The Transfiguration: The Revelation of the Kingdom - Mark 9.2-8; Matt 17.1-8; Luke 9.28-36

　

After six or eight days (Luke’s gospel takes into account the two travel days) Jesus is going to show three disciples, Peter, James, and John, the Kingdom of God come in power, as He spoke of earlier, the week before.

This event most likely occurred on Mt. Hermon, the highest and most isolated mountain in the Holy Land, and not on Mt. Tabor. Luke says they went to a high mountain, apart, by themselves. Mt. Hermon fits this description.

Jesus is transfigured before them, his clothes dazzlingly white, His face shining as the sun. Matthew connects the event to Mt. Sinai and Moses shining face. Two men appear with Jesus, Moses and Elijah, and speak of Jesus’ coming death. The word for death was “exodus” which meant liberation from His humanity. The disciples see Jesus’ glory which He will have in the Messianic Kingdom.

Peter wants to build three tabernacles--one for each man. Peter was thinking in a Hebrew perspective. This was the correct response based upon what Peter understood--his timing is off--based on what he doesn’t understand. Peter understands Jesus is the Messiah, he sees the glory Jesus will have in the kingdom. He understands from Zachariah 14.16-21 that the Messianic Kingdom is the fulfillment of the Feast of Tabernacles. Peter does not yet understand how Jesus is going to die and be resurrected--he thinks the Kingdom is going to be physically established very soon. So his response was correct based on his understanding. This is why he wanted to build three booths. He doesn’t realize that Passover must be fulfilled before Tabernacles can be fulfilled! Jesus must die first and be resurrected.

A voice comes out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son, hear him.” They have heard Moses and the Prophets, now they must hear Jesus for total fulfillment of the scriptures. When the cloud lifts they see Jesus only.

The Theological Implications of the Transfiguration:

1. It authenticated the Messiahship of Yeshua--rejected by men but accepted by God.

2. It anticipates the establishment of the future earthly kingdom (2 Peter 1.16-18).

3. It guarantees the fulfillment of all Scripture (2 Peter 1.19-21).

4. A pledge of life beyond the grave. Moses represents those who will be resurrected since he died. Elijah represents those who will be translated at the end of the age. Luke’s version mentions that Elijah also appeared in glory, he did not die, so he would already be in glory--he cannot die--he is not one of the two witnesses at the end of the age. We will see this later in the teaching.

5. A measure of His love for us--what it cost Him to come--He had to veil His glory twice. It was first veiled at the incarnation. It is veiled again by the time He comes down from the mountain. When John sees Jesus in Revelation chapter one he sees Jesus in His full glory--just as He will be seen at His second coming.

　

Notes from: The Life of Messiah from a Jewish Perspective by Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum