Matthew 16:27-17:13, Jesus Transfigured (2)

The power and significance of this event is made clear by Peter (2 Peter 1:16-18) when he referred to being an eyewitness of Jesus' majesty on the "holy mount".  For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming or our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. As G. Campbell Morgan says, "The transfiguration was not the proof of deity; it was the proof of absolute, essential, and victorious humanity."

The transfiguration furnished “an earnest, actual reception of glory,” and served as “a most direct proof that the covenant and prophets would yet be fulfilled.” The transfiguration reveals the relationships of those who will be with Christ in his future eternal earthly kingdom. Peter, James, and John, represent unglorified, mortal men living on the earth, who personally witness and rejoice in the manifested glory of the Messiah. Jesus is personally present in this kingdom in His state of glory, as are Moses and Elias, who also appeared “in glory.”

We need to meditate on this great and mighty work of God.  It is for our encouragement as well as for the three on the mount with Jesus.  The assurance of His return in power and great glory is the basis of our hope.  Knowing He will return with rewards for His servants is key to our reason for living.

All of this receives some confirmation in the brief Q&A on the way down from the mountain.  The disciples asked Jesus about the prophesy in Malachi 4:4 concerning Elijah.  This was widely acknowledged in Judaism, that Elijah would come before the Messiah.  After all, they had just witnessed Elijah on the mountain.  But wasn’t he supposed to have a ministry of calling the people back to God before Messiah came? 

As always, Jesus answer perfectly resolved the issue.  His death and resurrection would provide for Messiah in His suffering and glory.  So, Jesus point out, one had indeed come in the spirit and power of Elijah, a reference to John the Baptist.  He preached the message that called people to repentance.  But they did not accept John’s message but did to him whatever they wished.  In the same way, Jesus’ was about to suffer at the hands of the same people.  But you can be assured, that will not be the end of His story. 

And though each of The Twelve will also die, most by martyrdom according to tradition, so it will not be the end of their story.  All who believe in Christ will be more than conquerors, triumphant in death.  This glimpse of Jesus’ glorious majesty is a reminder for us as well.

³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴ to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, ⁵ who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Peter 1:3-5)