After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. – Matthew 17:1-2
Bible Verses About Transfiguration
The Nature of Transfiguration
When we talk about transfiguration, we are referring to a change in form or appearance that carries deep spiritual significance. In the Bible, transfiguration represents a powerful moment where inner glory is revealed outwardly. This is especially true when we consider how Jesus transformed before His closest disciples, Peter, James, and John. This moment wasn’t just a supernatural event; it was an affirmation of Jesus’ divine nature and His relationship with the Father. The transfiguration serves as a reminder to us that the physical world can reflect spiritual realities, and it encourages us to seek transformation in our own lives by drawing closer to God. Just as we read in the gospels, this transformation leads us to a deeper understanding of who Jesus is and what He calls us to be.
Matthew 17:1
After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. – Matthew 17:1
Matthew 17:2
There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. – Matthew 17:2
Mark 9:2
After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. – Mark 9:2
Luke 9:28
About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. – Luke 9:28
2 Corinthians 3:18
And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. – 2 Corinthians 3:18
The Purpose of Transfiguration
Transfiguration serves a vital purpose in God’s plan. When we reflect on why Jesus chose to reveal His divine glory to certain disciples, we recognize that He wanted them to grasp the truth of who He was. This moment wasn’t simply for a show; it prepared them for the challenges and trials ahead. By transfiguring before them, He affirmed their faith and encouraged them to continue to trust in His mission. In our own lives, God desires to reveal His purpose for us, guiding us through moments of trial and teaching us to rely on His strength. We too are called to witness the glory of God in our lives and share that divine truth with those around us.
Matthew 17:3
Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. – Matthew 17:3
Mark 9:4
And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus. – Mark 9:4
Luke 9:31
They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. – Luke 9:31
2 Peter 1:16
For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. – 2 Peter 1:16
Romans 12:2
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. – Romans 12:2
The Response to Transfiguration
Our response to the idea of transfiguration should be one of awe and humility. When we explore the stories of the transfiguration, we see the immediate reactions of the disciples, filled with fear and wonder. Similarly, when we experience encounters with God’s divine presence in our lives, we too might feel a mixture of reverence and fear. This reminds us that encountering God’s glory calls us to be more than spectators—it invites us to participate in His mission. We are encouraged to share our experiences of God’s transformative power with others, just as Peter, James, and John were eventually called to share their witness. By embracing a response that is filled with gratitude and action, we align ourselves with God’s purpose.
Matthew 17:4
Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” – Matthew 17:4
Mark 9:5
Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” – Mark 9:5
Luke 9:33
As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” He did not know what he was saying. – Luke 9:33
Revelation 1:17
When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.” – Revelation 1:17
Philippians 2:10
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth. – Philippians 2:10
The Glory of Transfiguration
The transfiguration of Jesus is a powerful depiction of glory. When we behold the transfiguration, we see a glimpse of who Jesus truly is. The brightness and the radiance remind us of His purity and majesty. This profound event assures us that Jesus is not just an ordinary teacher but the Son of God, endowed with divine authority and glory. When we contemplate the glory of the transfiguration, we are encouraged to look for the beauty of God in our everyday lives. Just as Jesus revealed His divine nature to those around Him, we are called to reflect His glory in our thoughts, words, and actions. Witnessing His glory inspires us to live in a way that honors Him, expressing love, grace, and truth as we interact with others.
Matthew 17:5
While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” – Matthew 17:5
Mark 9:7
Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” – Mark 9:7
Luke 9:34
While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and covered them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. – Luke 9:34
John 1:14
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. – John 1:14
Revelation 21:23
The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. – Revelation 21:23
Transformation in Our Lives
Just as Jesus was transfigured, we too are invited to experience transformation in our lives. This aspect of transfiguration speaks to the profound changes that occur when we fully embrace a relationship with God. The Holy Spirit works within us, reshaping our thoughts, desires, and actions to align with His will. Transformation means letting go of old habits and embracing a new identity in Christ. It provides us with hope that through Christ’s power, we can change and grow. We can reflect on our own experiences and recognize that we have the ability to show God’s love to others, demonstrating the transformative power of faith. This ongoing transformation is not just a one-time event; it’s a continual process of becoming more like Christ.
Romans 6:4
We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. – Romans 6:4
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. – Galatians 2:20
Ephesians 4:22
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires. – Ephesians 4:22
1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. – 1 Peter 2:9
The Call to Listen
At the heart of the transfiguration narrative is the call to listen to Jesus. The voice from the cloud commands those who witnessed this event to place their focus on Him. This instruction speaks volumes about our own lives; we are encouraged to listen to Jesus in all aspects of our daily existence. Often, we find ourselves distracted by the noise of life, but the call remains for us to tune in to His voice. Listening to Jesus means engaging with His Word, seeking His guidance, and allowing His teachings to shape who we are. As we actively listen, we grow in faith, understanding, and love. Our prayer is that we dedicate time to not just hear Him, but to actively follow His instructions in our lives.
Matthew 17:6
When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. – Matthew 17:6
Mark 9:8
Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus. – Mark 9:8
Luke 9:35
A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” – Luke 9:35
John 10:27
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. – John 10:27
James 1:22
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. – James 1:22
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the transfiguration of Jesus, we see a powerful demonstration of His divine glory, affirming who He truly is. This moment speaks to us about the nature and purpose of transformation in our lives as we lean into our faith. We can learn from the responses of the disciples and understand the call to listen attentively to Jesus in all situations.
Being transformed means allowing God’s love to reshape us. It is vital that we recognize that the glory revealed in Jesus is also calling us to reflect that glory in our lives. The more we seek Him, the more we allow His presence to drive the change within us.
Let us remember to embrace the transformative journey of faith, engaging with God’s Word and desires for our growth. If you want to delve deeper into this topic, you might find the stories in Matthew 17 and Luke 9 illuminating for your heart.