Christ Revealed as God’s Beloved Son (Matthew 17.1-9)

In the district of Caesarea Philippi Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do people say I am?” They responded that some think he is John the Baptist or Elijah or one of the prophets. Jesus then asked, “But who do you say I am?” Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.”

Jesus then shared with the disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer in the hands of the elders, chief priests, and scribes, be killed, and on the third day be raised from the dead. Peter pulled Jesus to the side and rebuked him, saying this shall never happen to Jesus, but he turned and told Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. You are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on human things.”

Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever would save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.”

Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain by themselves. He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. Behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 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.” When they lifted their eyes, they saw only Jesus. As they came down the mountain, Jesus commanded them to tell no one about the vision until the Son of Man was raised from the dead.

Since the disciples have begun to recognize who Jesus is, the Transfiguration was part of Jesus’ preparation for the events in Jerusalem he had mentioned earlier. Moses and Elijah represented the Law and the Prophets, which testify to Jesus. According to Luke 9.31, they discussed his coming death. That Jesus was transfigured “before them” implies that it was for the benefit of Peter, James, and John, a reminder of Jesus’ divine glory and a preview of his coming exaltation. In the Old Testament, the “cloud” signified God’s presence. The voice combined Psalm 2.7 and Isaiah 42.1, stressing that Jesus is both Son and Suffering Servant. Jesus has fulfilled the Law and the Prophets, made clear that his is superior to Moses and Elijah, whose revelations point ultimately to Jesus. Jesus is the embodied Son of God, the ultimate Prophet who fulfills Moses’ prophetic expectation (Deuteronomy 18.15-22), so the disciples must listen to Jesus to understand his messianic mission. The One who embodies the glory of God will be the divine sacrifice on the cross, but he will be raised from the dead to live forever.

In his second epistle, Peter mentions the Transfiguration experience (1.16-19). We [apostles] did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” We ourselves [Peter, James, and John] heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain. Thus, we have the prophetic message [the Old Testament] more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this [the prophetic message] as to a lamp shining in a dark place [the dark world turned away from God the Light], until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts [an illuminating transformation will take place in the hearts of believers when Christ returns].