Matthew 17:1 - 8

1 Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves;

2 and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.

3 And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him.

4 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.”

5 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!”

6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid.

7 But Jesus came and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.”

8 When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.

Jesus took the three disciples, Peter, James, and John up on to a high mountain. There are a few records of Jesus taking these three for special circumstances (Mark 5:37; and 14:33). He knew what He wanted them to experience.

Jesus was transfigured before their eyes, “transfigured” is from a Greek word which our English word, metamorphosis comes from, it means “to change into another form, to transfigure, transform,” Thayer adds to be resplendent with divine brightness; used of the change of moral character for the better. The Greek word is also the word for “transformed” in Romans 12:2 and for “changed in 2 Corinthians 3:18. Webster defines “metamorphosis” as “A striking alteration in appearance, character, or circumstances.” This all leads us to understand Jesus underwent a change in his appearance , his face shone brightly and his clothing was glistening white. However his body was not replaced literally and his appearance did not change enough so his disciples could not recognize Him.

We have a very interesting group here on the mountain, the disciples had not died so they represented the living on earth. Elijah had been transferred to heaven without dying so he represented the eternal state, and Moses had died on earth so represented the intermediate state such as is described in the story of “Lazarus and the rich man.” We see a miraculous event here, normally people still living on earth cannot see spiritual beings, but God can adapt the circumstances to what ever he desires them to be, He wanted the disciples to see these men from the intermediate and eternal states so he made their eyes to see or he made their bodies to be seen.

Peter was so awed by this event, he really did not know what to say (Mark 9:6[because he did not know what to say, for they were greatly afraid. ]) But he felt so much reverence towards these three great persons in the group, he said what came to his mind. Spirits do not need a physical dwelling to shelter in, but that is what came out of Peter's mouth. Perhaps he was thinking the meeting would last longer and they would need a place to sleep that night.

God made a statement like He had given at the baptism of Jesus. He made the declaration that Jesus was His Son, and He loved Jesus and was pleased with Him. At the baptism Jesus was beginning His earthly ministry. Here on the mountain He is nearing the end of His earthly work. God had much now to be pleased with. Telling the disciples to hear and follow the instructions of Jesus, differentiated Jesus from Moses, the Law giver, and Elijah, the great prophet. This statement identified Jesus as the one they must serve under and take instructions from.

The word “afraid” is from a Greek word which means, “to be startled by strange sights or occurrences.” The appearance of Moses and Elijah did not overcome them but the mighty voice of God and His announcement did, they fell to the ground in fear and reverence.

Jesus reassured them that nothing would harm them.

When they lifted their eyes, they were alone with Jesus, the cloud had disappeared and so had Moses and Elijah.