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 serves as a foretaste of the coming Kingdom of God and provides a profound revelation of Jesus' divine nature to His closest disciples.

Biblical Account:
The Transfiguration occurs after Jesus predicts His suffering and death and emphasizes the cost of discipleship. 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. There, He is transfigured before them. Matthew 17:2 states, "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 symbolizes the Law and the Prophets, affirming 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:
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 affirmation echoes the voice heard at Jesus' baptism and underscores His unique sonship and authority. The command to "listen to Him" emphasizes the supremacy of Jesus' teachings and His role as the ultimate revelation of God.

Theological Significance:
The Transfiguration is rich in theological meaning. It serves as a confirmation of Jesus' divine nature and His messianic mission. The event prefigures the glory of the resurrected Christ and the future glory of believers. It also reinforces the continuity between the Old and New Covenants, with Jesus as the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets.

The presence of Moses and Elijah highlights the eschatological hope in Jesus as the one who inaugurates the Kingdom of God. The Transfiguration provides the disciples with a glimpse of Jesus' divine majesty, strengthening their faith in preparation for the trials to come.

Disciples' Response:
The disciples' reaction is one of awe and fear. Peter, in his impulsive nature, suggests building three shelters for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah, indicating a desire to prolong the experience (Mark 9:5). However, the voice from the cloud redirects their focus to Jesus alone. The disciples fall to the ground in fear, but Jesus reassures them, saying, "Get up. Do not be afraid" (Matthew 17:7).

Aftermath:
As they descend the mountain, Jesus instructs the disciples to keep the vision to themselves until after His resurrection (Mark 9:9). This command underscores the necessity of understanding the Transfiguration in light of the resurrection, which fully reveals Jesus' identity and mission.

Conclusion:
The Transfiguration of Jesus remains a profound testament to His divine glory and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. It continues to inspire believers to recognize Jesus as the Son of God and to heed His teachings as the ultimate revelation of God's will.