Transfigured

Transfigured

Matthew 17:2-4, NKJV

And He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. 3And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. 4Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

Setting the Scene

Jesus’ power was revealed both in his appearance and in his transcendence over time and space. He looked different, and suddenly he was talking with Moses and Elijah. His brightness (“his face shone like the sun”) was not reflected but flowed from within. He wasn’t standing in a divine spotlight; he was the source of the light. Jesus was joined by two great Old Testament figures, indicating further glory in Jesus’ authority.

Those moments on the mountain were a glimpse into timelessness. Two figures who lived hundreds of years apart—and had long been dead—conversed together with Jesus. We’re not told how the disciples identified those two figures, but their presence indicated a realm where life goes on in ways we can hardly imagine. Nor do we know the content of the conversation.

Although most translations use the term “transfigured” when describing what happened to Jesus on the mountaintop, that particular Greek word is also used in Romans 12:2 to describe what needs to happen to those who desire to be living sacrifices: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed [transfigured] by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (NKJV). We’ve borrowed the Greek term metamorphosis to describe the kind of change that happens when a caterpillar becomes a butterfly. In Jesus’ case, the metamorphosis revealed his glory in ways that were not usually apparent as he moved through the world. And yet his glory was evident in less remarkable ways as he communicated his grace and truth to those he met. The effects of Jesus’ presence in our lives ought to result in the kind of transformation that reveals God’s glory in the world. Our “transfiguration” won’t be the same as Christ’s, but transformation is part of his intention for us.

Getting Personal

What are some of the conversations you want to have with Jesus in eternity?

How is God transforming you these days?

Although our transfiguration may seem to proceed at a snail’s pace in this life, we can trust that God is working out his plans for us, for our good and for his glory.

Talking to God

Submit to the transformation God wants to bring about in your life. Ask God to “renew your mind” as he accomplishes his purposes for you.