Matthew 17

Matthew 17 and The transfiguration of Christ is a turning point in the Jesus’ revelation of Himself to His men.  Many allusions tie themselves together here with the ministries of Moses and Elijah to Jesus and final fulfillment of their past ministries in Christ.

The three men Jesus selects to climb the mountain together are the “inner circle” of the twelve, Peter, James, and John (v1).  We clarify them as the inner circle because they are the most prominent of the twelve and seem to be the closest to Jesus throughout their training.

Jesus is transfigured and His face “shines like the sun.” (v2) Perhaps we could compare this to the glow of glory shining from Moses face when he descended from the mountain. Moses’ was just a mere reflection of God’s glory, but Jesus Himself became that radiant glory, “the express image of the Father”.  The term transfigure suggest a “change of inmost nature that may be outwardly visible” (Carson).  These three men are greatly privileged to see something of Jesus’ pre-incarnate glory.  One can only imagine what this memory served to do in holding on to their faith in Christ once He was crucified.  The disciples did not understand a “suffering Messiah” until the resurrection, and this piece of revelation serves to help solidify in their hearts and minds the need of His suffering and humiliation (cf.v9).

The reason for the appearance of Moses and Elijah could be these: Moses was a model of the eschatological Prophet (Deut. 18:18) while Elijah served the same for His forerunner. (Mal. 4:5-6;Matt. 3:1-3)  Jesus like Moses suffered rejection (Acts 7:35,37), and John the Baptist like Elijah suffered similar oppression (cf 1 King 19:1-9′ Matt 17:12).

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