The Transfiguration of Jesus is one of the most important events in the Bible. It is a turning point in the Gospel narratives where Jesus reveals his divine nature and coming sacrifice to his disciples. This event marks a shift in Jesus’ ministry, from preaching and teaching to preparing for his death. In this blog post, we will explore the Transfiguration of Jesus and what it means for Christians today!
Important Questions and Answers about the Transfiguration
The Transfiguration occurred after six days of teaching on a high mountain. There, Jesus was revealed in all his eternal glory to Peter, James and John who were present with him at the time (Matthew 17:14).
Transfiguration refers to changing or transforming into another form while still retaining one’s original nature. The Transfiguration of Jesus was the moment when his disciples saw him in all his glory – not just as a man but also as God’s son. Jesus standing alone on the holy mountain while God’s voice testified that he is the beloved son.
Transfiguration marks an important turning point in Jesus’ ministry, from preaching and teaching to preparing for death on the cross (Matthew 16:21). Transfiguration also shows us how Jesus shares divine glory with other people, because he wants everyone to be saved and experience salvation (John 17:20-23). The three disciples saw with the glorified body and face shining of Christ on Mount Tabor. This glimpse of heavenly glory was evidence that the Lord Jesus Christ was the Messiah bringing God’s kingdom to earth.
The Transfiguration of Jesus is a spiritual event that reveals Jesus’ divine nature and coming sacrifice to his disciples. It’s an important turning point in the Gospel narratives that points to the ultimate redemption of humankind.
Moses and Elijah were present at the Transfiguration because they were prophets who foretold of Jesus’ coming. They also represent the law and the prophets, which are two of the most important aspects of Jewish tradition.
How does Transfiguration relate to Christians today?
Transfiguration relates to Christians today by showing us that God is not just an idea or concept – rather He exists in a tangible way and is willing to reveal Himself to us. Transfiguration also reminds us that Jesus is the only way to know God, because He is the one who came down from heaven and revealed Him (John 14:11). Finally, Transfiguration challenges Christians to put their faith in Jesus and follow Him no matter what the cost may be (Matthew 16:24). Transfiguration helps us understand what it means to be a disciple.
Unlike Moses, Jesus gave us direct access to God and eternal life. Through his grace and the power of his resurrection we will taste death only once. Our human body can be transformed to be the same dazzling white light as our Savior. This revelation gives us great hope. It’s perhaps the most powerful moment of the New Testament and Old Testament, besides the resurrection of Christ.
Teaching Reference for The Transfiguration of Lord Jesus Christ
- Download a free Transfiguration of Jesus Sunday School Lesson on Luke 9:28-36
- Compare another Children’s Sermon on the Transfiguration of Jesus
- Compare several free PDF Sunday School Lesson Plans on the Transfiguration of Jesus from Matthew 17:1-9 & Mark 9:2-9
Matthew 17:1-13 BSB The Transfiguration
The story of Jesus’ transfiguration from the Synoptic Gospel of Matthew:
1 After six days Jesus took with Him Peter, James, and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. 3 Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared before them, talking with Jesus. 4 Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If You wish, I will put up three shelters—one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 5 While Peter was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!” 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown in terror. 7 Then Jesus came over and touched them. “Get up,” He said. “Do not be afraid.” 8 And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus. 9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Do not tell anyone about this vision until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” 10 The disciples asked Him, “Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” 11 Jesus replied, “Elijah does indeed come, and he will restore all things. 12 But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him whatever they wished. In the same way, the Son of Man will suffer at their hands.” 13 Then the disciples understood that He was speaking to them about John the Baptist.
Luke 9:28-36 BSB: The Transfiguration
The story of Jesus’ transfiguration from the Synoptic Gospel of Luke:
28 About eight days after Jesus had said these things, He took with Him Peter, John, and James, and went up on a mountain to pray. 29 And as He was praying, the appearance of His face changed, and His clothes became radiantly white. 30 Suddenly two men, Moses and Elijah, began talking with Jesus. 31 They appeared in glory and spoke about His departure, which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. 32 Meanwhile Peter and his companions were overcome by sleep, but when they awoke, they saw Jesus’ glory and the two men standing with Him. 33 As Moses and Elijah were leaving, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what he was saying.) 34 While Peter was speaking, a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 And a voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is My Son, whom I have chosen. Listen to Him!” 36 After the voice had spoken, only Jesus was present with them. The disciples kept this to themselves, and in those days they did not tell anyone what they had seen.
Mark 9:2-9 BSB The Transfiguration
The story of Christ’s transfiguration form the Synoptic Gospel of Mark:
2 After six days Jesus took with Him Peter, James, and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There He was transfigured before them. 3 His clothes became radiantly white, brighter than any launderer on earth could bleach them. 4 And Elijah and Moses appeared before them, talking with Jesus. 5 Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 6 For they were all so terrified that Peter did not know what else to say. 7 Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is My beloved Son. Listen to Him!” 8 Suddenly, when they looked around, they saw no one with them except Jesus. 9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus admonished them not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead.