Topical Bible: Jesus, the Christ: Is Transfigured

Bible > Topical > Jesus, the Christ

◄ Jesus, the Christ: Is Transfigured ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The Transfiguration of Jesus is a pivotal event in the New Testament, recorded in the Synoptic Gospels: Matthew 17:1-9, Mark 9:2-10, and Luke 9:28-36. This event is a profound revelation of Jesus' divine nature and a significant moment in His earthly ministry, offering a glimpse of His glory and affirming His identity as the Son of God.

Biblical Account

The Transfiguration occurs after Jesus predicts His suffering and death and speaks of the cost of discipleship. According to the Gospel accounts, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John, His closest disciples, up a high mountain, traditionally identified as Mount Tabor. There, He is transfigured before them. Matthew 17:2 describes the scene: "There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light."

During this miraculous event, Moses and Elijah appear, conversing with Jesus. Their presence is significant, representing the Law and the Prophets, respectively, and highlighting Jesus as the fulfillment of both. Luke 9:31 notes that they spoke of Jesus' "departure, which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem," referring to His impending crucifixion and resurrection.

Divine Affirmation

As the disciples witness this extraordinary vision, a bright cloud envelops them, and a voice from the cloud declares, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!" (Matthew 17:5). This divine affirmation echoes the voice heard at Jesus' baptism, reinforcing His divine sonship and authority.

The disciples, overwhelmed by fear, fall facedown. Jesus approaches and touches them, saying, "Get up. Do not be afraid" (Matthew 17:7). When they look up, they see no one except Jesus, signifying the end of the vision.

Theological Significance

The Transfiguration serves multiple theological purposes. It confirms Jesus' divine nature and prefigures His resurrection glory. The event also strengthens the faith of the disciples, preparing them for the trials ahead, including Jesus' passion and death. The presence of Moses and Elijah underscores Jesus as the culmination of God's redemptive plan, bridging the Old and New Covenants.

Furthermore, the command to "Listen to Him" emphasizes the authority of Jesus' teachings and the necessity of obedience to His words. The Transfiguration thus serves as a divine endorsement of Jesus' mission and message.

Symbolism and Interpretation

The dazzling transformation of Jesus' appearance symbolizes the divine light and glory inherent in Him. The mountain setting evokes biblical theophanies, such as Moses receiving the Law on Mount Sinai, and signifies a place of divine revelation. The cloud represents God's presence, reminiscent of the Shekinah glory that filled the tabernacle and temple.

The Transfiguration is also seen as an eschatological foreshadowing, offering a glimpse of the future glory that awaits believers. It reassures the faithful of the ultimate victory of Christ and the hope of sharing in His glory.

Conclusion

The Transfiguration of Jesus is a moment of profound revelation and divine affirmation, central to understanding His identity and mission. It stands as a testament to His glory, a source of encouragement for His followers, and a call to heed His teachings.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 17:1-13
And after six days Jesus takes Peter, James, and John his brother, and brings them up into an high mountain apart,
Nave's Topical Index

Mark 9:2-13
And after six days Jesus takes with him Peter, and James, and John, and leads them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.
Nave's Topical Index

Luke 9:28-36
And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

He was Transfigured
... The DESIRE of AGES Chapter 46 He Was Transfigured. ... Evening is drawing on as Jesus
calls to His side three ... Christ has lifted burdens from mind and body of many ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 46 he was transfigured.htm

The Transfiguration of Christ
... OF CHRIST. And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and
bringeth them up into an high mountain apart. And was transfigured before them ...
/.../newton/the life of jesus christ for the young/the transfiguration of christ.htm

Christ's Transfiguration
... because these very persons that were not to see Christ transfigured, were hereafter ...
Because Christ Jesus was to be like Moses, who was taken up into a mountain ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/christs transfiguration.htm

Whether it was Fitting that Christ Should be Transfigured?
... it seems that it should not have been transfigured. ... Therefore Christ's assuming clarity
should not be called a ... written (Mat.17:2) that Jesus "was transfigured ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether it was fitting that 10.htm

The Transfiguration of Christ. (Luke, ix. , 29-36. )
... following view of the narrative: Jesus retired in ... he appeared to them glorified and
transfigured with celestial ... is the deep impression which Christ's words had ...
/.../section 185 the transfiguration of.htm

Watkinson -- the Transfigured Sackcloth
... by permission of BP Button & Company from "The Transfigured Sackcloth and ... More than
any other teacher Jesus Christ emphasized the actuality and awfulness of sin ...
/.../the worlds great sermons volume 8/watkinson the transfigured sackcloth.htm

The Distinction of the Father and the Son, Thus Established, He ...
... learnt, I suppose, in the school of Valentinus, making two"Jesus and Christ. ... the
Word became flesh,"whether it was by having been transfigured, as it ...
/.../tertullian/against praxeas/chapter xxvii the distinction of the.htm

Jesus Only
... be with Jesus, and Moses, and Elias, than to be with Jesus only. Now it was certainly
good that for once in his life he should see Christ transfigured with the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 16 1870/jesus only.htm

The Incarnation and Birth of Christ
... No food like Jesus to the desponding soul or to the strongest saint. ... We have repaired
even to Tabor itself, where Christ was transfigured, and yet there we ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the incarnation and birth of.htm

Christ's Conversation with the Pharisees in Regard to the Mode of ...
The Life of Jesus Christ in Its Historical Connexion. ... are unnatural and repugnant;
although, when Christ is present ... joys are sanctified and transfigured by the ...
/.../section 137 christs conversation with.htm