The Mount of Transfiguration incident is an important event that revealed Jesus' divinity and glory to his disciples, and is covered in the three gospels of the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) and 2 Peter. This incident is a revelation that clearly shows the identity and mission of Jesus. The details of the Transfiguration Incident are as follows:
1. Background and location
The Transfiguration incident occurred when Jesus climbed a high mountain with his disciples. The Bible does not specify the name of this mountain, but the mountain traditionally considered the Mount of Transfiguration is believed to be Mount Hermon or Mount Tabor in the Galilee region.
2. Characters
- Jesus: The central figure who revealed divinity.
- Peter, James, and John: three disciples of Jesus. We go up the mountain with Jesus and witness this event.
- Moses: Appears as a figure representing the law.
- Elijah: Appears as a representative of the prophets.
- The Voice of God the Father: We hear the voice of God testifying to the divinity of Jesus.
3. Development of events
transfiguration of jesus
When Jesus went up the mountain to pray with his disciples, his appearance changed.
- Matthew 17:2: “And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light.”
- Mark 9:2-3: “And Jesus was transfigured, and his clothes became shining, and they became very white, so much so that no laundress on earth could make them white.”
- Luke 9:29: “While he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became white and shiny.”
The Appearance of Moses and Elijah
Moses and Elijah appeared and talked with the transformed Jesus.
- Matthew 17:3: “Then Moses and Elijah were seen speaking with him.”
- Luke 9:30-31: “Suddenly two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his future death in Jerusalem.”
Peter's reaction
Peter suggests that Jesus build three tabernacles.
- Matthew 17:4: “Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you are willing, I will make three tabernacles here: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” ."
- Mark 9:5-6: “Then Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us make three tabernacles: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” “For they were very afraid and did not know what he would say.”
- Luke 9:33: “As they departed, Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. Let us make three tabernacles: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” “Yes,” he said, “but he did not know what he was talking about.”
voice of god
Clouds appear and the voice of God is heard.
- Matthew 17:5: “While they were still speaking, a bright cloud suddenly overshadowed them, and a voice came from the cloud, saying, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.’”
- Mark 9:7: “Then a cloud came and covered them, and a voice came out of the cloud, ‘This is my beloved Son; listen to him.’”
- Luke 9:34-35: “While he was saying this, a cloud came and covered them, and as they were entering the cloud, they were afraid. And a voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, the Chosen One. Listen to him.” ."
disciples' reaction
The disciples were afraid and fell on their faces.
- Matthew 17:6: “When the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were very afraid.”
comfort of jesus
Jesus approaches the disciples and raises them up.
- Matthew 17:7-8: “Jesus came and touched them and said, ‘Rise up and do not be afraid.’ Then the disciples lifted up their eyes and looked, and they saw no one except Jesus.”
4. Meaning of the incident
- Confirmation of Jesus' divinity: The Mount of Transfiguration incident is an opportunity to reveal Jesus' divinity and glory and confirm his divine authority.
- Redemptive historical significance: The appearance of Moses and Elijah shows that the law and prophets are connected to the ministry of Jesus.
- Disciples' education: Through this incident, the disciples gain a deeper understanding of Jesus' true nature and mission.
- God's Testimony: God's voice emphasizes that Jesus is the Son of God and that his words must be heard.
5. Results and aftereffects
After the Transfiguration incident, Jesus commands his disciples not to tell others about this experience.
- Matthew 17:9: “As they came down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, ‘Tell no one what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.’”
- Mark 9:9: “And as they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus warned them not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had been raised from the dead.”
- Luke 9:36: “And the sound ceased, and only Jesus was seen. And the disciples were silent, and then they told no one whatsoever they had seen.”
The Transfiguration Incident is an important event that confirms Jesus' divinity, shows his disciples more clearly his mission, and makes them deeply aware of the essence of faith, and is one of the core tenets of the Christian faith.