Jesus Christ, transfiguration of

The revelation of the glory of Jesus Christ, shortly before his death, at which his disciples caught sight of him in his full majesty. The transfiguration brought home to the disciples that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

The glory of Jesus Christ is revealed at the transfiguration

Jesus Christ prepares for his glory to be revealed

Luke 9:28 parallels Matthew 17:1, Mark 9:2

About eight days after Jesus had said these things, He took with Him Peter, John, and James, and went up on a mountain to pray.

Jesus Christ is visibly transfigured

Matthew 17:2 parallels Mark 9:2–3, Luke 9:29 The transfiguration was a glimpse of Jesus Christ's glory whereby his physical appearance was visibly changed.

There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.

The disciples are eye-witnesses of Jesus Christ's glory

Matthew 17:6 See also Mark 9:9; Luke 9:32; John 1:14; 2 Peter 1:16

When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown in terror.

Moses and Elijah appear at the transfiguration

Luke 9:30–31 parallels Matthew 17:3, Mark 9:4 “departure” refers to Jesus Christ's death.

Suddenly two men, Moses and Elijah, began talking with Jesus. They appeared in glory and spoke about His departure, which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.

God's voice is heard at the transfiguration

Matthew 17:5 parallels Mark 9:7, Luke 9:35 God the Father's voice is heard authenticating Jesus Christ's ministry. See also Matthew 3:17 parallels Mark 1:11, Luke 3:22; 2 Peter 1:17–18

While Peter was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!”

The disciples' response to the transfiguration

Peter's wish to build shelters

Matthew 17:4 parallels Mark 9:5–6, Luke 9:33

Fear

Matthew 17:6–7; Mark 9:6; Luke 9:34

Questioning and confusion

Matthew 17:10 parallel Mark 9:10–11

They keep to themselves what they have seen and heard

Luke 9:36 parallels Matthew 17:9–10, Mark 9:9–10 These verses reiterate that Jesus Christ's full glory was hidden from the world until his resurrection.

After the voice had spoken, only Jesus was present with them. The disciples kept this to themselves, and in those days they did not tell anyone what they had seen.