The Meaning Of The Transfiguration

Matthew 17.1-9

In the gospel we read “He was transfigured before them.” Then the word ‘transfigured’ is explained; “His face did shine as the sun, and his garments became white as the light.” It is meaningful to know that the Greek word used here by Matthew and translated as “transfigured” is the same as that used by Paul in Romans 12:2, where the English translation is, “And be not fashioned according to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

In this spectacular scene on the mountain top God very meaningfully brought back Moses and Elijah to appear with Christ. Moses represented the law of the Old Testament which bears his name. Elijah represented the prophets. These are the two leading segments of Old Testament history. It is also interesting to remember that Moses had died in solitude on Mt. Nebo and had been buried by the angels in an unmarked grave, while Elijah, having been taken up to heaven in a chariot and a whirlwind, had never died. (2 Kings 2:11). In Luke 9:31, we learn the subject of the conversation which these two from the past carried on with the Lord, for after naming them, Luke adds, “Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he was to accomplish at Jerusalem.”

The transfiguration has rich meaning for each of us today. It enables us to feel the glory and majesty of the Lord more than we could possible feel it without this dramatic scene. It helps us to get a little of the spine tingling, awe-inspiring feeling that we need when we contemplate the greatness of God and Christ. We will meet the Lord in all his glory at the judgment, but we are more likely to be ready to meet him when we embrace His teachings in this life. Do you believe?