The Transfiguration of Jesus

Introduction

The Transfiguration of Jesus is an odd story in the life of Christ. Yet, it has a tremendous impact and meaning on how we should perceive Christ.

It is about Jesus’ identity -

Just as the baptism story and the temptation story are about Jesus’ identity as the Son of God, so is the Transfiguration.

Mountains & Encounters With God

Besides offering a real, geographical location, many important Bible stories take place upon mountains. And these mountains are often times places where human beings encounter God.

Noah’s ark rested on mountains and God established His covenant with Noah there

Moses received the Ten Commandments on Sinai

Elijah opposed the Jewish compromisers on Mt Carmel.

Later, when Elijah was on the run, he fled to Sinai/Horeb and he heard the “still small voice” of God.

Jerusalem was set upon the hills. The law of the Lord would be proclaimed from the mountains, indicating the gospel would be first proclaimed in Jerusalem.

The mountain setting in is an important element for the development of what is taking place. Matthew is foreshadowing that there is about to be some important moment that Jesus has with God.

Moses and Sinai

Elijah and Sinai/Horeb

As an author, Matthew has been drawing subtle comparisons between Jesus with Moses and Elijah. What has been subtle and implied, Matthew makes explicit at the Transfiguration.

40 days of temptation (Jesus). Moses was on Sinai for 40 days. Elijah fasted for 40 days.

Sinai/Horeb with the mountain where Jesus was transfigured.

After Sinai, Moses’ face glowed and he had to be veiled. Jesus is going to shine and become as bright as the sun.

40 days - 40 days of temptation/Matthew has been drawing subtle comparisons to Moses and Elijah throughout the gospel up to this point—now Matthew makes it explicit

The New Moses: Jesus as Lawgiver

The Jews appealed to Moses as their authority in matters of religion.

Doctrinal disputes - ;

Ritual cleansing -

Faithfulness to the Law was expected. The prophets exhorted Israel to “remember the law of Moses” -

The Law and commandments were given by Moses and he was esteemed as the great lawgiver.

Jesus acknowledged what Moses wrote and the commandments he gave -

He even acknowledged that listening to Moses and the Prophets was beneficial to prepare someone for death -

Jesus did not dismiss Moses nor encourage disobedience to the Law of Moses.

The Transfiguration makes clear that Jesus is one who is greater than Moses.

Just as Jesus is greater than Jonah and Solomon, He is also greater than Moses -

Jesus is conversing with Moses, but it is only concerning Jesus whom God says “listen to Him” -

The Law would pass away after Jesus had fulfilled the Law and Prophets. Jesus did not come to wage war against Moses. He came to fulfill what Moses had said -

Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt in the exodus. Jesus was going to have an exodus of His own -

“Departure” or exodos in the original Greek.

Jesus was going to face His own exodus and departure. He would face the death of the cross -

and the “exodus” - Jesus and victory over death

and the “exodus” - Jesus and victory over death

Jesus came as the one who is a “new Moses” and one who came to establish His law and gospel.

The Ideal Prophet: Jesus as Prophet

In Israel’s history, Elijah was considered the quintessential prophet. Malachi prophesied to the coming of Elijah in association with the coming of the Messianic age. So by the New Testament times, people were anticipating an Elijah-like figure -

John the Baptist was considered to be Elijah -

Jesus was thought to be Elijah -

Elijah was a prophet who performed some great and memorable miracles. He raised a widow’s son.

Jesus was growing in popularity for His miracles - ;

Elijah promoted faithfulness in Israel during hard and difficult times in Israel’s history. Elijah was a man of prayer and righteousness -

Elijah

Jesus encouraged faithfulness to God through prayer -

miracles, raising of the dead

Elijah was a man of prayer and righteousness -

He shows the folly of self-righteousness -

Jesus is the ideal Prophet. He proves Himself to be one who comes in the power and spirit of Elijah.

Conclusion

Listen to Christ

his law

his instruction

his endurance and faithfulness

his hope and victory