Transfigured. The Greek term is well-known in English; from metamorphoo (pronounced meta-mor-phaw-o) we get our word metamorphasis. The word describes the complete change of the form and substance. But at every turn the revelation of God confirms to us that Jesus is our Lord, that our faith is not in vain, that we need not live in fear, but that we should live by faith in Him. The event can also be interpreted as an anticipatory Resurrection appearance, and the presence of the two prophets is often taken to signify Christs fulfillment of the Mosaic Law and the prophecies of the Hebrew Bible (the Christian Old Testament). Then Moses and Elijah - Old Testament figures representing the Law and the prophets - appeared and they spoke with Jesus. Luke states that Jesus took the three on the mountain to pray.. Entrust your prayer intentions to our network of monasteries, Saint of the Day: St. Elizabeth of Portugal. Copyright Aleteia SAS all rights reserved. Here, the author is offering a clear reading of the history of salvation as going from Moses liberation to that offered by Jesus. Eventually, he entered the Catholic Church. The same word is used by Paul in Romans 12:1,2, in which he instructs believers to be transformed by the renewing of their minds. Year C - Epiphany - Transfiguration Sunday - Revised Common Lectionary ET on EWTN: Holy Mass and Rosary on Thursday, June 29, 2023 - SOLEMNITY OF SAINTS PETER AND PAUL, APOSTLES Tell us where you're. Learn Religions, Dec. 6, 2021, learnreligions.com/transfiguration-bible-story-summary-700068. The Transfiguration is described by Matthew, Mark, and Luke, with the most detailed account given by Luke. The accounts tell us he was afraid, and did not know what he was saying. This is why Moses and Elijah have been speaking about his departure, which he was to accomplish at Jerusalem.. . Review what was said in the Bible Study of Matthew 11. Relatively speaking, the transfiguration is a theme that is neglected in Western Christianity. As a seeming rebuke of this, a theophany occurs: A cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. How Can Christians Knock Down Fear of the Future? Jaime L. Waters March 06, 2022 Servant of God Mary Elizabeth Lange transformed the lives of many people, especially Black women and children in Baltimore,. Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: "This is my Son, whom I love. And since the instinct of coming up out of the world was a good one, God also used it to reveal himself (study Mount Sinai, the sermon on the mount, the mount of the transfiguration, and of course, Mount Zion). He spoke with Moses and Elijah about his crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension in Jerusalem. His words echoed the same thing he said at Jesus' baptism. Updates? Speaker 1 And if you read the story of Elijah that same, I am. That is why Pauls instruction in Romans to be transformed is so important: we are to begin the changes now in our spiritual life, and God will complete it in our actual translation to glory. The point is that Gods revelation to His people is a demonstration of His love and His grace for them. The second book of Kings tells us the prophet did not die, but rather entered heaven alive by fire, in a whirlwind, carried away in a chariot of fire. When Jesus transformed in appearance, his visible glory represented the presence of the kingdom of God among his people. Pop Quiz: 19 Things to Know About Christianity, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Transfiguration-Christianity, Eternal Word Television Network - Transfiguration, McClintock and Strong Biblical Cyclopedia - Transfiguration. Here then we have a complete change in the appearance or form of Jesus in the presence of the disciples. The touch of the hand of Jesus was probably most re-assuring of this in the event. The Roman Catholic tradition identifies it as Mount Tabor, south of the region of Galilee, on the northern edge of the Jezreel Valley. He was so terrified he did not know what he was saying. It is not so much a response to Peter as it is a revelation that dominates everything that was happening and in a way completely overshadows whatever Peter thought or said. The Transfiguration of Christ | Catholic Answers But the practical continuation of our response comes at the divine instruction to listen to, i.e., obey, Jesus. Then, the third section, which is the aftermath of the event, also has three speeches, an instruction, followed by a question, followed by an answer. .vid-play{position:relative;display:inline-block}.vid-play:before{content:"";position:absolute;width:100%;height:100%;z-index:9;background:transparent url(/go/img/youtube-play.png) center center no-repeat;background-size:68px 48px}.vid-play:hover:before{background:transparent url(/go/img/youtube-play-hover.png) center center no-repeat;background-size:68px 48px}. The disciples then want to know why the teachers say that Elijah was first to come. He told them not to be afraid. and his face was like the sun shining in full strength (1:16). . Here are 10 things you need to know. By the 6th century, scenes of the event frequently featured Christ enshrined in a mandorla, an almond-shaped aureole of light surrounding the entire figure of a holy person. Luke tells us that Moses and Elijah also were in glorious splendor; they spoke to Jesus about His departure (literally, His "exodus") that He was about to accomplish in Jerusalem. Not unnaturally, the eavesdropping apostles likely interpreted this news of an exodus solely in terms of literal liberation from the yoke of Rome. Then, as they wake up, they see Jesus standing before them with an ineffable (indescribable) manifestation of light and glory, which will be His when he reigns as King in days to come. Copyright 2002-2021 AllAboutJesusChrist.org, All Rights Reserved. There Paul says that Christ Jesus took on the form of a servant. Second, revelation demands a response. Eastern Christianity emphasizes that Christ's transfiguration is the prototype of spiritual illumination, which is possible for the. Only in Christ is there any hope of passing beyond the grave to glory. All three of the so-called synoptic gospels have essentially the same thing; but they each chose to tell the account in their own way according to their purpose. Jesus was talking with Moses and Elijah, the subject of the discourse, as the disciples probably learned later, being of the decease (exodus) which Jesus was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. This change, the apostles would later realize, was not Jesus advancing to some new state of perfection or donning some new garment . But the transfiguration revealed that He is the Lord of Glory, that everything He did pleased the Father, and that He is the one to be obeyed. Corrections? Peter is in no way irreverent or self-willed. And so in all his eagerness he wanted to make the shelters for the great celebration. One of the purposes of the Transfiguration was to strengthen the faith of the disciples in the divine nature of Jesus before they experienced the shock of the difficult days ahead. Catholic Daily Mass - Daily TV Mass - June 29, 2023 - Facebook And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!. What is interesting to note in this word study is that we have here the reverse of the theme of Philippians 2, the kenosis. If this is correct, and it is the only meaning for the days that makes sense, then the symbolism of a Sunday transfiguration and a Sunday resurrection is significant. The three who are privileged to witness the event are Peter, James and John, the three core disciples. According to the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia: Transfiguration - trans-fig-o-ra'-shun (metamorphoomai, "to be transformed"): Used only with reference to the transfiguration of Christ (Matthew 17:2; Mark 9:2) and the change wrought in the Christian personality through fellowship with Christ (Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 3:18). 17 g And after six days Jesus took with him h Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And behold, two men talked with [Jesus], Moses, and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was to accomplish at Jerusalem (Luke 9:31). 1. This article is adapted from Rod Bennetts new bookThese Twelve, available now at the Catholic Answers shop. The Christ, the Messiah (in Hebrew), was not merely a son of David and therefore designated son of God; He was Gods Son in a unique way. Here the three disciples saw the glory of the Lord Jesus, so that they knew He was the divine Son who came into the world. And in Jesus answer about Elijah we see that there was more conversation than what Matthew recorded. He was talking about this. 1 In Eastern Orthodoxy, generally speaking, it has been kept more lively, at a theological and liturgical level, although some non-Eastern churches join the Orthodox in marking August 6 as its festival day. The whole purpose of that experience was to reinforce the staggering faith of those apostles. The Transfiguration is also referenced in the Second Letter of Peter, where Peters presence as an eyewitness to Christs majesty is used to assure the readers that his message is true (1:1618). Dont be afraid. 8 When they looked up they saw no one except Jesus. The Transfiguration is recorded in all three of the Synoptic Gospels (Mark 9:213; Matthew 17:113; Luke 9:2836) and is understood to have been the revelation of the eternal glory of the second person of theTrinity, which was normally veiled during Christs life on earth. Listen to Him!. And finally, we also note how the Old Testament background (tabernacles, and Elijah) are important to understanding all that is taking place in the narrative. In the transfiguration Moses and Elijah appear and talk with the Lord. The voice from heaven explains who Jesus is, but not why Moses or Elijah are there on the mountain. Jack Zavada is a writer who covers the Bible, theology, and other Christianity topics. What are Moses and Elijah doing here, talking with Jesus? All of these ideas were being challenged by the religious leaders of the day, and questioned by the people. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. What Was the Sin of Sodom and Gomorrah in the Bible? On the way down the mountain Jesus cautioned the disciples not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man was raised from the dead. He mentions that Peter made his suggestion to put up booths as Moses and Elijah were departing. This revelation is referenced in a passage in the Apostle Paul's message to Phillippi. Moses went up Mount Sinai and because he was with the Lord of Glory there, his face shone when he came back down; Elijah did not die, but was taken up to glory in the whirlwind and the chariot of fire. His instinct may have been to think that this was it, the start of the kingdom. It was a reassuring touch, followed by the words, Do not be afraid.. This should have encouraged the disciples that no matter what happened in Jerusalem, Jesus was the Lord of Glory. The fact that Peter's suggestion occurs when Moses and Elijah are preparing to depart reveals a desire to prolong the experience of glory. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. But the more it is studied the more it makes sense. Zavada, Jack. If John felt a sense of dj vu when he saw the glorified Christ again during the events of the Apocalypse, Moses must have undergone a similar experience here at the Transfiguration. This is after for months and years those disciples had followed Jesus, they had seen his miracles, they had done miracles in His name. The Greek word translated here as departure (exodos) is the same term that the Septuagint uses for the departure of the Hebrews from Egypt, the Exodus. The Feast of Tabernacles was celebrated every year by the Jews; it commemorated the wilderness wandering or temporary sojourn of the people until they settled in the land. Moses knew, howeverperhaps better than anyonethat Israels real troubles began after their release from pagan captivity. But Luke does not include the discussion about Elijah. And because of the presence of the LORD, Moses face began to reflect the glory of the LORD. Suddenly, lifting up their eyes they saw no one, save Jesus only (Matthew 17:1-13; Mark 9:2-13; Luke 9:28-36). The second Sunday of Lent presents us with one of the most beautiful and revealing pages in Sacred Scripture: the Transfiguration of Jesus. Fulton Sheen: The Declaration of Independence Is a Declaration of Dependence, With Eyes Fixed on Eternity, We Rekindle True Fidelity to Our Country, Semper Fidelis: A Story of Family, Sacrifice and Love of Country, Venerable Antonietta Meo: A Shining Example of Eucharistic Holiness, Catholics in the American Revolution and an Update on Bishop Strickland (July 1), Rejected Dean: Vatican Veto Questions Synodality, Pope Francis and the Race to Secure His Legacy, New Report Analyzes Origins and Phenomena Behind Abuse in Frances St. John Community, The Courage to Live Sunday as a Christian, Independence Day Introspection: Catholic Perspectives on Americas Current Political Moment, July 4th Ultimately Promises Independence for All Americans. As He spoke of His return, Jesus stated that some disciples would be permitted to view His coming kingdom before experiencing death. Thus, the Lord's transfiguration was a foreshadowing of every Christian's future metamorphosis. Dr Ross joined the faculty of Beeson Divinity School in 2002 as Beeson Professor of Old Testament and Hebrew. Transfiguration of Jesus The TransformationTransfiguration and transformation both come from the Greek verb metamorphoo, meaning to change into another form. Scripture makes only four references of this verb. In the second part we have Peters suggestion, followed by the voice from heaven; this revelation struck terror in the disciples, but that fear was relieved by the Jesus words of comfort. The Great Jubilee of the Essenes promised a better liberation, from the debt of sin and bondage to the devil . The final part of Matthews account has the question about Elijah (the other gospels do not). There is much more that could be said about the transfiguration and the revelation from heaven, but in this brief guide to Bible study we will have to move on. The Lords glory was revealed not just through miraculous deeds, but in a more personal, tangible way. (2021, December 6). Apparently the answer is Peter, James, and John ( Matt. There he was transfiguredbefore them. The Transfiguration of Jesus is one of the key events in Jesus' life. This prompted Jesus to ask what people said about Him, and what the disciples said. It would make sense for the transfiguration to take place in that region where Jesus had been ministering and where Peter made his confession. 99:6 Moses and Aaron were among his priests, Samuel also was among those who called on his name. Peter suggested building three shelters, one for Jesus, one for Moses and one for Elijah. Because God made us creatures, we have duties., Almighty God has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat. Transfiguration of Jesus, Matthew 17:1-13 KJV - King James Bible Online Luke 24:27, 32). It is old, and conservative, and so open to a lot of modern attacks. And as he was praying, the appearance of his countenance was altered, and his raiment became dazzling whiteas white as light, according to St. Matthews version, and his face shone like the sun. But there is one more interesting detail here: Lukes Gospel (9:28-36) adds that Jesus, Moses, and Elijah were speaking about his departure (that is, Jesus), which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. The Greek word Luke uses for departure in the original is exodos, an obvious allusion to Moses exodus out of Egypt. John wrote in the prologue to his gospel, The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. Starting at 8 a.m. Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep but kept awake, and they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him (Luke 9:32). Then a bright cloud enveloped all of them, and from it, a voice said: "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." This is what happened to Jesus in the event known as the Transfiguration: His appearance changed and became glorious. Peter had heard Jesus say about a week earlier that some who were standing there would not taste death before they saw the Son of Man coming in His kingdom (Matt. Mount of Transfiguration - Wikipedia Transfiguration | EWTN But we who worship Him and serve Him have His word, Do not be afraid. And later, Where I am, there you shall be also (John 14). Bible Guide for Each Piece. Now, on the mountain, Peter saw Christ in all His glory. They knew something palpably and objectively about the power and the reality of who Jesus was, and yet, when He began to talk about dying it was staggering to the disciples and theybegan to wonder if He was really the Messiah. Peter had the right idea, in general, but the wrong time, for Christ had to die first. As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead.."Mark 9:2-9. 10 The disciples asked Him, Why then do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first? 11 Jesus replied, To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things. . Why did it happen? . The Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 17:1-8, Mark 9:2-8, Luke 9:28-36) describe it, and the Second Epistle of Peter also refers to it (2 Peter 1:16-18). Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. The revelation of the transfiguration would be a prophetic revelation of the glory of Christ, and the resurrection from the dead would confirm what the transfiguration declared. Luke has some different things (9:28-36). The point of the Transfiguration was to reinforce the staggering faith of the apostles. There in Exodus (19-24) the glory of the LORD hovered on the top of the mountain as Moses received the Law. It makes sense Elijah and Moses are then the two characters discussing Jesus own departure (exodos) as well. Luke 9:28-36 NIV - The Transfiguration - Bible Gateway
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