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.
Tell No One
Matthew 17:9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”
Some things are better learned later in life. After this encounter on the mount of transfiguration, Jesus instructed Peter, James and John not to tell anyone until after his resurrection. Like children who are not ready for solid food some people should only be fed milk (1 Corinthians 3:2).
That’s why Jesus spoke in parables, to disguise the truth from those not yet ready to receive it (Matthew 13:10-14). That’s not an insult, but a matter of spiritual growth. It is given to some to know the mysteries of the kingdom, but to others it is not - yet.
Peter's Testimony
Peter later wrote of his experience, that he was also a witness to Christ’s resurrection, and confirmed the Old Testament Scriptures (2 Peter 1:16-21)? He taught that no scripture was “the prophet’s own interpretation” but rather, they “spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”
Let’s look beyond our decaying, earthly existence to our metamorphosis into joyful, gloriously shining children of God. And let’s realize that that transformation has begun inside us and is taking place every day.
New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Readings
1st Reader: Exodus 24:12-18
Thus ends the reading from Exodus. Moses ascended alone. Let us draw near to God alone in prayer.
2nd Reader: Psalm 99
Thus ends the reading from the Psalms. God alone is worthy of worship, He hears our prayers, and He is merciful.
3rd Reader: 2 Peter 1:16-21
The word of God for the people of God. Peter was eye-witness to the resurrection and believed the Scriptures. They were not “the prophet’s own interpretation” but rather, they “spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”
Matthew 17:1-9 in Rhyme
Jesus took Peter, James and John
And led them up a mountain yon
There he was transformed before them
And His face shone just like the sun
And his clothes became as white as light
Moses and Elijah in sight
Peter said I’ll build some shelters
For you and each of the elders
As he spoke, a cloud covered them
And a voice said, “This is my Son
I’m well pleased with Him my loved One
So keep on listening to Him!”
Then they fell facedown, terrified
But Jesus touched them and replied
“Get up,” He said. “Don’t be afraid.”
And Jesus stood alone unswayed
While coming down the mountain
Jesus gave them this instruction
“The news of these things, do not spread
Until the Son’s raised from the dead.”
