All Gods spiritual favors await those who place their trust in Jesus. Being the moment in which the divine nature of Jesus manifests itself through (or, perhaps more accurately, in) his human nature (hence implying some sort of prefiguration of the Resurrection, a preview of the glorified body), depictions of the Transfiguration throughout history have served as a model for later graphic representations of the Resurrection, suggesting this passage cannot be fully understood unless considered in the context of Jesus death (and his defeating death itself). Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/transfiguration-bible-story-summary-700068. These parallels would have surely been deeply and evidently meaningful not only for the authors of the gospels, but also for their early readers. The event can also be interpreted as an anticipatory Resurrection appearance, and the presence of the two prophets is often taken to signify Christs fulfillment of the Mosaic Law and the prophecies of the Hebrew Bible (the Christian Old Testament). It would therefore be a sort of transformation, which changes the appearance of something, or someone until it is different from what it previously appeared. Transfiguration, in the New Testament, the occasion upon which Jesus Christ took three of his disciples , Peter , James, and John, up on a mountain, where Moses and Elijah appeared and Jesus was transfigured, his face and clothes becoming dazzlingly bright. So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what this rising from the dead could mean (Mark 9:10). The disciples were drowsy and at first but dimly conscious of the wonder in progress before their eyes. The account of the transfiguration occurs in the other gospels as well. The transfiguration of Jesus provides a glimpse of Jesus Christ's deity. Moses was the giver of the Law, and Elijah was considered the greatest of the prophets. Starting at 8 a.m. Jimmy Akin Blogs August 6, 2020 The Transfiguration of Our Lord is hard to understand. After six days Jesus took with Him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. Those in authority shouldn't only talk the talk; they have the high responsibility and honor of walking the walk. But Luke does not include the discussion about Elijah. But then Jesus added what we call the already, by saying, But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize Him. He was speaking of John the Baptist, of course. Then Moses and Elijah - Old Testament figures representing the Law and the prophets - appeared and they spoke with Jesus. SCRIPTURES & ART: History (and we) remember St. Thomas for the words he spoke one Sunday night: My Lord and my God!. It thus signifies a change of form or appearance. Second, revelation demands a response. and his face was like the sun shining in full strength (1:16). The Matthew account of the Transfiguration is as follows: "And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. He asked the disciples to pray and they fall asleep. This shows that Jesus' work was not a contradiction or a violation of what they had done, but rather a fulfillment of it, in complete harmony with God's plan as revealed through the Old Testament prophets. The Glory on the Mountain: The Episode of the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ was there speaking to both of them in person. The transfiguration of Jesus Christ was a powerful demonstration of His divine nature and the manifestation of His glory, which Jesus possessed prior to coming to earth in the human body. Jesus Transfiguration in the Bible marked a significant phase in Christs revelation as the Messiah and the Son of God. Reproduction of material from this website without written permission, or unlicensed commercial use or Transfiguration Sunday: A Voice from Heaven - Sermons & Articles "The Transfiguration Bible Story Study Guide." In the 15th century, however, with the growth of naturalism in art, the mandorla became less popular, beingincongruousin a naturalisticcontext, and it was abandoned by the painters of the Renaissance. . 31 They . Let us put up threeshelters-onefor you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." Thus, when they see You crucified, they may understand Your voluntary passion, and proclaim to the world that You are truly the effulgence of the Father. We do not know how well Peter knew the prophetic literature of the Bible, but Zechariah makes it clear that in the kingdom the people will celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles, i.e., the culmination of all the promises. What Did Jesus and Moses Talk About at the Transfiguration? Jesus was spectacularly transformed. 4 Peter said to Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here. .vid-play{position:relative;display:inline-block}.vid-play:before{content:"";position:absolute;width:100%;height:100%;z-index:9;background:transparent url(/go/img/youtube-play.png) center center no-repeat;background-size:68px 48px}.vid-play:hover:before{background:transparent url(/go/img/youtube-play-hover.png) center center no-repeat;background-size:68px 48px}. How did the disciples recognize Moses & Elijah? - BibleAsk The final part of Matthews account has the question about Elijah (the other gospels do not). Jesus' glory shone through from inside him, revealing him as God in the flesh. There he was transfigured before them." Peter managed to get out. "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 1 One week before the Transfiguration, Peter shared his confession of Jesus as Messiah. His face shone like the sun, his clothing was dazzling white, brighter than anyone could bleach it. Jesus became radiant, spoke with Moses and Elijah, and was called "Son" by God. But there is one more interesting detail here: Lukes Gospel (9:28-36) adds that Jesus, Moses, and Elijah were speaking about his departure (that is, Jesus), which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. The Greek word Luke uses for departure in the original is exodos, an obvious allusion to Moses exodus out of Egypt. On the way down the mountain, Jesus commanded his three followers not to speak of the vision to anyone until he had risen from the dead. Looking back they realized this; but at the time they may not have thought it through. According to the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia: Transfiguration - trans-fig-o-ra'-shun (metamorphoomai, "to be transformed"): Used only with reference to the transfiguration of Christ (Matthew 17:2; Mark 9:2) and the change wrought in the Christian personality through fellowship with Christ (Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 3:18). He mentions that Peter made his suggestion to put up booths as Moses and Elijah were departing. 17 g And after six days Jesus took with him h Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. Jesus knew what they look like, and now Jesus would recognize them at the Mount of Transfiguration. It is not so much a response to Peter as it is a revelation that dominates everything that was happening and in a way completely overshadows whatever Peter thought or said. When they awoke, they were astounded to see Jesus talking with Moses and Elijah. Review what was said in the Bible Study of Matthew 11. The experience on this mountain reflects the experience of Israel on Mount Sinai. This transformation or renewal requires a total change from the inside out.How are Jesus transfiguration and our transformation interwoven? You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. It shows us that the dialogue, the speeches of the story, are so essential to the interpretation. The Roman Catholic tradition identifies it as Mount Tabor, south of the region of Galilee, on the northern edge of the Jezreel Valley. Zavada, Jack. What Does the Bible Say about Visiting Graves? The transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-9) - The identity of Jesus - CCEA Omissions? Lukes version doubles down on this, making it clear that this temporary embargo really was strictly observed for the entirety of the prescribed period: And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen (Luke 9:36). So He is sensitive enough, some days later, to provide that sort of a condescending object lesson, where God condescends to give him that physical glory just to reinforce their faith. 2 One of the most helpful books to have on the gospels is Alfred Edersheim, The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah. The Response of Peter (17:4-8). As for the steps in the method of Bible Study, we can see here how the event is central, and all the discussions that follow help to explain its significance. And because of this Jesus touched them. The touch was not simply proof that He was real, but that they were His friends and accepted by Him. SubscribeStart your Register subscription today. On the road to Damascus, the apostle Paul encountered Jesus light which left him temporarily blind and permanently transformed as powerful instrument for Gods glory (Acts 9:3, 17-18). But before all of that would take place, there was this glimpse of glory. This is where the Transfiguration takes place, in which his appearance is radiantly transformed. We must note in his words, Lord, it is good for us to be here! 30 Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. It was not meant to be permanent. Snow may be found on the higher elevations of Hermon, and even in some of the lower slopes, late in the year. https://www.ncregister.com/blog/10-things-you-need-to-know-about-jesus-transfiguration, Click here to learn more about Mount Tabor, Second Sunday of Lent: The Transfiguration of Our Lord, Pope Francis: Ask the Holy Spirit to Awaken Your Desire to Pray, The Transfiguration Is Not a Marginal Event It Points to the Resurrection, Flocknote Founder Offers Communication Tips for Reaching the Faithful, Destruction of Catholic Retreat Centers Cross a Possible Hate Crime, Orange County Authorities Say, Vatican to Collect Stories of Christian Martyrs Killed Since 2000, Living for Jesus in the World: Taking a Perpetual Virginity Vow, Ven. "Rabbi, it is good that we are here!". In fact, Luke notes that the Transfiguration took place about eight days after these sayings, thus stressing its proximity to them and suggesting that it was the fulfillment of this saying, concerning the fact that some of them would see the kingdom of God. Summary. According to the Baker's Dictionary of Biblical Theology: The Transfiguration is an event in Jesus' life in which his appearance was radiantly transformed. The Transfiguration (17:1-3). Peter then offered to make three dwellings, one for Jesus and one for each of the two supernatural guests, but was interrupted by a voice from a bright cloud that said, This is my Son, the Beloved;with him I am well pleased; listen to him! (Matthew 17:5). . As indicated earlier, Matthew 17:2 and Mark 9:2, bear reference to Jesus radiant appearance. Transfiguration of Jesus - Wikipedia Is the United States Really Blessed by God? monetization of National Catholic Register RSS feeds is strictly prohibited. 17:1 ). Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Peter . What is the Full Armor of God? The fact that these two figures spoke of his departure, which he was to accomplish at Jerusalem illustrates that the Law and the Prophets point forward to the Messiah and his sufferings. As they were praying, His appearance changed, and His clothes became "dazzling white.". What Was the Sin of Sodom and Gomorrah in the Bible? His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead.."Mark 9:2-9. Moses was the giver of the Old Testament law. When thinking of the Old Testament law, these two men held places of great prominence among Jews. And third, we have the instruction by Jesus and the question by the disciples (verses 9-13). It was a reassuring touch, followed by the words, Do not be afraid.. What does it mean that Moses and Elijah spoke with Jesus about his departure? You were transfigured upon the mount, O Christ our God, and Your disciples, in so far as they could bear, beheld Your glory. Commentary. The Great Jubilee of the Essenes promised a better liberation, from the debt of sin and bondage to the devil . Of course, people who reject the Savior and refuse to obey His word have much to fear. The transfiguration is recorded in each of the Synoptic Gospels (Matt 17:1-9; What Was the Transfiguration of Jesus? Second, we have Peters suggestion and the divine response to it (verses 4-8). Luke tells us that they went up on the mountain to pray. Yesterday, we heard about how "Jesus took Peter, John, and James up on the mountain to pray" (Luke 9:28)intentionally excluding nine of the twelve from witnessing the astonishing transfiguration that Jesus knew was about to take place there. Bible scholars think the likely location of the Transfiguration was Mount Hermon, a 9,200 feet snow-capped mountain, the runoff of which flows into several streams which merge into the Jordan River. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:5-11 KJV). In the transfiguration Moses and Elijah appear and talk with the Lord. But Jesus and these three apostles (John, Peter, and James) are not the only characters involved in this scene. The fact that Jesus only allowed three of his disciples to witness the event may have sparked the discussion which swiftly ensued about which of the disciples was the greatest (Luke 9:46). Traditionally, the presence of Moses and Elijah in the Transfiguration has been read as summarizing the Law and the Prophets now being fulfilled in and by Jesus life, the Messiah. The fact that Peter's suggestion occurs when Moses and Elijah are preparing to depart reveals a desire to prolong the experience of glory. Do we listen to Jesus as we go about our daily life? Apparently the answer is Peter, James, and John ( Matt. How Can Christians Knock Down Fear of the Future? Some thought he was the second coming of the Old Testament prophet Elijah. Mount of Transfiguration - Wikipedia Of course the New Testament also teaches that we shall be changed when we enter the presence of the Lord, we shall be glorified. . The other view, and probably more likely one, is that Mount Hermon is the site of the transfiguration.1 It is in the far north, located north of where Caesarea Philippi is situated. Then a bright cloud enveloped all of them, and from it, a voice said: "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." It is interesting that Matthew says this took place after six days, and Luke says about the eighth day. If Jesus truly is the Lord of Glory and not just a man from Galilee, then we must worship Him and obey Him. 1. The Pope said he created the commission in light of the Churchs 2025 Jubilee Year, which will focus on the theme of hope. In Romans 12:2, Paul urges believers to be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Our attitudes, thoughts, feelings, and actions are affected by a control center, our mind. By the 6th century, scenes of the event frequently featured Christ enshrined in a mandorla, an almond-shaped aureole of light surrounding the entire figure of a holy person. Moses and Elijah were and are alive, and are glorified. The cross had been dedicated during a retreat just before Fathers Day. Jimmy Akin Jimmy was born in Texas and grew up nominally Protestant, but at age 20 experienced a profound conversion to Christ. The point is that the caterpillar had become a butterfly. Peter had heard Jesus say about a week earlier that some who were standing there would not taste death before they saw the Son of Man coming in His kingdom (Matt. When he ordered the disciples to listen to Jesus, it meant the gospel of grace would replace the law as God's plan of salvation. Feast of the Transfiguration, Christian commemoration of the occasion upon which Jesus Christ took three of his disciples, Peter, James, and John, up on a mountain, where Moses and Elijah appeared and Jesus was transfigured, his face and clothes becoming dazzlingly bright (Mark 9:2-13; Matthew 17:1-13; Luke 9:28-36). The voice from heaven explains who Jesus is, but not why Moses or Elijah are there on the mountain. Several areas of application come to mind. The central point of the first three verses focuses on one wordand indeed, this word is the center of the whole passage. It is one of the miracles of Jesus in the Gospels. Peter, James and John were so terrified that they really didn't know what they should do or say. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. The Lords glory was revealed not just through miraculous deeds, but in a more personal, tangible way. The three accounts of this event are found in Matthew 17:1-8, Mark 9:2-8, and Luke 9:28-36. According to tradition, the event took place onMount Tabor. The association with a mountain is also found in Luke 9:28 and 2 Peter 1:18. This biblical event appears in each of the Gospel books as an important moment in the life of Jesus and evidence of his divinity. 4 . . This is what happened to Jesus in the event known as the Transfiguration: His appearance changed and became glorious. ET on EWTN: Holy Mass and Rosary on Thursday, June 29, 2023 - SOLEMNITY OF SAINTS PETER AND PAUL, APOSTLES Tell us where you're. It simply reports what happened, without going into as much detail as the other narratives. Copyright 2023, Christianity.com. Grave Tone. Healing Prayers to Heal the Body, Mind, and Soul. Not unnaturally, the eavesdropping apostles likely interpreted this news of an exodus solely in terms of literal liberation from the yoke of Rome. [1] [2] The Synoptic Gospels ( Matthew 17:1-8, Mark 9:2-8, Luke 9:28-36) recount the occasion, and the Second Epistle of Peter also refers to it ( 2 Peter 1:16-18 ). This revelation of His glory is recorded in The Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 17:1-3; Mark 9:2-13; Luke 9:28-36).1 One week before the Transfiguration, Peter shared his confession of Jesus as Messiah. The teaching about John in no way teaches re-incarnation. - The act, the fact of transfiguring, of transfiguring oneself; change of figure or appearance or expression. It was Jesus' message that He is going to die and that is exactly what the Transfiguration is all about. The transfiguration of Jesus Christ - Holyart.com Blog The Transfiguration. He had been trying to get His impending death across to the disciples and sees how desperately crippled they are by the announcement. One of the purposes of the Transfiguration was to strengthen the faith of the disciples in the divine nature of Jesus before they experienced the shock of the difficult days ahead. About a week after His sojourn in Caesarea Philippi, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John and led them to a high mountain apart, where He was trans-figured before their ravished eyes. Renew or manage your subscription here. In such an interesting and compelling way, the Transfiguration illustrates what a careful, sensitive, creative and resourceful teacher Jesus was. 10 Things You Need to Know About Jesus' Transfiguration These two men, whose lives on earth had been separated by as much as 700 years, are here to stand in symbolically for the Law and the Prophets: the Old Covenant giving its stamp of approval to the New. In the Gospel accounts, after foretelling his death and Resurrection, Jesus and his three disciples went to a high mountain to be away from the crowds. All rights reserved. . 3 And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Humanity was added to Christs deity, yet He became the radiant light of men. Jesus Christ, Gods Word made flesh, offers magnificent illumination and transformation to everyone (John 8:12). The disciples fell to the ground, paralyzed with fear, but when they looked up, only Jesus was present, returned to his normal appearance. John completes the cycle of prophets begun by Elijah. This is precisely what we find in the Gospel of Matthew (11:13-14): For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. Because God made us free, we have rights, said Archbishop Sheen. Moses, recall, had once climbed to an awesome mountaintop, taken three trusted companions with him, andas we shall see in a momentheard God speaking through a heavenly voice (Exod.