them, and only do so for the time being?
The explanation lies in their failure to understand what had taken place. What might they have said if they had not been forbidden? On the mountain, Peter had interrupted Moses, Elijah, and Jesus with a remark that caused a divine intervention. They were speaking to Jesus about His departure (the Greek word is exodos) “which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem” (Luke 9:31). Representing the Law and the Prophets, Moses and Elijah were looking and longing for what the exodus from Egypt for the land of promise was typifying. But Peter and the rest were thinking of Jesus on the mountain more like Moses on Sinai and Elijah on Carmel—and not the Messiah on Mount Calvary. Peter had wanted to celebrate Jesus along with Moses by a Feast of Booths. A little later, James and John (probably thinking of Elijah, see 2 Kings 1) would want to call down fire from heaven on the Samaritans (Luke 9:54). They were not only wanting to perpetuate Judaism and fit Jesus into it, but also to have top table positions in the kingdom for themselves (Mark 10:35).
Remember, the transfiguration was before Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. After—and because of—Jesus’ resurrection, the promised Holy Spirit came, and Peter had something much better to preach (see Acts 2:14–37; 10:34–43; 2 Peter 1:16–18). The transfiguration pointed to Jesus’ future resurrection and glory. John wrote his whole gospel and Apocalypse perhaps recalling that “we beheld his glory” (John 1:14).
Even though the transfiguration was not repeated, it is an important element in Apostolic Christianity and, therefore, it has an abiding message for every Christian and the worldwide church.
- “Taste” is a metaphor for experience and “until” means “before.”↩
FAQs
Summary. Jesus took Peter, James and John up a high mountain. He was transfigured. – his face shone like the sun and his clothes became dazzling white.
What is the main message of the transfiguration? ›
This appearance was an affirmation of Jesus as the fulfillment of the law and the prophets. The whole phenomenon of the transfiguration was an affirmation of Jesus as the Messiah. For a moment the glass, through which only half-truth could be seen, was removed, and the ultimate truth was revealed.
Why did Moses and Elijah appear in the Transfiguration? ›
I have argued, based on both the Old Testament and Jewish exegetical traditions, that the most likely reason for the appearance of Moses and Elijah is that these two prophets received similar theophanies at Mount Sinai, which suggests that the Transfiguration should be read as a theophany.
Did the transfiguration happen before the crucifixion? ›
Christ's Transfiguration is mentioned in three of the Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—and in the Second Epistle of Peter. His Transfiguration took place 40 days before His Passion, so it is always closely tied to the Crucifixion.
What happened to Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration? ›
The Transfiguration of Jesus is an event described in the New Testament, where Jesus is transfigured and becomes radiant in glory upon a mountain. The Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 17:1–8, Mark 9:2–8, Luke 9:28–36) recount the occasion, and the Second Epistle of Peter also refers to it (2 Peter 1:16–18).
Why did Jesus only take three disciples to the Transfiguration? ›
Essentially, these three apostles were more intimately associated with the suffering of Christ: first Pope (Peter), first Martyr (James), only Apostle at the crucifixion and guardian of Mary (John). Their intense suffering required them to be present at the Transfiguration and the Agony in the Garden.
What is the relationship between Christ's Transfiguration and the cross? ›
His Transfiguration was to instruct the apostles to see him as truly the Son of God in all circ*mstances, even when his bloody body would hang on the cross. For when Christ would suffer on the cross, he would seem least like the Messiah.
What happens after the transfiguration of Jesus? ›
All the synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) include cross talk from Jesus following this event. After the Transfiguration, Jesus sets His face on Jerusalem and the events by which he accomplished our salvation.
Will we recognize each other in heaven? ›
The basis of Paul's encouragement and comfort is that we'll be together with those we love and with the Lord forever in heaven. Our fellowship with our Christian loved ones goes right on! We'll pick up where we left off, and we will know even as we are known. We will recognize Him and others, even as they recognize us.
Why did Jesus enter Transfiguration? ›
The experience of the Transfiguration is meant to point forward to the sufferings Jesus is about to experience. It is meant to strengthen the disciples faith, revealing to them in a powerful way the divine hand that is at work in the events Jesus will undergo.
Appearing with Christ at the transfiguration would not have posed a problem for Elijah; he had already spent much time with Jesus in heaven before His human birth in Bethlehem. Moses, on the other hand, died in the wilderness before the Israelite people entered into the Promised Land.
Who was the first person to go to heaven alive? ›
The text of the Book of Genesis says Enoch lived 365 years before he was taken by God. The text reads that Enoch "walked with God: and he was no more; for God took him" (Gen 5:21–24), which is interpreted as Enoch entering heaven alive in some Jewish and Christian traditions, and interpreted differently in others.
Why is the transfiguration so important? ›
At the Basilica, the Transfiguration is depicted in the Rosary Walk and Garden, the Our Lady of Pompei Chapel, and the Incarnation Dome. This event is significant in Jesus' life and ministry because it confirms his divinity and demonstrates how he fulfills the Old Testament scriptures.
What is the lesson of the transfiguration? ›
As simple as it may sound, what we can learn from the Transfiguration is this: Christian community that pleases the Father and honors His Word is all about Jesus–who He is, what He has done, and what matters. The Christian community is preoccupied with Jesus because heaven is preoccupied with Jesus.
What is the spiritual meaning of Transfiguration? ›
The Transfiguration is recorded in all three of the Synoptic Gospels (Mark 9:2–13; Matthew 17:1–13; Luke 9:28–36) and is understood to have been the revelation of the eternal glory of the second person of the Trinity, which was normally veiled during Christ's life on earth.
Was the Holy Spirit present at the Transfiguration? ›
Was the Holy Spirit present at the Transfiguration? Yes, all three Persons of the Most Blessed Trinity were present at the Transfiguration. St. Thomas Aquinas said, "The whole Trinity appeared: the Father in the voice; the Son in the man; the Spirit in the shining cloud."
What is the link between the transfiguration of Jesus and the Eucharist? ›
The connection between the Transfiguration and the Eucharist highlights Jesus' identity, his teachings, and the transformative power of his sacrifice. As we partake in the Eucharist, may we remember the words spoken on the mountain: “This is my Son, the Beloved; he enjoys my favor.
Why is there no Transfiguration in John? ›
The phrase, listen to him, brings to mind Deut 18.15, referring to the prophet like Moses. The allusion identifies Jesus as that figure. John does not record the transfiguration probably because for him Jesus' glory is evident throughout his earthly ministry (1.14) and revealed especially in his death (7.39; 12.16).
