Mountains of the Bible: Mount of Transfiguration

​Introduction
The Bible frequently mentions mountains, often serving as settings for divine encounters and major events. In Jesus' ministry, mountains played an important role. He delivered the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1), often withdrew to mountains to pray (Luke 6:12), and was transfigured on a mountain.
Today, we will explore the Mountain of Transfiguration as described in Luke 9. While the New Testament does not specify the exact location of the transfiguration, Matthew 17:1 and Mark 9:2 refer to a "high mountain." And Luke just calls it a “mountain.” Traditionally, Mount Tabor is considered the site of the transfiguration. Other suggestions include Carmel, and Mount Hermon; according to many scholars, Mount Hermon is the preferred location because it is geographically closer to Caesarea Philippi, where the preceding events occurred. However, the mountain in which the transfiguration took place is unimportant, but the fact that it was on a mountain is because mountains are places where God often meets with people and conducts his business, so to speak.

Luke 9:28 - 36

The Inner Circle and the Purpose of the Transfiguration
Jesus selected Peter, James, and John, his inner circle of disciples, to accompany him up the mountain for the transfiguration. According to Luke, the purpose was to pray (Luke 9:28). However, it seems that Jesus intended for his disciples to witness this transfiguration, thus preparing them for their future leadership roles in establishing the early church. During the transfiguration, they witnessed Jesus' divine glory, offering them a preview of his coming and, according to Philippians 2:6-7 “Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form.” it is a reminder of his pre-incarnate glory.
 
The Appearance of Moses and Elijah
The presence of Moses and Elijah during the transfiguration is deeply symbolic, representing the Law and the Prophets. Moses, who received the Law from God on Mount Sinai, represents the Law or Torah, and Elijah represents the prophets.  The presence of both prophets signifies the entirety of the Old Testament revelation. According to Luke 9:31, they were talking to him about his departure or Exodus, which refers to his departure from the earth. Both figures had significant encounters with God's glory on mountains: Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:15) and Elijah on Mount Horeb (1 Kings 19:8-16). According to Matthew 5:17, “Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose.” Their appearance with Jesus underscores his fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies and laws. Furthermore, their presence highlights Jesus' superiority as the Son of God, greater than the Law and the Prophets.

The Radiance of Jesus and the Disciples' Reaction
During the transfiguration, Jesus' face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white, signifying his divine glory. This radiance is a blatant contrast to the reflected glory on Moses' face, which eventually faded according to 2 Corinthians 3:7, “The old way, with laws etched in stone, led to death, though it began with such glory that the people of Israel could not bear to look at Moses’ face. For his face shone with the glory of God, even though the brightness was already fading away.” The disciples, overwhelmed by the event, fell facedown to the ground in fear. This reaction is consistent with the Old Testament accounts of people encountering the awesome reality of God's presence, whether through a cloud or hearing his voice.

The Voice from the Cloud
A bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud declared, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!" reflecting the words of the Father at Jesus’ baptism in Matthew 17:5. This divine declaration affirms Jesus' identity and mission, emphasizing his divine sonship and the necessity for the disciples to heed his teachings. The command “Listen to him!” is believed to be a direct reference to Deuteronomy 18:18, where Moses addresses the people of Israel by telling them, “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him.” The cloud's presence recalls the Shekinah glory of God that filled the tabernacle and guided the Israelites during their desert wanderings found in Exodus 13:21-22; 40:34-38.
 
Theological Truths About the Transfiguration
The transfiguration reveals several theological truths:

1. Divine Sonship: The transfiguration confirms Jesus as the Son of God. He is not merely a heavenly-appointed savior but is divine in his very being.
2. Fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets: Jesus' presence with Moses and Elijah signifies the fulfillment of the Old Testament laws and prophecies, indicating that all Old Testament revelations point to him.

Give Me Shelter
Peter’s suggestion to build three shelters for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah has puzzled many scholars. It might reflect his desire to honor the moment or misunderstanding its temporary nature. Building shelters, or booths, could be seen as an attempt to commemorate the event, akin to the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles. However, Jesus' flesh is the true tabernacle of God's presence, and his mission necessitates moving beyond this moment to fulfill his purpose in Jerusalem. Peter's impulse to capture the moment is human and relatable, yet it also underscores the disciples' incomplete understanding of Jesus' mission and divine nature.

The Disciples' Fear and Misunderstanding
The disciples' reaction to the transfiguration—falling facedown in fear—mirrors the common Old Testament response to divine encounters. Despite witnessing the most explicit revelation of Jesus' identity, the disciples still struggle to comprehend the experience fully. This fear and misunderstanding highlight the gap between human perception and divine reality, emphasizing the need for spiritual insight and revelation.

The Transfiguration and the Christian Life
The transfiguration has great effects on Christians today. It calls for a transformation of our worldview, challenging us to see Jesus as the central figure in our lives. When we recognize Jesus as the Son of God, we transform our perspective on every aspect of reality, including religious, scientific, economic, political, and social realms.

1. The Centrality of Jesus in Our Identity: As Christians, our identity is rooted in Christ. Galatians 2:20 states, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." Jesus redefines us as his children, making him central to our identity and self-view.
   
   
2. The Centrality of Jesus in Our Actions: If Jesus is the Lord of our lives, he becomes central to everything we do. He provides a new perspective and puts everything else in its proper place. This means surrendering control to God and allowing him to guide our actions and decisions.

Transformation of Worldview
The transfiguration also calls for a radical shift in our worldview. Seeing Jesus for who he truly is—the Son of God incarnate—promises a completely new way of looking at reality. This transformation impacts how we view and interact with the world in every domain.

1. Religious Perspective: Recognizing Jesus' divine nature transforms our approach to faith and worship. It deepens our devotion and commitment to following him.
2. Scientific Perspective: Understanding Jesus as the Creator (John 1:3) influences our approach to science, encouraging us to see the natural world as a reflection of divine order and wisdom.
3. Economic Perspective: Jesus' teachings on generosity, stewardship, and justice challenge us to rethink our economic practices and priorities, emphasizing compassion and fairness.
4. Political Perspective: Jesus' kingship transcends earthly politics, calling us to advocate for justice, peace, and the common good in alignment with his kingdom values.
5. Social Perspective: Jesus' example of love, humility, and service inspires us to engage with society in ways that reflect his compassion and inclusivity.
   
   

The Call to Discipleship
The transfiguration also underscores the call to discipleship. Jesus invites us to follow him and be transformed by him. This involves recognizing him as both Savior and Lord of our lives.

1. Savior: Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection provide salvation, offering us forgiveness and reconciliation with God.
2. Lord: Embracing Jesus as Lord means surrendering our lives to his authority and guidance. It requires a willingness to let go of control and allow God to lead us in every aspect of life.

​Practical Implications for Christians

1. Personal Transformation: The transfiguration challenges us to undergo personal transformation. Romans 12:2 urges us not to conform to the pattern of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This transformation involves aligning our thoughts, attitudes, and actions with Jesus' teachings and example.
2. Mission and Evangelism: The revelation of Jesus' divine nature compels us to share the good news with others. The transfiguration motivates us to engage in mission and evangelism, proclaiming Jesus' identity and mission to the world.

Conclusion
The transfiguration of Jesus is an event that reveals his divine nature and mission. It confirms his identity as the Son of God and the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. For Christians, it calls for a transformation of our worldview and a recognition of Jesus as the central figure in our lives. As we embrace this truth, we are challenged to live in a way that reflects his lordship, surrendering control to God and allowing Jesus to be both Savior and Lord of our lives. This transformation is essential for a deep, meaningful, and growing relationship with our Lord and Savior. Through the transfiguration, we are reminded that our view of reality will never be the same once we allow Jesus to transform our worldview, impacting every aspect of our lives and leading us to a closer, more committed walk with him.

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