By Douglas K. Wilson, Ph. D.
Professor of Biblical Studies, University of Mobile
GLORY
Matthew 17:1–13
The event that took place on the Mount of Transfiguration made such an impact on Peter and John that both wrote of their experience decades later. Peter wrote: “We were eyewitnesses of His majesty” and “We ourselves heard this voice when it came from heaven while we were with Him on the holy mountain” (2 Pet. 1:16, 18). John added: “We observed His glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father” (John 1:14).
Transfigured (1–3)
Shortly after Peter’s confession of Jesus as the anointed one, the Master took His inner circle of disciples on a life-changing excursion. Peter and the sons of Zebedee accompanied Jesus to an encounter with Moses and Elijah, as Jesus was transfigured before them.
In his exuberance, Peter spoke up and suggested that they build separate shelters for Jesus, for Moses and for Elijah. While this may seem like an extraordinary response, it was in keeping with the annual celebration of Sukkoth (Feast of Tabernacles or Booths) as a reminder of Israel’s temporary encampments during the Exodus and later wilderness wanderings (Lev. 23:33–36).
Overshadowed (4–8)
The men were overshadowed by a bright cloud as the Father spoke audibly to them. This description brings to mind the journey of the Israelites through the wilderness, as God’s presence was manifested by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Ex. 13:21). In addition, we are reminded of the psalmist’s words: “The one who lives under the protection of the Most High dwells in the shadow of the Almighty” (Ps. 91:1).
As He did at Jesus’ baptism, the Father affirmed Jesus to be His son (3:17). On this occasion, the Father added these words: “Listen to him” (17:5). Just as we are to listen to the Father (see Deut. 6:4 and Mark 12:29), we are to listen to the Son.
Jesus had previously told believers that listening to His words was insufficient if they did not act upon them. Such people are like those who build their houses on sand. After his encounter with the risen Lord Jesus (1 Cor. 15:7), James wrote and reminded believers that simply hearing Jesus’ words was not enough. He called believers to act on the word: “Be doers of the word and not hearers only” (James 1:22–25).
Instructed (9–13)
Permission to tell. Jesus gave clear instructions. Until Jesus was killed and raised from the dead, the disciples were not to tell anyone about this supernatural encounter. That did not keep them from asking questions though. What about Elijah?
- Elijah in prophecy: Scribes were familiar with the prophecies of Malachi, but evidently the disciples were not: “Look, I am going to send you the prophet Elijah before the great and terrible day of the LORD comes. And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers” (Mal. 4:5–6a).
- Elijah in liturgy: In addition to the Scriptures, Elijah’s return is marked in the Passover haggadah (Jewish text) that sets forth the order of the Jewish seder meal. One of the cups placed on the seder table is a cup for Elijah, anticipating the inauguration of the messianic age.
John the Baptist had a ministry comparable to Elijah. He lodged away from people. His diet was simple. He was unafraid to confront royalty about their sins. Ultimately, he called the Father’s children back to Himself.
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