In Matthew 17, Jesus went up on a high mountain with Peter, James, and John. Jesus was transfigured on that mountain, meaning he was changed or transformed. Matthew 17:2 describes the change: “His face shown like the sun, and His garments became as white as light.” The third verse adds to the spectacle, saying that Elijah and Moses appeared and were talking with Jesus. How should the onlookers respond to such a grand sight? Peter suggested a tabernacle each for Jesus, Elijah, and Moses, but God silenced him with a bright cloud and a voice coming out of it, saying, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!”
The emphasis on Jesus is unmistakable. Moses was a prominent figure in Hebrew history who delivered the law of God to the Israelites at Mt. Sinai (Exodus 32:15). Elijah was a prophet who was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind while Elisha looked on (2 Kings 2:11). But even these two were not Jesus’ equals. Jesus stands alone as the Son of God who brought God’s definitive message for all to heed.
All who obey the word of Christ are transformed by it. Romans 12:2 verifies the idea, restricting Christians from conformity to the world and commanding them to be transformed, not bodily, but by the renewing of their minds according to the will of God. 2 Corinthians 3:18 echoes the same concept, stating that in the new covenant, we behold the glory of the Lord and are transformed to be like Him.
The transfiguration of Jesus was a magnificent event. Christians should rejoice that in His word, Jesus has given us the way to mirror His glory and be transformed with Him metaphorically.
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