Matthew 17:1-5 narrates about Jesus’ transfiguration, and as witnessed by Peter, James and John. This topic is divided into two parts, the first part analyses the even and in the second part, I will try to explain how we could realise transfiguration in our lives.

The Greek word used for transfiguration is metamorpho. According to Webster’s dictionary metamorphosis is a major change in the appearance or character of someone or something. Jesus’ transfiguration however, does not mean that prior to this event He was only an ordinary human being. But, it was meant to communicate to the representative pillars (Peter, James and John) of the Church that Jesus is the Son of God. The internal reality (divine nature) of Jesus is made visible to the disciples through transfiguration. Thus, we are walked into the new and eternal reality by unveiling Himself through transfiguration (Hebrews 10:20).  

Let us have a look at as to what happened during transfiguration of Jesus:

1. His face shone like the sun (vs. 2)
2. His clothes became dazzling white (vs. 2)
3. Moses and Elijah appeared talking to Jesus (vs. 3)
4. Peter spoke to Jesus (vs. 4)
5. A voice from the bright cloud witnesses and acknowledges Jesus as the Son of God (vs. 5).

 1. Jesus’ face shone like the sun (Matthew 17:2; Luke 9:29)

When the glory of God fills us our face will shine like sun. Moses was filled with the glory of God on Mount Sinai (Exodus 34:29). As we see here with Moses and Jesus, the shining of face is a reflection of God’s shining face through his chosen ones. Numbers (6:25) states that “The Lord make His face to shine upon you…”. Therefore, we are expected to actively radiate the shine of God’s glory through our lives. Saint Paul exhorts us to awake and arise from dead so that Christ may shine on us (Ephesians 5:14). From both the above verses it is apparent that the origin of the shining is from God. This could be further substantiated through John 1:9 about the true light. Psalms 36:9 states that “…by Thy light we see the light”. The light that we see and experience is to be shared with the world around us, and not to be contained within us.

 2. His clothes became dazzling white (Matthew 17:2; Mark 9:3; Luke 9:29)

Clothing and fashion has been a topic of keen interest since the Old Testament times. It is very relevant in our times as well. God’s children are His chosen ones and accordingly are clothed with specialised dresses. At the outset, we need to know that there is a huge difference between worldly clothing and divine clothing, as compared by Jesus regarding Solomon’s clothing and that of the lilies (Luke 12:27). God’s children are clothed specifically (Numbers 28). A person in Jesus is clothed not with perishable fabrics but with divine ones. This was evident from Jesus’ clothes that the woman with haemorrhage was instantly healed when she touched His cloak (Matthew 9:20-22; Mark 5:27; Luke 8:44). In Acts 5:15 we read that the shadow of Saint Peter was enough for healing. Similarly, the handkerchiefs and aprons carried from Saint Paul’s body worked towards healing and deliverance (Acts 19:12).

Therefore, it is important for a believer to make sure that his/her clothes radiate the divine glory of Jesus. It is extremely important to safeguard even our clothes from demonic forces as is exhorted by Saint Jude (Jude vs.23). We are expected to be prepared always to be eligible for the BIG MARRIAGE SUPPER (Revelations 19:9) with acceptable (to Lord) dressing or else we will be thrown out (Matthew 22:12). As Isaiah delighted for being clothed in divine glory (Isaiah 61:10) we too should be.   

3. Moses and Elijah appeared talking to Jesus (Matthew 17:3; Mark 9:4; Luke 9:30)

The presence of Moses and Elijah is variously interpreted by Biblical writers. Not getting into those debates and interpretations, my humble belief is linked to the nature and essence of Jesus Christ.

The biblical meaning of the name Moses is ‘taken out’ or ‘drawn forth’ (see Exodus 2:10). Other meanings of this name are ‘son’ from the word ‘mes’ (Egyptian) and ‘deliver’ (Hebrew). Encompassing all these meanings, Jesus, the Son is drawn forth from God the Father (John 1:14).The presence of Moses acknowledges that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, drawn forth from the Father and has come to deliver us from the bondage of sin.

The name Elijah means ‘my God is Yahweh’. The life and works of Elijah were dedicated to ensure that Yahweh was the one and only God, in accordance to the first commandment that ‘I am the God and you shall have no other gods (Exodus 20:2-3). Jesus said “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30). God the Father is in the Son and the Son is in the Father (John 17:21). Thus, it is apparent that Jesus is God. The presence of Elijah tells us Jesus is God (John 1:1; John 8:58; John 14:10; Titus 2:13).

In short, transfiguration of Jesus revealed to the disciples that Jesus is the Son and God both, and the glittering shine of face and clothes represents the Holy Spirit proceeding into the world (John 14:16; 15:26; 16:1).

 4. Peter spoke to Jesus (Matthew 17:4; Mark 9:5; Luke 9:33)

Peter along with James and John were left speechless at this vision. A few seconds later however, Peter mustered some courage and spoke to Jesus suggesting to make three tents, one each for Jesus, Moses and Elijah. The scripture also states that Peter did not know what he was talking (Mark 9:6; Luke 9:33).

As stated at the beginning of this blog, the purpose of Jesus’ transfiguration was to reveal to the world through the disciples that Jesus is the only begotten Son of God, and has been sent by God the Father. During the Old Testament times it was God the Father, law (represented by Moses) and the prophets (represented by Elijah). The Old Testament is converged in Jesus Christ and in New Testament it is God the Father, Jesus the Church guided by Holy Spirit. The veil of Sonship and Fatherhood is removed with Son of God physically present and God the Father made visible through the Son (John 14:9).

5. A voice from the bright cloud witnesses and acknowledges Jesus as the Son of God (Matthew 17: 5; Mark 9:7; Luke 9:35; 2 Peter       1:17)

Peter’s suggestion was immediately responded by God the Father from heaven telling “….this is my beloved Son……hear ye him”. Peter is thus corrected by God from heaven that the primary focus of the Church must be on Jesus Christ, the saviour and redeemer, and not law and prophets. This is further confirmed by Jesus’ own words “a new commandment I give to you………” (John 13:34). The author of Hebrews (8:13) states, “when He said, “a new covenant”, He has made the first obsolete…”. Please note ‘made obsolete’ doesn’t mean replacement of a wrong thing with a right thing, rather it means law and the prophets are fulfilled (Luke 24:44). This message is clearly conveyed to Peter during the transfiguration event.

To sum up, Jesus’ transfiguration event was not a mere demonstration or performance of miracle; rather it was for a specific purpose. It was aimed to tell the world that Jesus is the Son of God so as to believe and have life in His name (John 20:31). Moreover, it is made clear that Jesus has been sent by God (John 17:23), and He fulfils the Old Testament (Matthew 5:17). The light which shone the face and cloth of Jesus represents the presence of Holy Spirit. In other words, transfiguration depicts the visualisation and realisation of Father, Son and Holy Spirit in our lives. Therefore, our aim should be to experience the Holy Trinity in our body, soul and spirit in its fullness, and radiate this divine light through our words and action.

Lord Jesus have mercy upon us and bless us.