When it comes to one of the most fascinating stories to ever take place in Jesus’s time, while on earth, the transfiguration has to be up there on the list. Truly, this was an out of this world event that only the very privileged were to ever see. Now, Peter, James and John, were these men and because of their great faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, Jesus allowed them to be a part of it. What all happened, you might ask? And for no other reason at all, let us get into those details, for they are fascinating. This encounter is in Matthew, chapter 17, starting with verses 1 through 13. And let us just start from the beginning. It reads, 2“and after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, and was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.” So at the top of this mountain, Jesus changed his form. He was no longer in the form of any ordinary man but instead showed His disciples His true glory. It says that His face was as bright as the sun and his clothing was white. Though, He said He was the light, the disciples could now see it firsthand. So when Jesus said He is the way, there was no doubting it at this point.
So, as the story of the transfiguration continued, two key prophets from the Old Testament appeared. Namely, Moses and Elijah. So we will continue in verse 3 to understand what took place there. It reads, 2“and, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.” So, these men of God also appeared in front of the disciples eyes. And as they looked upon them, they could see that Jesus was talking with them. It was as If the Lord was receiving a message and then giving them instruction. He could have also been sharing something very important to know for future events. Both of these things could have very well happened. All I know is that these two prophets were necessary to be there with Jesus, while he was in His God like form. The two prophets even recognized the Lord, in all His glory, and knew Him. For to those that have already passed on, do know Jesus as their mighty God in the heavens. However, on earth, only the elect of God could see this and follow Him. These are His sheep, that hear His voice and follow His counsel unto salvation.
Now we continue the true story of the mount of transfiguration with Peter, James and John. You will soon see how they reacted to the event that was taking place. Even God the Father made His presence known. Starting with verse 4, it reads, 2“then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.” So in the moment, the disciples saw a glimpse of heaven, even Jesus’s true glory, which is God. They even saw their Lord’s prophets of old. And in that moment, they immediately wanted to do something for them. And in their hearts, it was to make them each a tabernacle or tent, that they may stay a while. They desired to spend as much time as could with them. There was so much joy in the disciples hearts. It must have been radiating from ear to ear. However, when the voice of the Father was heard, telling them to listen to Jesus, everything changed. Fear came over the disciples they fell to the ground.
1So with all things that are good, like the time that Peter was able to walk on water with Jesus, amazing events can abruptly end because of fear. As was Peter, when he fell in the water and Jesus pulled him back up, while asking why he was afraid. So because of the same sort of fear, this awesome event of the transfiguration of Jesus and heavens opening was ended. And in verse 7, we will understand what took place next. It reads, 2“and Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only. And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead.” So, the Lord Jesus touched the shoulders of the disciples and had them get up and no longer be afraid. And when they got up, they saw that the event was over, just like that. Jesus also appeared like his normal human self again. However, what they knew of His glory was never to be forgotten. Now, even knowing of this, they were not to tell anyone about what took place until Jesus died on the cross and was then resurrected from the dead. This is why Matthew wrote this book around 85 years AD, which was many years after the resurrection of Christ. This account was given to him by the disciples and Jesus’s wishes were met.
Now, when the disciples started walking down the mountain, they had a ton of questions to ask Jesus. One being. the question of Elias or Elijah, and his role in this event. And we read about this. starting in verse 10. It reads, 2“and his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things. But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them. Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.” So, Elijah already came in the form of a man named John but the people would not harken unto him. Even though the spirit of Elijah was in him, in order to turn the hearts of the people to the Lord and prepare the way for Him. Now, in speaking this, please know that this has nothing to do with reincarnation but simply God allowing the Spirit of Elijah to work inside of John, in order to carry forth His will. Now in conclusion, it is our fear that does not allow people to see the things of God. We may get a glimpse of heaven, on occasion but when doubt and fear creeps in, it is all over. So don’t be afraid of what the Lord wants to show you and do in your life. He has great things in store for the future, if you but believe in Him.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that people will no longer miss out on the experiences you have for them. So many times people allow fear to creep into their lives and your desires for them are no longer heard. Instead of giving into your desires for their lives, they instead doubt the fact that they can and should do it and back out. This is saddening to see in many so-called Christian lives now-a-days. You see them worshiping with their hands up high in church but when you have a calling for their lives, it is a different story in how they react. I know this to be true Lord, as this used to be me. I used to hear Your promptings all the time, like I do now, but in the past my doubts got in the way. I’d see people that were struggling and have an instinct to stop and care for them, and instead I’d continue driving. Afterword’s, I’d feel terrible about it. These events happened countless times until I finally decided, Lord, that following You and doing Your will was most important. It didn’t matter what I thought about things and how they people that of me. I instead decided to just trust in Your desires for my life. Because of this, there are now countless blessings, that I’ve received from these experiences. Thank You Lord. You have allowed me to not only be blessed but also bless other people’s lives. I am so happy that You are still leading me to this day. You have brought me the greatest joy of all. This same joy I want to share with the world. I love You God. Amen.
Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below.
1Matthew 14:22-33 (KJV)
22 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.
23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.
24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.
25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.
33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.
1Matthew 17:1-13 (KJV)
1 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,
2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.
3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.
4 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.
6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.
7 And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid.
8 And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only.
9 And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead.
10 And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come?
11 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things.
12 But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them.
13 Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.
