Why is the Transfiguration significant?

what does the bible say?

The transfiguration is significant because it confirms Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God, not merely a human teacher or miracle worker. His dazzling appearance and conversation with Moses and Elijah symbolize His fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets, emphasizing His central role in God's redemptive plan. The voice from the cloud declaring Jesus as God's beloved Son reveals His divine nature and unique relationship with the Father. The transfiguration challenges believers to recognize Jesus' authority and to respond by listening to Him and aligning their lives with His teachings. The transfiguration thus serves as a profound revelation of Jesus' identity and mission, calling all to embrace Him as Lord and Savior.

from the old testament

The transfiguration is not recorded in the Old Testament.

from the new testament

Three of the Gospel writers record the account of Jesus talking with Moses and Elijah on a mountaintop (Matthew 17:1–8; Mark 9:2–8; Luke 9:28–36). The apostles Peter, James, and John witnessed this scene.One significance of the transfiguration is given in Matthew 16:28, the verse preceding Matthew's record of the event: "Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom." This "Son of Man coming in His kingdom" was shown to "some"—Peter, James, and John—at the transfiguration.Another significance is that the description of Jesus' clothing appearing dazzling white revealed the supernatural nature of Jesus. John would see Jesus again in such light during His heavenly vision in Revelation (Revelation 1). Such a presentation made clear Jesus was not only a miracle worker but also the Messiah (John 1:14).Jesus spoke with Moses and Elijah as someone who already knew these men of God. As Jesus would later say, "Before Abraham was, I am" (John 8:58). This event highlights the deity of Jesus.At the transfiguration, Jesus showed Himself as fulfilling the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 5:17). Moses represented the Law since He was the one through whom the Law was given (John 1:17). Elijah represented the prophets of the Old Testament, especially in the sense that He ascended directly to heaven without dying on earth.Jesus revealed His transfiguration to His key followers to show them His glory. Matthew 17:5–6 notes, "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." The presence of God's voice in a cloud resembled the way God spoke to the Israelites in the wilderness in Exodus 19 and 20. Just as the Israelites responded in fear then, so Peter, James, and John bowed in fearful worship as they heard the voice of God telling them to listen to His Son.Peter later wrote regarding this transfiguration, "For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, 'This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,' we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain" (2 Peter 1:16–18). The transfiguration stood as a transforming event in the life of Peter, a man who would go on to lead the early church as they spread the gospel message.

implications for today

The transfiguration vividly reveals Jesus’ divine identity and serves as a call for people to recognize who He is and respond. This pivotal event, captured by three Gospel writers, showcases Jesus in His dazzling glory, affirming Him as the Messiah and Son of God. His conversation with Moses and Elijah symbolizes His fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets, marking Him as the culmination of God's redemptive plan. The voice from the cloud declaring Jesus as God's beloved Son demands a response from every individual—to listen to Him and follow Him with reverence and obedience. As we spend time with Jesus in His Word, we come to understand His character and mission. We are challenged to recognize His authority and allow that to shape our beliefs, actions, and relationship with God. The transfiguration serves as a timeless call to embrace Jesus as the One we worship and to live in accordance with His will.