The Transfiguration
THE TRANSFIGURATION
MATTHEW 17:1-8
Jesus is preparing his disciples for the close of his life and work on earth.
The transfiguration is not the fulfillment of the promise of 16:28 (one does not say of something due to happen within the week that it will take place within the lifetime of some hearers), but it anticipates that fulfillment in the form of a vision. The Son of Man was manifested in glory before the three disciples’ eyes. They might not have been able to say whether they themselves were in the body or out of the body (cf. 2 Corinthians 12:2f.) but they were enabled to see in advance their Master’s “body of glory” (cf. Philippians 3:21).
There are some striking resemblances between this narrative and those of the resurrection appearances. Jesus had told them of his impending death and resurrection; this experience was calculated to confirm the significance of his words and show them something of the new age which these events would inaugurate. Moses and Elijah represent the law and the prophets, the old order now being superseded by the new (cf. 11:13). The passing of both of them from earthly life had been attended with mystery (Deuteronomy 34:5f.; 2 Kings 2:11f.), and something of that mystery still attaches to them as they reappear to bear final witness to him to whom law and prophecy alike pointed forward. Now he has come, and they say, in effect, “This is he!” before receding into the background. They have said their say, but now, says God, “This is my beloved Son, … listen to him” (17:5).
To the announcement of the heavenly voice at the baptism (3:17) there is now added the exhortation referring to the promised prophet like Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15). All that God has to say is embodied in him. The “bright cloud” (17:5) from which the voice spoke bespeaks the presence of the divine glory, the shekinah. At the end of Jesus’ ministry, as previously on its threshold, his Father’s approbation is expressed: with this assurance he will set out for Jerusalem.
For Peter and his companions, this was the moment of truth. If only they could hold it, and prevent the vision from dissolving! But the whole point of the vision meant that they could not stay on the holy mount, good as it was to be there. They must descend to the plain and take the Jerusalem road: not until the Son of Man had accomplished his “exodus” there (Luke 9:31) could the kingdom come with power and glory.
Note The RSV “it is well that we are here” (17:4) rightly avoids the self-regarding tone of the KJV “it is good for us to be here”; Peter’s meaning may be: “It is good for you and Moses and Elijah that we are here, because we can erect booths for the three of you.”