THE ACCOUNT OF THE TRANSFIGURATION (MATTHEW 1:1-8)

(Message by Tanny Keng)

1. The Transfiguration

a) When Jesus revealed his glory to Peter, James, and John, they immediately recognized Moses and Elijah even though they had never even met them.  They knew enough about them that they recognized them. Jesus never introduced them or told the disciples who these men were…the disciples already knew them.  

b) Let’s read the account of the Transfiguration in Matthew 17:1-8:

“And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.  And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.”  He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified.  But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.”  And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.”

c) When the Scripture said “there appeared to them Moses and Elijah” there was no mention of confusion as to whom these men were.  Peter said, “Lord, it is good that we are here.  If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and Elijah.”  So Peter named them by their own given names.  There is no doubt Peter, James, and John knew who these men were, even after these men were on the other side of eternity. 

The End ...