Bible Verses of the Week

The Transfiguration of Jesus

¹ Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. ² And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. ³ Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. ⁴ Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” ⁵ While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” ⁶ When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. ⁷ But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” ⁸ And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone. ⁹ As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” (NRSV, Matthew 17:1–9)

This scene is hard to imagine. For a time Peter, James and John saw Jesus as a heavenly being rather than as a man. This vision of Jesus and God's voice from heaven confirmed that Jesus was truly the divine Son of God. Moses and Elijah were the greatest of the Old Testament prophets, and their presence further demonstrated Jesus' divine nature. Many years later Peter recalled this event in his writings (2 Peter 1:16-18) and John may have made allusion to it (John 1:14).

This was one of the great events of Jesus' ministry. He had already been preaching and healing for two years. Now He clearly had the power and glory to carry His mission to completion through His death and resurrection.