A Taste Of Eternity

What does life look like beyond the grave? Let’s examine our transformation now and its eternal result. We will look at the transfiguration in Matthew 17:1-9 and its application in transforming our lives today.

Small Group of 3

Matthew 17:1 After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.

A small attendance and a large miracle went hand-in-hand. False prophets often draw large crowds (Luke 6:26; 2 Timothy 4:3-4; Matthew 7:13-14). Numbers alone prove nothing. Jesus rarely taught thousands, occasionally a hundred plus, most often a dozen or so and sometimes just three of His disciples.

Is quality time with a dozen and occasionally three key disciples a model for discipleship? Is it a pastor’s job to spend equal time with every single individual or intense time with a chosen few? Is it then up to those few to care for the rest of the flock?

Transformed

Matthew 17:2 There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.

Here we read that Jesus was transfigured or transformed (µeteµ??f???, metemorphothe). This is the same word used in the letter to the Romans about us being “transformed” by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). Are we being inwardly “transformed” into the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18)?

As Peter, James and John saw the transfiguration a transformation was happening to them. Moses’ face shone like the sun after being close to God. Will our lives also shine? Is a life that is close to God a shining light in a dark world that will soon shine forever?

Moses and Elijah

Matthew 17:3 Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.

Was this a vision of the future or present reality? Both Moses and Elijah had prophesied the coming of the Messiah during their lifetimes here on earth. But, weren’t these men dead and buried, still awaiting a future resurrection? Such questions assume that there is time in a timeless eternity.

Don’t our theological arguments about waiting for a future resurrection versus going to heaven after death fall silent when we realize that there is no time in eternity? Can we who live in a world restrained by time, really explain heaven, resurrection and eternal life in earthly terms? Perhaps not!

Peter’s Impetuosity

Matthew 17:4 Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”

As Peter saw a vision of Moses and Elijah talking with Jesus, we see him acting impetuously, which was his personality. A tabernacle is a shelter, similar to what many Jews still make today in their backyards for the Feast of Tabernacles. They are quickly made from branches and leaves.

Was Peter asking, let me build some temporary shelters so you can stay awhile? Are we sometimes also impulsive with our opinions and suggestions? How often do we rush into decisions rashly and then later ask God to bless the decision that we have made without asking for divine guidance?

Keep on Listening to Him

Matthew 17:5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”

We are not told what Moses and Elijah discussed with Jesus, but we are told what God said. A cloud had covered them and God spoke from the cloud. He said these important and familiar words, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

The present imperative active voice of the original Greek can be translated as: “you [plural] keep on listening to him.” What about preaching Jesus? To “keep on listening to him,” shouldn’t we be in a church where his words are rehearsed in our hearing and his words are the focus?

Jesus' Touch

Matthew 17:6-8 When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. 7 But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” 8 When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.

The Bible reveals that God’s voice frightens people. Peter, James and John were terrified and fell on the ground face down. Jesus set us the example of human touch. Sometimes all a person needs is a touch on the arm or a hug. It is a good thing to do.

Even modern science knows the importance of a caring touch. Babies and animals can die without a loving touch. In a cold-blooded world that separates families because of heartless, draconian laws and destroys people because of heavy-handed cruelty, a touch of human kindness is a particularly urgent need.