Transfiguration of Christ

August 10, 2014

Matthew 17:1-13 (cf. Mk. 9:1-13; Luke 9:27-36)

The transfiguration is one of the most important events in the earthly ministry of Christ. It took place shortly after Christ began to tell His disciples about going to Jerusalem to be crucified and raised after three days (16:21). Then Jesus promised He would give them a “preview” of Him “coming in his kingdom” (16:27-28).

The transfiguration is the fulfillment of that promised “preview.” The transfiguration is a miniature picture of the coming kingdom.

The transfiguration took place on “an high mountain apart” (probably Mount Hermon, close to Caesarea Philippi).

I. A DISPLAY of Christ’s coming (17:1–2).

A. The TRANSFIGURING.

1. “transfigured”(translated from the Greek word met-am-or-fo’- o). We get our word word “metamorphosis” from this word. It means to change the outward form or appearance… to trans- form. Especially, to change to something exalted and glorious. Luke 9:29 says “the fashion of his countenance was ALTERED, and his raiment was white and GLISTERING.”

A caterpillar builds a cocoon and later emerges as a beautiful monarch butterfly. The metamorphosis of the caterpillar came from the inside-out. Our Lord’s glory was not reflected but radiated from the inside-out. His divine glory shined out through His flesh. It must have been a sight to “Behold!”

2. Peter, James, and John got a glimpse of Christ in His glorified body, as He will appear when He comes “in his kingdom.” Peter makes it clear what they were witnessing on the mount was a vision of Christ coming in majesty and power (see 2 Peter 1:15-18).

3. Jesus said He would come “with power and great glory” (Mt. 24:30). There won’t be anything dull about the coming kingdom of God in comparison to the kingdoms of this world. It will be a dazzling sight.

B. The TIMING. —“And after SIX DAYS…”

Six days pass from the promise in 16:28, and Christ is transfigured on the SEVENTH day. [Luke 9:28 says, “about eight days”—This is no contradiction. After six days and about eight days is the seventh day!]
God works in series of “sevens.