The Mountaintop Experience: (Mt. 17:2-6)

Yesterday, I introduced this week’s post-series on Matthew 17:1-9.

Which mountaintop is Christ calling us to climb? Despite the fear and anxiety, is the view from the mountaintop worth it? Are we ready for the experience He’s prepared for us?

Click HERE to read “Part 1 – The Ascent“.

“…he was transfigured…” (17:2)

Scripture tells us that Jesus was transfigured and his face shone like the sun and his clothes were as white as light. But what does this word transfigured or transfiguration really mean?

This week I spent a good amount of study time, focused specifically on these two words. Here’s what I came up with.

1. Simply put, transfiguration is “the supernatural and glorified change in the appearance of Jesus on the mountain.” (Dictionary.com)
2. Getting a little deeper, we find this definition. Transfigure: “Short Definition: change the form, transform, Definition: transform, transfigure, the root of the English terms ‘metamorphosis’ and ‘metamorphize.’” (BibleHub.com/Greek/3339 – Strong’s Concordance)
3. Going deeper still, we read the following: “At the transfiguration the glory of the pre-incarnate Son of God temporarily broke through the limitations of his humanity; the ‘kenosis’ of the Son was temporarily lifted. In 2 Peter 1:16, however, the transfiguration is interpreted rather as a glimpse of the future glory of the Son of God at his second coming.” (BibleStudyTools.com/Dictionary/Transfiguration)

“…Moses and Elijah…” (17:3-4)

Next we read that Moses and Elijah appear beside Jesus. Once again we’re left guessing a bit, because the reason for the appearance of Moses and Elijah is not explained to us.

However, popular theological opinion comes into play again. As always, scholars have a few arguments.

Why do these three people appear together?

1. Scholars believe that Moses was representative of the Old Testament Law, the primary way God spoke to His people.
2. Elijah was the greatest of all prophets and therefore, as representation of the prophets, the second way God spoke to His people.
3. Jesus who is the Messiah, God Himself appearing as the last communication not only to His chosen people of Israel, but to all people of every tribe and tongue.

Another interesting note is that other than our Lord Jesus, Moses and Elijah were the only two others recorded as fasting for 40 days and 40 nights.

This moment must have been incredible.

Peter is enjoying this experience so much that he doesn’t want it to end.

“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.’” (17:4)

In our terms, it’s like Peter is saying,

“You know what Jesus, this is awesome! Let’s camp out right here on top of this mountain. We’ll rig up some shelters for you guys. Let’s make this thing last!”

Matthew Henry’s Commentary offers a unique note:

“There was in this, as in many other of Peter’s sayings, a mixture of weakness and of goodwill, more zeal than discretion.” (BibleStudyTools.com – Matthew Henry’s Commentary – Matthew 17)

“Listen to him!” (17:5-6)

Then we hit the panicle. Can you imagine this mountaintop experience? Think about the details. Being on a mountaintop is majestic enough, but then you have Jesus glowing like the sun.

Then He’s joined by two of the most iconic Biblical characters, appearing on either side of Him. As if it couldn’t get any better, but it does!

The crescendo of this masterpiece is the voice of our heavenly Father.

Matthew 17 tells us that a bright cloud covered them and the heavenly Father speaks, striking terror into the disciples.

“This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” (17:5)

Amazing! How loud and mighty must have God’s voice been to terrify the disciples?

I mean, Jesus is already shining like the sun. That would have terrified me enough. But this Voice; it sends the disciples facedown, trembling in fear; like their very lives could be taken from them at any moment.

This is just a small glimpse of our God’s awesome power.

Look at the outcome simply represented in His spoken word to a few guys just like you and me. And the last three words that the Father spoke are the sum of this entire experience; “Listen to Him!” (17:5)

It’s like the Father is saying to these three men,

“Listen Peter, James and John; from this point forward, if you do nothing else in this life, obey these three words: Listen to Him!“

Are we listening to Christ?

For those of us who have experienced the mountaintop of salvation, are we still hearing our Saviour’s voice? Are we still willing to listen to His calling and instruction?

Join the Conversation, Leave Your Thoughts

If you were present at the transfiguration, how would you react? What would you think or feel?