# 83 Transfiguration: Jesus’ Glory Revealed on the Mountain

Introduction: Who uses the word Transfiguration today?  It’s not an everyday word or a word that is at the top of our vocabulary list. However, the Transfiguration was one of the most profound events in the life of Jesus Christ.

   Bible teachers believe that this event took place in October, six months before the Passover and therefore six months before Jesus was crucified.

   It is as we read about the Transfiguration that we come up with a list of questions:

1. Why was the Transfiguration so significant?

2. Why were Peter, James, and John chosen as witnesses?

3. What is the meaning behind the appearance of Moses and Elijah?

4. What did they talk about?

5. Whose voice do we hear from heaven?

6. Why the confusion over Elijah?

   I desire to answer these questions and a whole lot more.   So, pull out that sermon guide and take notes as we dig into our text today. Here are the great truths found in this section of Scripture.

1. Jesus is Transfigured before His Disciples - Matthew 17:1-2

   "Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light."

   Matthew and Mark state that the Transfiguration took place “six days later,” while Luke says, “some eight days after” (Luke 9:28). There is no contradiction; Luke’s statement is the Jewish equivalent of “about a week later.”[1]What follows took place about a week after Jesus spoke to His disciples about Discipleship: How to Follow Him.

Why Three Disciples?

   Why did Jesus take three disciples with Him – Peter, James, and John? First, these three disciples became what Bible teachers call, Jesus’ inner circle. They were the disciples Jesus appears to be the closest to. Second, and probably more importantly is that the scripture tells us that at the mouth of two to three witnesses, everything word shall be established. These three men were eyewitnesses of Jesus’ transfiguration, and they could testify to what they witnessed (See Deuteronomy 19:15).

What Mountain Top?

   The transfiguration occurred on a mountaintop. Most Bible teachers believe that this event took place on Mt. Hermon (A mountain that stands some 9,232 feet high). Others suggest Mt. Tabor (A mountain that stands some 1,900 feet high). In the Bible, mountaintops are often associated with divine encounters. Moses met God on Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:15-18), Abraham had God provide a sacrifice for him and Issac on Mt. Moriah (Genesis 22), and Elijah experienced victory over the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel (1 Kings 18:20-40). And now Jesus’ divine nature is revealed to His closest disciples on a mountaintop. Jesus Christ was changed in the presence of His disciples.

   The Greek word for transfiguration is metamorphoo. We get the English word metamorphosis from that word, which means, to transfigure, transform, or change. Here the word means a change on the outside that comes from the inside. When a caterpillar builds a cocoon and later emerges as a butterfly, it is due to the process of metamorphosis. Our Lord’s glory was not reflected but radiated from within. There was a change on the outside that came from within as He allowed His essential glory to shine forth (Heb. 1:3).[2]

   It has been said that Jesus’ radiance symbolized His glory and purity, as described in Psalm 104:2: "He wraps Himself in light as with a garment."

   Jesus’ face shone like the sun. You can look at the sun for about a second, but then you must look away or you will go blind. Jesus’ clothes became as white as light. Light is transparent.

   In John’s Gospel, we read these words from Jesus,

   Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

   Theologian N.T. Wright notes, "The Transfiguration was not just a foretaste of glory but a moment of encouragement for Jesus and His disciples in the midst of the journey toward the cross."

2. Two Old Testament Figures Appear - Matthew 17:3

   "And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him."

   Why Moses and Elijah? Because Moses and Elijah represented the Law and the Prophets, the foundation of the Jewish faith. Their presence affirmed Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament (Matthew 5:17). Remember that Moses spoke of a greater prophet to come, and its fulfillment was found in Jesus Christ (Deuteronomy 18). Elijah is a representation of all of the Old Testament prophets, and Jesus is greater than them all.

What Did They Talk About?

   Have you ever thought about what Moses, Elijah, and Jesus talked about? Was it small talk? Hey guys, how has it been? Long time, no see. Is everything good? No! According to Luke 9:31, we are told exactly what they spoke about. We read,

   Who appeared in glory and spoke of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.

  The word “decease” means, death or departure. The Greek word is translated as departure or exodus. Isn’t the word “exodus” interesting considering Moses’ appearance here?

   As I think of these three, I see them in the following light:

· Moses represents the Law.

· Elijah represents the Prophets.

· Jesus represents Grace.

   Why were Moses and Elijah, of all Old Testament people, present on this occasion? Perhaps these two men and the disciples suggest all the categories of people who will be in Jesus’ coming kingdom. The disciples represent individuals who will be present in their physical bodies. Moses represents saved individuals who have died or will die. Elijah represents saved individuals who will not experience death but will be caught up to heaven alive (1 Thessalonians 4:17). These three groups will be present when Christ institutes His kingdom on earth. Furthermore, the Lord will be in His glory as He was at the transfiguration, and the kingdom will take place on earth, as this did. The disciples were thus enjoying a foretaste of the kingdom the Lord promised (Matthew 16:28).[3]

   3. Peter’s Reaction and the Voice from Heaven - Matthew 17:4-5

   "Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!’"

   Peter suggested that he build three tabernacles – one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. It was obvious that Peter didn’t understand what this event was about. Peter liked what was happening, and he wanted to preserve the moment (Today we take pictures to capture special moments). However, it was not God’s purpose for them to savor the moment and stay on the mountain. God had a mission for His Son to fulfill, which included the cross.

Why Three Tabernacles?

   We read in Mark 9:5-6 as to why Peter requested that they build tabernacles,

   5 Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—6 because he did not know what to say, for they were greatly afraid.

  Luke 9:32 tells us that they were eyewitnesses of Jesus’ glory,

   But Peter and those with him were heavy with sleep; and when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men who stood with Him.

   Underline the words,

   They saw His glory.

The Voice from Heaven

   The voice from heaven echoes the Father’s declaration at Jesus’ baptism (Matthew 3:17). It affirms Jesus’ identity and calls the disciples to listen to Him.

   While Peter was still speaking, a more important voice spoke from a bright cloud that had enveloped them. This voice said, This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well-pleased. Listen to Him! (cf. 3:17) This authentication of the Son of God by the voice of God carried great significance for the disciples. Years later when Peter wrote his second epistle, he referred to this event (2 Peter 1:16–18).[4]

   John Calvin observed, "The cloud was a sign of God’s presence, and the voice declared Christ’s unique authority as the Son of God."

   Are we truly listening to Jesus? Amid life’s noise, prioritize His Word and follow His guidance.

4. The Disciples’ Fear and Jesus’ Reassurance - Matthew 17:6-8

   "And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. But Jesus came and touched them and said, ‘Arise, and do not be afraid.’ When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only."

   There are three words important I want to point out:

1. Heard

2. Fell

3. Afraid

   When the disciples heard it (the voice), they fell on their faces (prostrated themselves) and were greatly afraid. When God speaks in the Scripture the usual responses are falling and being afraid. The fear of the disciples highlights the holiness of God’s presence.

   You have got to love the response of Jesus. He doesn’t leave His disciples on their faces and in fear. No, Jesus comes and touched them saying,

   ‘Arise, and do not be afraid.’

  One author penned, “He bridges the gap between God’s majesty and our humanity.”

   Jesus’ words bring reassurance to their hearts. Do you need to hear the words, “do not be afraid” today?

   Now, I must not move on until we fully grasp the closing words of verse 8,

   When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.

   A great motto for life might be Jesus only. Moses and Elijah were gone, out of the picture. Only Jesus stands front and center. Don’t miss this truth. Jesus only my friends – GRACE alone!

5. The Command to Silence and the Question About Elijah - Matthew 17:9-13

   "Now as they came down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, ‘Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead.’"

   Everyone must eventually come down from the mountain. Spiritual moments will always be met in the reality of daily life. These disciples experienced what no one else ever experienced – it was unique to the three of them. However, they came down the mountain back into the daily grind.

The Command to be Silent

   As they came down the mountain Jesus commanded them to tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead.  

  Some Bible teachers see the word “vision” in the text and say that what Peter, James, and John experienced wasn’t an actual event, but a vision (a daydream). However, the Greek word horama (hor’-am-ah) carries the idea of something gazed at, a spectacle, sight, or vision. Jesus is talking about what the disciples saw with their eyes.

   This verse tells us plainly that the disciples wouldn’t fully understand the significance of the Transfiguration until after Jesus’ resurrection.

   In Mark 9:10 we read,

   So they kept this word to themselves, questioning what the rising from the dead meant.

What About Elijah?

   As Jesus and the disciples made their way down the mountain they asked Jesus a question. Look with me at verses 10-13,

   10 And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” 11 Jesus answered and said to them, “Indeed, Elijah is coming first and will restore all things. 12But I say to you that Elijah has come already, and they did not know him but did to him whatever they wished. Likewise the Son of Man is also about to suffer at their hands.” 13 Then the disciples understood that He spoke to them of John the Baptist.

· The question – v. 10

   Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?

· The answer – v. 11-12 (Jesus’ three-fold response):

1. Elijah is coming first and will restore all things (See Malachi 4:5-6).

2. Elijah has come already, and they did not know him but did to him whatever they wished.

3. Likewise, the Son of Man is also about to suffer at their hands.

· The understanding – v. 13

   Then the disciples understood that He spoke to them of John the Baptist.

  Scripture teaches that before Christ comes a second time Elijah will appear, and Jesus taught that Elijah had already appeared in the form and likeness of John the Baptist. And it appears that the disciples have an ah-ha moment. They got what Jesus had taught them.

   John Stott wrote: "The Transfiguration was meant to strengthen the disciples’ faith, but its full meaning would only be understood in light of the resurrection. The glory they saw on the mountain was a foretaste, but the path to that glory led through suffering."

  Conclusion: Folks, just like coming down from a mountain, so every sermon must end (some of you are thinking – Yes and Amen!). So, what do we learn from the Transfiguration? We learn that it was a defining moment in Jesus’ ministry—a glimpse of His divine glory, a confirmation of His identity, and a foretaste of His coming kingdom. Yet, as breathtaking as that mountaintop experience was, Jesus did not stay there. Neither did the disciples. They had to come down, just as we must.

   This passage teaches us three important truths:

1. Glory and Suffering Are Inseparable

   Jesus’ transfiguration was a moment of heavenly glory, but it pointed forward to His suffering and the cross. We, too, will experience both highs and lows in our walk with Christ. The Christian life is not just about mountaintop moments but faithfully following Jesus through the valleys as well.

2. We must learn to listen to Jesus

   God the Father’s command was clear: “This is My beloved Son… Listen to Him!” (Matthew 17:5). Are we truly listening? In a world filled with competing voices, we must tune our hearts to Jesus through His Word and His Spirit. Listen also means heeding! Obedience is a key to the believers' walk.

3. Keep Your Eyes on Jesus Alone

   When the disciples looked up, “they saw no one but Jesus only” (Matthew 17:8). Moses and Elijah disappeared because Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. He alone is our Savior, our hope, and our source of life. There is only ONE Savior!

   Here are some take-home truths from this message:

· Seek Jesus daily, not just in extraordinary moments, but in the ordinary and routine. Seek Him daily.

· Embrace both the mountaintops and the valleys, knowing that God is at work in both.

· Commit to listening to Jesus—through Scripture, prayer, and obedience.

· Fix your eyes on Jesus alone, trusting Him as your source of grace and strength.

  As we leave this passage behind, let’s not leave behind its lessons. Let’s go forward with a renewed commitment to follow Christ—through the highs and the lows—knowing that His glory will one day be fully revealed. Jesus only, now and forever.

[1]Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 60). Victor Books.

[2]Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 60). Victor Books.

[3]Barbieri, L. A., Jr. (1985). Matthew. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, pp. 59–60). Victor Books.

[4]Barbieri, L. A., Jr. (1985). Matthew. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 60). Victor Books.