The Transfiguration of Jesus: The Apostles’ Testimony of Divine Glory

Transfiguration Sunday

Third Edition

Gospel Luke 9:28–36 The Transfiguration of Christ

About a week after Jesus had said these things, he took Peter, John, and James with him and went up a mountain to pray. As he prayed, his face was changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. And behold, two men, Moses and Elijah, were talking with him. They appeared in heavenly glory and spoke of Jesus’ departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.

Now Peter and the disciples with him had fallen into a deep sleep. When they woke up, they saw Jesus in his glory and the two men who were with him. As they were leaving Jesus, Peter said, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us make three shelters: for you, and for Moses, and for Elijah.” But he did not know what he was saying.

While Peter was still speaking, a cloud came and overshadowed the place. The disciples were afraid when they saw the men covered with the cloud. A voice came from the cloud, “This is my Son, my chosen one; listen to him!” When the voice had ceased, the disciples saw Jesus alone. They kept silent about all that they had experienced and did not tell anyone about it at that time. (Luke 9:28–36 Third Edition)

Interesting Beginning

The transfiguration is a significant and profound event in the New Testament that opens up a view of Jesus’ divine nature. In the Gospel of Luke (Luke 9:28–36), Jesus takes three of his apostles—Peter, James, and John—to the Mount of Transfiguration. There, before their very eyes, Jesus’ appearance changes and his glory shines at its best. This was not just one miracle in his life; it carries deep theological significance and reinforces the apostles’ testimony of his divine nature.

The Events of the Mount of Transfiguration

The events of the Mount of Transfiguration are found in all three Gospels: Matthew, Mark, and Luke. This consistency in the various accounts strengthens the historical reliability of the event. For example, Mark 9:3 describes Jesus’ garments as “becoming dazzling white, more brilliant than any other garment on earth.” As Jesus stepped onto the mountain, his face shone like the sun, and his garments became white as light. This was not just a superficial transformation; it showed that divine glory resided in Jesus. The disciples were able to see him as he truly was—powerful, divine, and glorified. In such a moment, spiritual realities unfold that are impossible to forget.

The Testimony of the Apostles

The apostles Peter, James, and John were chosen to testify to the divinity of Jesus. 2 Corinthians says that “every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” Without these three witnesses, Jesus’ transfiguration might have remained just his own claim, making it difficult to believe.

Peter, James, and John witnessed this transfiguration, and it had a profound effect on their lives. For example, Peter later mentions this experience in 2 Peter, where he assures us: “We did not follow cleverly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

The Revelation of Divine Glory

The experience on the Mount of Transfiguration opened up a new perspective on the kingdom of God for the disciples. They experienced a heavenly transfiguration that confirmed that Jesus was the promised Messiah and the Son of God. This event was not merely experiential; it foreshadowed his future kingly position. The Transfiguration of Jesus is a demonstration of power and majesty that brought peace and encouragement to the disciples for the challenges ahead. When they faced difficulties, such as Jesus’ crucifixion, they had this reminder of his divinity to support them.

Strengthening for the Mission

The events on the Mount of Transfiguration not only strengthened the disciples’ faith; they also prepared Jesus for his future mission. Jesus’ transfiguration demonstrated the reality of his divine kingdom. It was like an early demonstration of his kingdom and his position as the Son of God. As God confirmed Jesus’ priesthood at his baptism, the Transfiguration showed that he was ready to face the suffering that lay ahead. Over 80 percent of the miracles recorded in the Gospels are directly related to Jesus’ teachings; this speaks to his consistent mission.

Teachings Behind the Transfiguration

The events on the Mount of Transfiguration offer us important lessons that are still relevant in our day. First, they remind us of the importance of testimony in our own faith. The apostles are an example of how a testimony of the reality of the kingdom of God can change people’s lives. Second, the moment of the transfiguration encourages us to seek God’s presence in difficult times. When you face high and challenging moments, may God open your eyes and reveal himself, as he did to the disciples on the mountain.

Summary

The transfiguration of Jesus is one of the most powerful events in the New Testament, one that not only confirms the apostles’ testimony but also offers us the opportunity to understand more about the kingdom of God. This event opens up vistas for us that inspire us to believe and follow Jesus with our hearts.

Although this pivotal event took place a long time ago, its theological content and meaning are still relevant. The call to live and experience the glory of God is something that can be part of our daily lives. The account of Jesus’ transfiguration in the Gospel of Luke reminds us that God still wants to reveal himself to us today.

There is a power and beauty in the experience of the Mount of Transfiguration that can enrich our consciousness. You will learn and grow with us in the glorified Christ, who calls us to follow him, to rejoice in his glory, and to witness his miracles to the world.