The Transfiguration 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 for its revelation of Jesus Christ's divine glory and the affirmation of His messianic mission. It serves as a profound moment of divine revelation and theological significance within the Christian faith.

Biblical Account:

The Transfiguration occurs after Jesus predicts His suffering and death, providing a foretaste of His future glory. According to the Gospel accounts, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John, His closest disciples, up a high mountain. The specific mountain is not named in the Scriptures, though tradition often identifies it as Mount Tabor.

While on the mountain, Jesus is transfigured before them. His appearance changes dramatically: "His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light" (Matthew 17:2). This radiant transformation signifies the divine nature of Christ, revealing His glory to the disciples.

Presence of Moses and Elijah:

During the Transfiguration, Moses and Elijah appear alongside Jesus, conversing with Him. Their presence is deeply symbolic. Moses represents the Law, and Elijah represents the Prophets, together embodying the entirety of the Old Testament. Their appearance with Jesus signifies the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets in Him, affirming His role as the Messiah.

Divine Voice:

A 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 pronouncement echoes the voice heard at Jesus' baptism and serves as a divine endorsement of Jesus' identity and mission. The command to "listen to Him" underscores the authority of Jesus' teachings and the necessity of obedience to His words.

Disciples' Reaction:

The disciples, overwhelmed by the divine presence and the voice, fall facedown in fear. 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. This moment emphasizes the unique and singular role of Jesus as the Son of God, distinct from even the greatest figures of the Old Testament.

Theological Significance:

The Transfiguration is a theophany, a visible manifestation of God, revealing the divine nature of Christ. It serves as a confirmation of Jesus' identity as the Son of God and His mission to fulfill the Law and the Prophets. The event foreshadows the glory of the resurrected Christ and the future glory of His second coming.

The presence of Moses and Elijah highlights the continuity and fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through Jesus. The divine voice affirms Jesus' authority and the necessity of heeding His teachings. The Transfiguration strengthens the faith of the disciples, preparing them for the trials to come, particularly Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection.

References in Other Scriptures:

The Transfiguration is alluded to in 2 Peter 1:16-18, where Peter recounts the event as an eyewitness, emphasizing its significance in confirming the prophetic word. The event is also referenced in the broader context of Christ's glory and the believer's transformation in passages such as 2 Corinthians 3:18.

Liturgical Observance:

The Transfiguration is commemorated in the Christian liturgical calendar, particularly in Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Anglican traditions, often celebrated on August 6th. This observance highlights the event's importance in the life of Christ and its implications for Christian faith and practice.