Matthew 17:1-9
1 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. 2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. 3 Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him.
4 Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 5 While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. 7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” 8 And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.
9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”
The Transfiguration is a pivotal point in Jesus' earthly ministry for both Him and His disciples. This week we will address why the Transfiguration, and next week what happened at the Transfiguration.
Why the Transfiguration?
The Transfiguration is a pivotal point in Jesus' earthly ministry for both Him and His disciples. This week we will address why the Transfiguration, and next week what happened at the Transfiguration.
We need to consider the context to understand the message this event presents. Let us go back to Matthew 16:21-22 when Jesus and His disciples are at Caesarea Philippi and just after Peter professes his faith that Jesus is the Messiah, the son of the living God. "From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the priests and the teachers of the Law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 'Never, Lord!' he said. 'This shall never happen to you!'"
This declaration contradicts the disciples' fundamental expectations that the Messiah will liberate Israel from the Roman occupation. They expect an Almighty Savior whose kingdom will have no end. How can they accept His announcement that He will be arrested, tortured, and killed? Could he be the One they expected or should they expect another one?
It is a crucial decision - to quit Him? or, as Peter did, take Him aside, rebuke Him and remind Him that this should never happen to Him? The idea of the "suffering servant,” described by the prophet in Isaiah 53:1-9, is totally refused and causes a real denial of Jesus' Messianism.
Mount Tabor in Galilee, The Mount of Transfiguration.
The disciples need to reflect, consider, accept and absorb as much as they can. Today's Gospel says that six days went by after that discussion and before the Transfiguration. It must have been a challenging time where they looked for many answers.
Jesus will never leave them to be prey to their doubts and their refusal of His person as the Messiah, who is the Redeemer and the Savior. He shares in their psychological suffering. Then, He takes three of them up a high mountain where he is going to transfigure in their presence.
We try to see the reason leading to the Transfiguration. What happened there and what messages can we conclude? Was it a response to the doubt of the disciples? Jesus didn't need to prove that He is God. He always takes us deeper. Was it to show that His body would suffer but He has the Light and Divinity inside?!
Let us think about our own reactions to suffering in our life. Are we tempted to doubt Jesus' presence, love and power when we are facing or undergoing sufferings? Are we tempted to feel that this shouldn't be happening to us?
Do we try to feel God's presence with us in all situations and stations of our life? May we spend not six days to ponder this, but at least a reasonable time to give an answer. Our merciful Lord understands!