Figuring out the Transfiguration
By David Faust
During a trip to Israel, I stood on Mount Tabor and took in the panoramic view. In a place like this, God pulled back the curtain and gave Peter, John, and James a private glimpse of Christ’s radiant glory. Matthew 17:2 says Jesus’ face “shone like the sun,” Mark 9:3 says his clothes looked “whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them,” and Luke 9:29 says it was like beholding “a flash of lightning.”
Like me, maybe you find it difficult to completely figure out the transfiguration, and you wonder how this incident applies to us today. Here are some practical points to consider.
The transfiguration reminds us to make prayer a priority. The Gospels of Matthew and Mark tell about the transfiguration, but only Luke specifically mentions that on this occasion Jesus went up on the mountain to pray. Jesus’ appearance was transformed “as he was praying” (Luke 9:29). This wasn’t the first time Jesus headed to the mountains for prayer. He “often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” (Luke 5:16), and before selecting the 12 apostles he spent the night praying on a mountainside (Luke 6:12). We can pray anywhere, but there is something inspirational about praying outdoors. Nature’s beauty can open our hearts to worship the Creator.
The transfiguration also provides tantalizing hints about the afterlife. Moses and Elijah had departed from earth centuries before, but they both appeared on the mountaintop, alive and well and conversing with Jesus. They were recognizable, identifiable, and able to communicate. I won’t press the point too far, but this incident provides biblical evidence suggesting that individuals retain their identity after death. If you ever wonder if we will know each other in Heaven, this is a helpful Scripture to consider.
The transfiguration reveals the surpassing glory of Jesus Christ. Moses was the great lawgiver and Elijah was an outstanding prophet, but a greater God-revealer had arrived on the scene. The heavenly Father said of Jesus, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him” (Luke 9:35). Jesus’ three disciples watched and listened in awe while the Lord discussed with Moses and Elijah his upcoming “departure” (his death, burial, and resurrection), which would fulfill the Law and the Prophets. After God’s voice spoke from Heaven, the disciples “found that Jesus was alone” (Luke 9:36). Jesus truly stands alone, surpassing any other religious leader.
The transfiguration reminds us to hold our tongues and respond with humility and awe when we confront the mysteries of God. Peter was overwhelmed with fear and amazement. Luke 9:33 says, “He did not know what he was saying” . . . but that didn’t stop him from saying something! Impulsive and action-oriented, he blurted out an idea: Why not build three shelters that Jesus, Moses, and Elijah could use for their mountaintop retreat? We chuckle about Peter’s clumsy suggestion, but we all have spoken poorly considered words. When things happen that we don’t fully understand, it’s wise to remain silent and let God speak for himself.
Years later, when Peter looked back at the transfiguration, he viewed it as further confirmation of the truth of the gospel. He wrote, “For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty” (2 Peter 1:16).
Personal Challenge: What stands out most to you when you read about the transfiguration of Jesus? Today, spend some time in prayer outdoors. Thank the Lord for the ways he has revealed his power and glory to you.
0 Comments