The Transfiguration of Jesus Christ, recorded in Matthew 17:1-9, Mark 9:2-10, and Luke 9:28-36, is one of the most extraordinary events in the New Testament. This moment revealed Christ’s divine glory to His disciples and provided a glimpse of the Millennial Kingdom, where Christ, resurrected saints, and human beings will dwell together in harmony. This essay will explore the setting, the participants, the dialogue, and the profound theological implications of the Transfiguration, drawing on Scripture and the insights of dispensational scholars like John Walvoord.
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The Setting and the Inner Circle of Disciples
The Disciples: An Inner Circle
While Jesus had many disciples, He often selected Peter, James, and John to witness events of unique significance. These three men formed His “inner circle,” accompanying Him during pivotal moments, such as the raising of Jairus’s daughter (Mark 5:37) and His anguish in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-37).
- Peter: Often bold and impetuous, Peter was a leader among the disciples. His confession of Jesus as the Christ (Matthew 16:16) revealed his deep, albeit sometimes faltering, faith.
- James: Known as “James the Greater,” he was the elder brother of John and the first apostle to be martyred (Acts 12:2), demonstrating his unwavering commitment to Christ.
- John: The “beloved disciple,” John exemplified deep intimacy with Jesus and later authored the Gospel of John, three epistles, and Revelation.
These three were chosen because of their potential to lead the early church and their deepening understanding of Christ’s mission, though they still wrestled with questions and doubts, as evidenced during the Transfiguration.
The Mountain
The exact mountain where the Transfiguration occurred is not named in Scripture. Scholars debate between Mount Tabor and Mount Hermon. Mount Tabor, a prominent peak in Galilee, is often favored in tradition, though its inhabited status at the time makes it less likely. Mount Hermon, near Caesarea Philippi, is geographically closer to the events preceding the Transfiguration (Matthew 16:13-28) and is considered a probable location.
Both locations carry rich symbolism. Mountains often represent divine encounters and revelation in Scripture, as seen with Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:20) and Elijah on Mount Horeb (1 Kings 19:8-18). The Transfiguration follows this tradition of God revealing His glory in a high place.
The Transfiguration Event: A Revelation of Glory
The Appearance of Christ
As Peter, James, and John watched, Jesus’s appearance was dramatically transformed:
- “His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light” (Matthew 17:2).
- Mark describes His clothes as “dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them” (Mark 9:3).
- Luke adds that “the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning” (Luke 9:29).
This radiant transformation revealed Christ’s divine nature, a foreshadowing of His glorified state in the Millennial Kingdom.
The Appearance of Moses and Elijah
Moses and Elijah appeared, speaking with Jesus about His impending departure, or “exodus,” which He was about to accomplish in Jerusalem (Luke 9:31). Moses, representing the Law, and Elijah, representing the Prophets, symbolized the entirety of the Old Testament pointing to Christ. Their presence affirmed Jesus as the fulfillment of both the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 5:17).
- Recognition: Remarkably, Peter immediately recognized Moses and Elijah, though he had never seen them before. This recognition underscores the supernatural nature of the event and offers a glimpse into the future Millennial Kingdom, where resurrected saints and humans will coexist and recognize one another.
Peter’s Response and the Heavenly Voice
Overwhelmed, Peter suggested building three shelters for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah (Matthew 17:4). While his intentions were sincere, they revealed his misunderstanding of the moment’s significance. He sought to preserve the experience rather than comprehend its meaning.
As Peter spoke, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud declared, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” (Matthew 17:5). The Father’s affirmation echoed His words at Jesus’s baptism (Matthew 3:17), emphasizing Christ’s unique authority and role.
The Millennial Kingdom: A Foreshadowing
Dispensational scholars like John Walvoord highlight the Transfiguration as a preview of the Millennial Kingdom. During this future reign of Christ:
- Christ’s Glory Will Be Revealed: The radiant glory of Jesus at the Transfiguration foreshadows His visible reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Revelation 19:16).
- Resurrected Saints Will Interact with Humanity: The presence of Moses and Elijah alongside Peter, James, and John illustrates the coexistence of glorified saints and mortal humans in the Kingdom.
- Instant Recognition and Communication: Peter’s immediate recognition of Moses and Elijah suggests that in the Millennial Kingdom, believers will possess the ability to recognize and interact with one another, regardless of earthly limitations.
This glimpse reassures believers that God’s plan encompasses the redemption of humanity and the restoration of all creation.
Theological Implications and Lessons
The Supremacy of Christ
The Transfiguration confirms Christ’s divine authority. The Father’s command to “listen to him” underscores Jesus as the ultimate revelation of God, surpassing the Law and the Prophets.
The Reality of Resurrection
The presence of Moses and Elijah demonstrates the reality of resurrection and eternal life. Their conversation with Jesus highlights the continuity of God’s plan across history.
The Call to Behold His Glory
For the disciples, the Transfiguration strengthened their faith amid the coming trials of Jesus’s death and resurrection. For believers today, it serves as a reminder to anticipate Christ’s return and the glory of His Kingdom.
Conclusion: A Glimpse of Glory
The Transfiguration stands as a moment of unparalleled significance in the Gospels. It revealed Christ’s divine nature, affirmed His fulfillment of the Old Testament, and provided a glimpse into the future Millennial Kingdom. For believers, it offers assurance of the resurrection, the hope of Christ’s reign, and the promise of eternal fellowship with God.
As we reflect on this event, let us be reminded of Peter’s words in 2 Peter 1:16-18: “We were eyewitnesses of his majesty…we ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.” The Transfiguration calls us to worship the risen Christ and live in anticipation of His glorious return.
All Scripture quoted from:
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
