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. Transfiguration shows us how Jesus shares divine glory with other people, because he wants everyone to experience salvation and not just an idea or concept – rather He exists in a tangible way that can reveal Himself to us. Transfiguration also reminds us that Jesus is the only way to know God.
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 17:1-12 NIV The Transfiguration
The story of Jesus’ transfiguration from the Synoptic Gospel of Matthew:
17 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 Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, 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 he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. 7 But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” 8 When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus. 9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” 10 The disciples asked him, “Why then do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?” 11 Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things. 12 But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him everything they wished. In the same way the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands.” 13 Then the disciples understood that he was talking to them about John the Baptist.
Luke 9:28-36 NIV: The Transfiguration
The story of Jesus’ transfiguration from the Synoptic Gospel of Luke:
28 About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. 29 As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. 30 Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. 31 They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. 32 Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. 33 As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, “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 he was speaking, a cloud appeared and covered them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” 36 When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves and did not tell anyone at that time what they had seen.
Mark 9:2-9 ESV The Transfiguration
The story of Christ’s transfiguration form the Synoptic Gospel of Mark:
2 And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, 3 and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them. 4 And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. 5 And Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 6 For he did not know what to say, for they were terrified. 7 And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” 8 And suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them but Jesus only. 9 And as they were coming down the mountain, he charged them to tell no one what they had seen, until the Son of Man had risen from the dead.