What does Jesus' transfiguration reveal about His divine nature and mission? The Radiant Transformation in Context • Luke 9:29: “As He was praying, the appearance of His face changed, and His clothes became radiantly white.” • A literal, historical moment on a real mountain (v. 28) witnessed by Peter, John, and James (v. 32). • Set between Peter’s confession (v. 20) and Jesus’ first passion prediction (v. 22), signaling that glory and suffering belong together in His saving work. Unveiling His Divine Nature • Visible Glory – The dazzling brightness echoes Exodus 34:29–35, yet Moses reflected God’s glory; Jesus radiates it from within. – Hebrews 1:3: “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature.” • Supernatural Identity Affirmed – Voice of the Father (Luke 9:35) repeats Luke 3:22, underscoring eternal Sonship. – Matthew’s parallel adds “His face shone like the sun” (Matthew 17:2), matching Old Testament theophanies (Ezekiel 1:26–28). • Fulfillment of Law and Prophets – Moses (Law) and Elijah (Prophets) appear (Luke 9:30), pointing to Jesus as the promised climax of all Scripture (Luke 24:27). • Pre-Incarnate Glory Revealed – John 17:5 links: “Father, glorify Me in Your presence with the glory I had with You before the world existed.” Confirming His Messianic Mission • Conversation About the Cross – Luke 9:31: Moses and Elijah “spoke about His departure [exodus] which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.” – Connects the Old Testament exodus to Jesus’ greater redemption through His death and resurrection. • The Father’s Command – “Listen to Him!” (Luke 9:35) elevates Jesus above every previous mediator, calling disciples to obey His path to the cross (Luke 9:23). • Foreshadow of Resurrection Glory – The transfigured brilliance previews the risen Christ (Luke 24:4; Revelation 1:13–16). • Strength for the Disciples – 2 Peter 1:16–18: Peter later recalls the event as evidence that the gospel message rests on “majestic glory,” not myth. • Mission to Reveal God Fully – Colossians 1:19–20: “For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things…” – The mountain moment authenticates that His coming suffering will not diminish His deity but accomplish divine reconciliation. Encouragement for Today • The same Jesus who shone on the mountain now intercedes for believers (Hebrews 7:25). • His unveiled glory guarantees the certainty of His promises (2 Corinthians 1:20). • Our hope: “When He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2). |
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