Why was Jesus Transfigured? The meaning of the Transfiguration
📖 Bible Verses (KJV)
After six days, Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart: And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.
— Matthew 17:1–2 (KJV)
Additional Supporting Verses
Then Moses and Elias came to them, speaking with him.
— Matthew 17:3 (KJV)
This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.
— Matthew 17:5 (KJV)
For we were not led astray by cleverly crafted myths… in the holy mountain.
— 2 Peter 1:16–18 (KJV)
📅 Approximate Year Written
* Matthew: Around AD 50–70
* Mark: Around AD 55–65
* Luke: Around AD 60–62
* 2 Peter: Around AD 64–68
The Transfiguration was near the end of Jesus' public ministry, just after Peter's profession of belief that Jesus is the Messiah, and just before Jesus sets out on His road to Jerusalem and the cross.
🏛️ Historical Background
The Transfiguration is mentioned in all three Synoptic Gospels:
* Matthew 17:1–9
* Mark 9:2–10
* Luke 9:28–36
Jesus brought Peter, James, and John to a high mountain where he appeared in a different way than He did before them.
His face was shining with bright glory, and his clothes were as white as snow, and Moses and Elijah stood before Him and spoke with Him.
It was then that he heard a voice from heaven that said:
Here is My beloved Son... O yea hear ye!
It was one of the most obvious demonstrations of Jesus' divinity prior to His crucifixion.
Why Jesus was Transfigured?
There are a number of important reasons in the Bible.
1. To reveal his Divine glory
Throughout Jesus' earthly ministry, His divine glory is covered by the human nature.
In the Transfiguration, the disciples had an instant preview of His glory in heaven.
Jesus' face was fair, and He was clothed with a white robe; He was more than just a prophet or teacher, He is the Son of God.
2. To make the Disciples stronger before the Cross
Just a few days before, Jesus had told His disciples that He would suffer and die (Matthew 16:21).
This perplexed and discouraged them.
The Transfiguration was a reassurance to Peter, James and John that Jesus was going to suffer, but his glory and victory were sure.
It helped them get ready for tough times to come.
3. To meet expectations of the Old Testament
The presence of Moses and Elijah was very special.
Moses represented:
* The Law.
God's promise to Israel.
Elijah represented:
* The Prophets.
God's appeal to the people to turn away from their sin.
They both gave their testimony that Jesus had accomplished all that was predicted in the Old Testament.
They spoke to Jesus about His coming "decease" (departure) and His death and the redemption He would bring in Jerusalem ( Luke 9:31).
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4. The purpose of the Baptism of Jesus was to:
The Father's voice repeated what was heard at Jesus' baptism:
This is my beloved Son, listen to him.
This command is a declaration of Jesus as the ultimate revelation of God.
Believers cherish Moses and the prophets, but are to listen to Christ above all.
5. To give a foretaste of Christ's future kingdom
Jesus had been telling them:
There are some standing here who shall never taste death again, until they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.
— Matthew 16:28 (KJV)
The Transfiguration is a preview to many biblical scholars of the future glory of Christ and His coming kingdom.
The disciples saw a preview of the majesty which they would see later.
🔬 Historical Reliability
The Transfiguration is mentioned separately in Matthew, Mark, and Luke.
Later the Apostle Peter described it as an eye-witness:
“Behold his majesty we were eye-witnesses to it.”
— 2 Peter 1:16 (KJV)
It is one of the events that was recorded in more than one Gospel and also picked up later by the testimony of the Apostles, the Transfiguration.
Which Mountain Was It?
The Bible says it happened on a "high mountain.The Bible just states that it happened on a "high mountain.
There are a number of locations that have been suggested.
Traditional View
Mount Tabor has been identified for many centuries as the site by Christians.
Since the early centuries of Christianity, there have been churches dedicated to the Transfiguration there.
Alternative View
Many modern scholars argue for the Mount Hermon, because it is geographically closer to Caesarea Philippi where the previous events occurred.
The Bible does not name the mountain, so it's unclear where it is located.
🚀 Real-World Example
Suppose a king were to go throughout his realm in the same clothes that he wears every day, to be able to mingle among his subjects.
Some of his most cherished friends, one day, he shows up in full royal garb, looking like the king that he is.
Now, they know who he really is before they go back to normal.
Similarly, the Transfiguration was a preview of Jesus' divine glory to three disciples, before He suffered on the cross.
💡 Easy Explanation
The Transfiguration was a way for Jesus to reveal himself to His closest disciples.
It demonstrated His divine glory, verified that He fulfilled the Law and the Prophets, was a security to His disciples before His crucifixion, and heralded His coming kingdom.
It spoke with no ambiguity about its answer to the question, "Who is Jesus?
🤯 Did You Know?
There are three Gospels in which the Transfiguration is mentioned.
During the Old Testament, both Moses and Elijah had an amazing encounter with God on a mountain.
Peter went on to say that he had personally observed the event (2 Peter 1:16-18).
At the Transfiguration the Father's voice is similar to His voice at Jesus' baptism.
Many Christian churches celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration every year.
The Bible and history agree.The Bible and history are the same.
The Transfiguration is an important event in Jesus' ministry, according to biblical scholars.
It has a theological definition, which is broadly interpreted as referring to:
Jesus' disclosure of his divine glory.
A statement of His identity as God's Son.
The fullness of the OT.
The disciples' preparation for His crucifixion.
The identity of the mountain is not fully known, but the importance of the event in the Gospel story is generally acknowledged in all Christian traditions.
🙏 Spiritual Reflection
The Transfiguration is a reminder to believers of Jesus' divinity and humanity.
The very same Saviour who was about to suffer in the flesh on the cross, first displayed His heavenly glory to encourage His believers.
The word of the Father still rings out today:
"Hear ye him."
Christians are called to listen above all to Jesus Christ in a world with competing voices!
📌 Key Takeaway
Jesus' Transfiguration was to reveal His divine glory, to confirm His identity as God's beloved Son, to let those who would believe know that He fulfilled the Law and the Prophets, to give His disciples strength in His knowledge that He was soon going to be crucified, and to give His disciples a glimpse of the kingdom to come. The Transfiguration is one of the most obvious displays of Christ's glory in His earthly ministry, prior to His death and resurrection.
📚 References
Scripture
Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV)
Matthew 16:21–17:13
Mark 9:2–13
Luke 9:28–36
2 Peter 1:16–18
Exodus 24
Deuteronomy 18:15
Malachi 4:5–6
Historical Sources
The New Bible Dictionary
Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible
Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary
The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament was created for this reason.That's why The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament exists!
The Gospel of Matthew was written by an unknown author.
About This Article
This article is an explanation of the Transfiguration of Jesus according to the King James version (KJV), the Gospel accounts and historical scholarship. It covers the historical background, theological meaning, and clarifies biblical teaching from traditional interpretations regarding its site.
Classification
Bible Class: Luke 15:37-40;
Biblical References: Matthew 17:1–9; Mark 9:2–10; Luke 9:28–36; 2 Peter 1:16–18
Historical Status: It is strongly supported. The Transfiguration is listed in three Gospels, and mentioned by the Apostle Peter, who claims to have witnessed the event.
The archaeological status is that it is not known from archaeological evidence which mountain it is. It is not specified where they were built, but both Mt. Tabor and Mt. Hermon have been suggested.
The Transfiguration was a manifestation of Jesus' divine glory and His affirmation as God's Son, a confirmation of fulfillment of Old Testament expectations, and a preparation for the coming death and resurrection of Jesus. The mountain's name is not one that can be asserted biblically, but rather one that is accepted as tradition.
Editorial Note: This article uses the King James Version (KJV), the authoritative Gospels and accepted biblical scholarship. When Scripture doesn't give specific information, Guiding Verses helps readers differentiate between historical facts, traditional interpretations, and biblical teaching.
