Topical Encyclopedia The Transfiguration of Jesus Christ stands as one of the most profound and revealing miracles recorded in the New Testament, showcasing His divine nature and glory. This event is documented in the Synoptic Gospels: Matthew 17:1-9, Mark 9:2-10, and Luke 9:28-36. Each account provides a unique perspective on this miraculous event, emphasizing its significance in the life and ministry of Jesus.Context and Setting The Transfiguration occurs after Jesus predicts His suffering and death and calls His disciples to take up their cross and follow Him. It takes place on a high mountain, traditionally identified as Mount Tabor, although some scholars suggest Mount Hermon due to its proximity to Caesarea Philippi, where the preceding events occur. Jesus takes with Him Peter, James, and John, His closest disciples, to witness this extraordinary event. The Miracle Described As described in Matthew 17:2 , "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 glory, a visible manifestation of His divine nature that had been veiled in His humanity. The dazzling brightness signifies purity, holiness, and the presence of God, reminiscent of the Shekinah glory that filled the tabernacle and temple in the Old Testament. The Appearance of Moses and Elijah During the Transfiguration, Moses and Elijah appear and converse with Jesus. Luke 9:31 notes that they "appeared in glory and spoke about His departure, which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem." Moses, representing the Law, and Elijah, representing the Prophets, signify the fulfillment of the Old Testament in Christ. Their presence underscores Jesus as the culmination of God's redemptive plan, bridging the Old and New Covenants. Peter's Response and the Divine Voice Peter, overwhelmed by the vision, suggests erecting three tabernacles for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. However, as he speaks, 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 identity as the Son of God and the ultimate authority to whom the disciples must listen. Theological Significance The Transfiguration serves multiple theological purposes. It provides a foretaste of the glory of the resurrected Christ and the coming Kingdom of God. It reassures the disciples of Jesus' divine nature and mission, especially in light of His impending crucifixion. The event also emphasizes the continuity and fulfillment of God's covenantal promises through Jesus, who embodies the Law and the Prophets. The Disciples' Reaction and Jesus' Instruction The disciples, witnessing the divine glory and hearing the voice of God, fall facedown in fear. Jesus approaches and touches them, saying, "Get up. Do not be afraid" (Matthew 17:7). As they look up, they see no one except Jesus. This moment highlights Jesus' role as the mediator between God and humanity, providing comfort and assurance to His followers. Jesus instructs the disciples to keep the vision to themselves until after His resurrection, as recorded in Mark 9:9 : "As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead." This command underscores the necessity of understanding His mission in light of His death and resurrection, which would reveal the full significance of the Transfiguration. Conclusion The Transfiguration of Christ remains a pivotal moment in the Gospels, revealing His divine glory and affirming His messianic mission. It serves as a powerful testament to His identity as the Son of God and the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets, offering a glimpse of the glory that awaits in the Kingdom of God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 17:1-8And after six days Jesus takes Peter, James, and John his brother, and brings them up into an high mountain apart, Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Of the Miracles Worked by Christ, in General (Four Articles) The Transfiguration The Fact of the Redeemer's Return had a Spectacular Setting Forth ... The Harmony of the Gospels. Our First Proposition Was, that There is Satisfactory Evidence ... The Life of Jesus Christ in Its Historical Connexion Prayer --The All-Important Essence of Earthly Worship John's Introduction. Christ's Message to Herod Christ's Touch Resources What is the difference between miracles and magic? | GotQuestions.orgWhat were the miracles of Jesus? What miracles did Jesus perform? | GotQuestions.org Does God still perform miracles? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit of Different Kinds Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were not to Be: Despised Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were not to Be: Neglected Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were not to Be: Purchased Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were to be Sought After Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Christ Was Endued With Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated by the Laying on of the Apostles' Hands Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated for the Confirmation of the Gospel Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated for the Edification of the Church Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated: Upon the Preaching of the Gospel Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Counterfeited by Antichrist Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Dispensed According to his Sovereign Will Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Enumerated Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Foretold Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Might be Possessed Without Saving Grace Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Poured out on the Day of Pentecost Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Temporary Nature of 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) |
    |