Matthew 17:1-6

(No Ratings Yet)

 Loading ...

Matthew 17:1-6
The transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain was a unique experience in the life of Jesus and noteworthy both for the sake of the apostles and as further proof for us of His deity. Jesus took on a form that one might say was as close to His real nature as one could be and still be seen by men. His transfigured form in connection with the Father proclaiming Him to be His Son is strong confirmation that Jesus was who He said He was.Consider the appearance of Moses and Elijah. Moses was the lawgiver of the Old Testament and thus considered the representative of the Law as given to the Israel nation. Elijah was the most notable of all the prophets having been one of only two men in all of history not to taste death. Thus, these two represent the Law and the Prophets, that is, upon which all the Jewish nation rested their faith. Peter in his confusion concerning the incident was ready to exalt all three and make tents for them. But at that moment a cloud overshadowed them and the voice of God from the cloud announced that only Jesus was His Son and therefore, hear Him! Hebrews 1:1-2 teaches the same principle. God spoke in different ways in the past through Moses and the prophets, but at the end of those days God now speaks to us through His Son. We are no longer to hear and follow the laws delivered by Moses. We are no longer under the revelations made by the prophets. We are now under the last will and testament of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He is to be heard over the law and over the prophets.

Luke adds another interesting bit of information to this account. Luke tells us that Jesus was having a conversation with Moses and Elijah about His upcoming death (Luke 9:30). It gives us the idea that the whole spiritual realm was awaiting the most important event in history, the redemption of man. We are also treated to a glimpse into life after death. The incident suggests what is later confirmed by Paul in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, that we will know each other and know all the faithful who have ever lived. What a great day that will be! It ought to motivate us all the press all the harder to serve and please God acceptably.
Berry Kercheville