The Transfiguration of Jesus Matthew 17:1-13

The Glory of Christ The Heavenly Visitors The Perplexed Disciples The Divine Voice The Messiah’s Messenger 2 THE TRANSFIGURATION

Revelation and Confirmation of His Divine Nature Matthew 17:1-2 Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. 3

A glimpse of Christ’s divine glory Change of appearance… -Face, 17:2 (Lk 9:29; Rev 1:16) -Clothing, 17:2 (Mk 9:3) Glory of Deity -Phil 2:5-8 -Heb 1:3 -1 Tim 6:16 4 Matthew 17:1-2

Eyewitnesses of His Majesty Isaiah saw His glory, Jno 12: 41 (Isa 6:1-3) Peter had stumbled at the cross -Now given amazing assurance that confirms faith (2 Pet 1:16, 19) 5 Matthew 17:1-2; 2 Peter 1:16

Moses and Elijah Appeared and Talked with Jesus Matthew 17:3 And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. 6

They talked of His decease Accomplishe d at Jerusalem, Jno 10:18; 17:4 -Moment of transcendent glory, His death is discussed -The Law and the prophets foresaw it, Luke 24: Luke 9:31

The Authority of Jesus is Endorsed by the Father Matthew 17:4-9 Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” 8

Peter’s proposal Build three tabernacles (”not knowing what he said”) “Humble silence is better than presumptuous talk.” (Pulpit Comm.) 9 Luke 9:33; Mark 9:6

Moses and Elijah were leaving, but Jesus Remained Jesus came to fulfill L & P, Matt 5:17 -His life, death & resurrection, Lk 24:44-45 Authority of Christ abides -Deut 18:18 -Acts 3: Luke 9:33

The Father’s endorsement of Son This is My beloved Son (Jesus) In whom I am well pleased -Heb 10:7 -Jno 8:29, 55 Hear Him! -Matt 13:9 11 Matt 17:5; 2 Pet 1:17-18 (Isa 42:1)

Tell of the transfiguration after His resurrection Time had not yet come for a general announcement After His resurrection all apostles would say, “My Lord and my God”! (Jno 20:28) 12 Matt 17:9 (Rom 1:4)

Elijah had Already Come Matthew 17:10-13 Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first? Jesus answered and said to them, "Indeed, Elijah is coming first and will restore all things. But I say to you that Elijah has come already, and they did not know him… 13

Apostles confused about prophecy of Elijah coming Elijah who appeared with Jesus was not Malachi’s Elijah Spirit & power, Lk 1: Before the Messiah came in judgment Mal 4: Matt 17:10; Malachi 4:4-6

Apostles confused about prophecy of Elijah coming John the baptizer Matt 17:11-12 Matt 11:14 -Restore all things (set in order), Matt 3:2 -Rejected, Jno 5: Son of Man to also be rejected 15 Matt 17:10; Malachi 4:4-6

“We Beheld His Glory” 2 Peter 1:16-17 For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.“ 16

Hear Him in All Things Acts 3:22-23 For Moses truly said to the fathers, ‘The Lord you God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear in all things, whatever he says to you. And it shall be that every soul who does not hear that prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.’ 17