Transfiguration

Matthew 17:1-9

 

The Circumstances of the Transfiguration, v. 1

A. The Time

1. 6 days after Jesus revealed His imminent death, Matthew 16:21.
2. Luke’s Gospel says it was 8 days:

a. The day of His revelation of His death

b. 6 days between His revelation and transfiguration

c. The day of His transfiguration: 1+6+1=8

B. The Place→a mountain→Mt Miron

1.  A solitary place
2. A sublime place, above the things below

C. The Witnesses: Peter, James, and John

1. 3 witnesses to confirm the events’ veracity: “out of the mouths of 2 or 3 witnesses shall every word be established.”  See Acts 10:41.
2. These were the Lord’s chief disciples:

a. Present at the raising from death of Jairus’ daughter, Mark 5:37.

b. Here at the Transfiguration, and

c. The Garden of Gethsemane, Matthew 26:36-46.

The Manner of the Transfiguration, v. 2

A. His face shined as the sun, v. 2

1. He removed the veil of a human servant.
2. He appeared in the form of God, Philippians 2:6.

a. God is light, 1 John 1:5.

b. God dwells in the light, 1 Timothy 6:16.

c. God covers Himself with light, Psalm 104.2.

 

B. His raiment was white as the Light.

All His body was altered, as His face was: so that beams of light, darting from every part through His clothes, made them white and glittering. [In contrast,] the shining face of Moses was so weak that it could be concealed by a thin veil; but the Glory of Christ’s body was such that His clothes were enlightened by it.  –Matthew Henry

The Companions of the Transfiguration, v. 3

A. While there were 3 witnesses to bear record on earth, there are 2 witnesses that bear record in heaven.

1. Moses and Elijah

2. Both fasted 40 days and 40 nights, as did Jesus.

3. Both performed miracles.

4. Both left the land of the Living under mysterious circumstances.

5. Moses died, but was never found; Satan and Michael fought over his body (Jude).

6. Elijah was carried into heaven in a chariot of fire.

B. They comforted Jesus by discussing His “decease,” literally, His exodus, Luke 9:30-31.

Peter’s Confusion about the Transfiguration, v. 4

A. “Lord, it’s good for us to be here.”

1. “Let us make 3 tabernacles.” He was putting Jesus on the same level as Moses and Elijah.

The Bright Cloud Overshadowed Them, v. 5

A. It was a bright cloud.

1. Under the Law, God appeared in a thick, dark cloud, Exodus 19:16, 1 Kings 8:12, Hebrews 12:18.
2. Under Grace, God now appears in a Bright cloud.
3. The Old Testament was a dispensation of darkness and terror and bondage.
4. The New Testament is a dispensation of light, love, and liberty.

B. A Voice came out of the Cloud.

1. “This is My beloved Son.”
2. “Hear Him!”

The Fright of the Disciples at the Voice of God, v. 6

A. They fell on their faces and were sore afraid.

B. Jesus raised them up with tenderness.

1. What Jesus did: Jesus went to them and touched them.
2. What Jesus said: “Arise, and be not afraid.”

C. They lifted up their eyes and only saw Jesus.

Prophets do not live forever, but Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:7).

Conclusion

A. Jesus is God in human form. Now He is glorified.

B. Dead saints are alive in heaven and are known by their names.

C. Moses represents saints who enter heaven through death.

D. Elijah represents saints who enter heaven through translation in the Rapture of the Church.

E. We must hear Jesus and heed His words.