Matthew 17:1-8, The Transfiguration

1 And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, 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 white as light. 3 And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 4 And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 5 He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. 7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” 8 And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.

Comments

Matthew closely links Peter’s confession with Jesus’ new teaching on his death followed by the Transfiguration. What appears on the human level as a failure—the death of Jesus—gains approval on the divine level with this revelation. The theology of the cross gains approval by the theology of glory with the two being inextricably linked. Jesus’ inner circle, chosen for a private moment with God, sees Jesus become a heavenly being.

Why do Moses and Elijah appear with him? While both men talked with God at Mount Sinai, they were also expected to return in connection with the Messianic age. Moses and Elijah also experienced rejection and suffering. Jesus fulfills “the Prophet” to which they pointed. After this supernatural vision and hearing the voice of God, the accompanying disciples were relieved to have Jesus “back to normal.”

Prayers

O God, who before the passion of your only-begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant to us that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(BCP, p. 217)