Matthew 17:1-13

Jesus in His glory, transfigured Matthew 17:1-13: It was probably on Mount Hermon that the transfiguration took place. Jesus had gone up on this mountain to pray. Luke describes it this way, "Now it came to pass, about eight days after these sayings, that He took Peter, John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening." (Luke 9:28-29)

Observe that Jesus took with Him Peter, James and John. Moses and Elijah appeared with Jesus. He was "Transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light." (Matthew 17:2) Peter wanted to do something. He suggested that they would build three tabernacles, one for Jesus, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. (Matthew 17:4) Instead, God wanted the disciples to listen to Jesus. (Matthew 17:5) Even the glory of the transfiguration was not without thought of the suffering and death that awaited the Redeemer. (Matthew 17:12)

The word "transfigure" means to transform the appearance of someone or something. In the case of Jesus the purpose of the transfiguration was designed to reveal His spiritual magnificence. Observe the components involved in the Transfiguration. (1) First, there were the glorious lights that came forth from Jesus. "His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light." (2) Second, There was appearance of Moses and Elias (Elijah). Luke 9:30 says, "And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias." (3) Third, there was the discussion that took place. Moses and Elias "appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem." (Luke 9:31) The discussion centered in redemption by the sacrifice of Jesus. (4) Fourth, Moses represented The Law, and Elias represented The Prophets. Both now surrender to the authority of Jesus. It was to Him that they had pointed men. (5) The final element of the transfiguration was a voice from heaven. "While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him." (Matthew 17:5) The Messiah has come and now man is obligated to listen to and to obey Him.