Johan SlabbertPhoto: Marcus Woodbridge
Matthew 17:1-5 "And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. And Peter said to Jesus, 'Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.' He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, 'This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.'”
Six days after Jesus’ profound statement about his death and resurrection, and the promise of his coming kingdom, he took Peter, James and John up a high mountain. These six days of waiting would have deepened their anticipation and prepared them for a momentous revelation of Christ’s divine nature.
The Significance of the Mountain
Jesus led them up what was likely Mount Hermon, the highest peak in the region, as they were close to Caesarea Philippi. As we had already seen, this mountain held tremendous symbolic and spiritual significance:
A Place of Confrontation
Mount Hermon was historically associated with pagan worship and demonic activity, as noted in Jewish traditions, and described in the Book of 1 Enoch. By revealing his glory there, Jesus declared victory over the forces of darkness.
A Symbol of Majesty
The mountain’s height underscored the grandeur of the moment, a fitting stage for the unveiling of Jesus’ divine majesty.
A Foretaste of Glory
On the mountain, Jesus was transfigured, his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzlingly white. This extraordinary transformation gave the disciples a glimpse of his divine glory, a preview of the kingdom to come. It assured them that the suffering and the death he spoke of were not the end of the story but the path to ultimate triumph.
For the disciples: This moment would have been etched in their memories, empowering them for their mission and sustaining them in times of persecution.
For the church today: This reminds believers of the glory that awaits those who follow Christ.
Moses and Elijah
Why, of all the Old Testament characters, would Moses and Elijah specifically appear? Jesus was joined by them, two monumental figures in Israel’s history, because they represented:
The Law and the Prophets: Moses symbolised the Law, and Elijah the Prophets. Jesus is the fulfilment of both (Matthew 5:17).
The Resurrection and Life: Both men are alive, pointing to the hope of resurrection and eternal life.
Moses, who died, and Elijah, who was taken directly to heaven, demonstrate Jesus’ power over death in both forms.
Meeting God on Mt. Sinai: Both men met with God on Mt. Sinai, where he spoke to them and commissioned them.
The Great Exodus: Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, and Elijah stood against idolatry and apostasy. Jesus would lead an even greater exodus, freeing humanity from sin, death, and Satan’s grip.
The Voice from the Cloud
As Peter offered to build three tents, a bright cloud of glory overshadowed them, and God spoke:
“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”
This divine voice echoed the message heard at Jesus’ baptism (Matthew 3:17), affirming his identity as God’s Son and commanding the disciples to heed his words. The disciples now had undeniable proof of Jesus’ divine mission and authority.
Keep Quiet for Now
Jesus instructed the disciples to remain silent about this vision until after his resurrection. Why did they have to keep quiet after what they had witnessed? There are two main reasons.
Incomplete Understanding: They could not yet grasp the full picture of his mission; his death and resurrection were necessary for them to fully comprehend his glory.
Perfect Timing: After the resurrection, they would testify with clarity and conviction, as John later writes: “That which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you...” (1 John 1:3).
The Authentication of Christ’s Mission
The transfiguration assures believers of Christ’s return in glory. This moment is a foretaste of the heavenly kingdom where his reign will be fully revealed.
The Supremacy of Christ
The presence of Moses and Elijah highlights Jesus as the fulfillment of all Scripture. He is greater than the Law and the Prophets, the culmination of God’s redemptive plan.
Listen to Him
God’s command to “listen to him” remains essential. In a world filled with competing voices, we must anchor our faith in Christ’s words, resulting in life and glory.
Hope for Believers
The transfiguration was a moment of divine authentication, proving Jesus’ identity as the Son of God and foreshadowing his ultimate victory. For the disciples and for us, it is a reminder that our hope is not in vain. The suffering we endure will one day give way to eternal glory when Christ returns in triumph. Let this vision inspire our faith and propel us toward the mission of proclaiming his kingdom, for we serve the one who is indeed “the beloved Son” of the Father.
Looking Ahead
As we continue in life, we will reach the point when, as believers, we will have to speak about what we have seen and believed.
Call to Action
What would still need to happen before the disciples could testify about Jesus?
Which two great events still stood between them on the mountain and the Great Commission?