GLORY
Matthew 17:1–13
Last week, we looked at a pivotal event in Caesarea Philippi. In the center of paganism, Jesus addressed His nature and the character of His Kingdom.
Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Peter confessed Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Then Jesus shared with His disciples what was waiting for them in Jerusalem.
He was on a search-and-rescue mission from heaven, and that mission would ultimately lead to His sacrificial and atoning death on the cross.
Transfigured (1–3)
In Luke 9:51, we’re told Jesus “determined to journey to Jerusalem,” 105 miles from Caesarea Philippi. Six days into the journey, the group arrived in the area most scholars believe to be Mount Tabor.
There, Jesus took His “inner circle” — Peter, James and John — to the mountaintop to pray. In the presence of these three disciples, Jesus was transfigured.
The word “transfiguration” means to change in form or appearance. For a brief time, the divinity of Jesus shone through His humanity, and it must have been glorious! He was also joined by Moses and Elijah.
Moses represents the law and Elijah represents the prophets. Their conversation with Jesus may have centered on His fulfillment of the law and the prophets and His divine appointment with the cross in Jerusalem.
Overshadowed (4–8)
Overwhelmed with the unbelievable scene playing out before them, Peter interjects himself into the situation by offering to build tents for Jesus, Moses and Elijah.
However, the Shekinah glory of God hovered over the mountaintop, and God declared, “This is My beloved Son with Whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him.” This brings back memories of the baptism of Jesus when the Father declared, “This is My beloved Son,” and the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus like a dove.
The reaction of the disciples was to fall on their faces in fear. Their fear dissipated with the touch of Jesus and His words, “Don’t be afraid.” When they looked up, they saw only Jesus!
Instructed (9–13)
I can only imagine the conversation that was taking place among these three disciples as they were heading back down the mountain. They were probably trying to wrap their hearts and minds around what they had just experienced. They must have been bubbling over with enthusiasm and the desire to tell everything they had seen and heard.
However, as with many other miracles, Jesus instructed them to keep all of that day’s events confidential until after His resurrection. I believe Jesus allowed these three to witness His transfiguration in order to bolster their faith for His impending crucifixion.
As they descended the mountain, they asked Jesus for clarification about the coming of Elijah before the Messiah’s arrival. This was the teaching of the scribes.
Jesus told them that Elijah had already come and had been mistreated. They understood that He was speaking about John the Baptist. He then reminded them that He would suffer at the same hands of those who killed His cousin.
By Don Fugate
Senior pastor of Foxworthy Baptist Church in San Jose, California
