Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: 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 significant in Christian theology as it reveals the divine glory of Jesus Christ and affirms His identity as the Son of God. The Transfiguration also serves as a foretaste of the coming Kingdom of God and the glorification that awaits believers. Biblical Account: The Transfiguration occurs after Jesus predicts His suffering and death and calls His disciples to take up their cross and follow Him. According to the Gospel accounts, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain, traditionally identified as Mount Tabor, although some suggest Mount Hermon. In Matthew 17:2 , it is written, "There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light." This transformation reveals Jesus' divine nature, as His appearance changes to reflect His heavenly glory. Appearance of Moses and Elijah: During the Transfiguration, Moses and Elijah appear alongside Jesus, conversing with Him. Their presence is significant for several reasons. Moses represents the Law, and Elijah represents the Prophets, symbolizing the fulfillment of the Old Testament in Jesus Christ. Luke 9:31 notes that they "appeared in glory and spoke about His departure, which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem," indicating the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through Jesus' death and resurrection. The Voice from the Cloud: As Peter suggests building three shelters for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah, 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 and underscores His unique Sonship and authority. Theological Significance: The Transfiguration serves multiple theological purposes. It confirms Jesus' divine identity and mission, providing the disciples with a glimpse of His future glory. The event also reinforces the continuity between the Old and New Testaments, as Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. Furthermore, the Transfiguration prefigures the resurrection and the glorification of believers, offering hope and encouragement to the faithful. Peter, James, and John's Experience: The disciples' reaction to the Transfiguration is one of awe and fear. In Mark 9:6 , it is noted that "they were so frightened." The experience leaves a lasting impression on them, as evidenced by Peter's later reference to the event in 2 Peter 1:16-18, where he affirms the eyewitness nature of their testimony and the majesty of Christ. Conclusion: The Transfiguration remains a profound mystery and a source of inspiration for Christians. It invites believers to contemplate the glory of Christ and the promise of transformation for those who follow Him. The event calls for a response of faith, obedience, and hope in the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ. Smith's Bible Dictionary The Transfiguration(The event in the earthly life of Christ which marks the culminating point in his public ministry, and stands midway between the temptation in the wilderness and the agony in Gethsemane, (Matthew 17:1-13; Mark 9:2-13; Luke 9:28-36) Place . Though tradition locates the transfiguration on Mount Tabor there is little to confirm this view and modern critics favor Mount Hermon, the highest mountain-top in Gaulanitis, or one of the spurs of the Anti-Lebanus. Time . --The transfiguration probably took place at night, because it could then be seen to better advantage than in daylight, and Jesus usually went to mountains to spend there the night in prayer. (Matthew 14:23,24; Luke 6:12; 21:37) The apostles were asleep, and are described its having kept themselves awake through the act of transfiguration. (Luke 9:32) The actors and witnesses . --Christ was the central figure, the subject of transfiguration. Moses and Elijah appeared from the heavenly world, as the representatives of the Old Testament, the one of the law the other of prophecy, to do homage to him who was the fulfillment of both. Mr. Ellicott says, "The close of the ministry of each was not after the common death of all men.? No man knew of the sepulchre of Moses, (34:6) and Elijah had passed away in the chariot and horses of fire. (2 Kings 2:11) Both were associated in men's minds with the glory of the kingdom of the Christ. The Jerusalem Targum on (Exodus 12:1) ... connects the coming of Moses with that of the Messiah. Another Jewish tradition predicts his appearance with that of Elijah." Moses the law giver and Elijah the chief of the prophets both appear talking with Christ the source of the gospel, to show that they are all one and agree in one. St. Luke, (Luke 9:31) adds the subject of their communing: "They spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem." Among the apostles the three favorite disciples, Peter, James and John were the sole witnesses of the scene-- "the sons of thunder and the man of rock." The event itself . --The transfiguration or transformation , or, as the Germans call it, the glorification , consisted in a visible manifestation of the inner glory of Christ's person, accompanied by an audible voice from heaven. It was the revelation and anticipation of his future state of glory, which was concealed under the veil of his humanity in the state of humiliation. The cloud which overshadowed the witnesses was bright or light-like, luminous, of the same kind as the cloud at the ascension. Significance of the miracle . --
Library Transfiguration Transfiguration. The Transfiguration The Transfiguration The Transfiguration The Transfiguration The Transfiguration. The Transfiguration of Christ Prayer and Transfiguration The Transfiguration Resources The: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics the Epistle of Paul To Philemon the First Epistle General Of John The Kingdom or Church of Christ the Second and Third Epistles Of John Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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