The Transfiguration of Jesus — Glory Revealed, Authority Declared, Faith Strengthened.

By Pastor Joel – Open Heaven Christian Church – Fisher, Arkansas

Texts: Mark 9:1–13; Luke 9:28–36; 2 Peter 1:16–21 (KJV)

Introduction

The Transfiguration of Jesus stands among the greatest revelations of Christ’s divine identity in all of Scripture. In this moment, heaven opens, glory descends, the Law and the Prophets appear, and the voice of God Himself speaks audibly to humanity.

This was not merely a supernatural event. It was a divine confirmation. Christ was about to journey toward suffering, rejection, crucifixion, and death. Before the valley of the cross came the glory of the mountain.

God strengthened the faith of His disciples so that when the darkness came, they would remember the light.

Three passages provide inspired testimony of this event:

• Matthew 17:1-13

• Mark 9:1–13 — A vivid eyewitness narrative emphasizing power and mystery.

• Luke 9:28–36 — A prayer-centered and glory-focused account.

• 2 Peter 1:16–21 — A theological reflection confirming apostolic eyewitness credibility.

When studied together, these passages reveal complementary perspectives that deepen our understanding of Christ’s glory, divine authority, and prophetic fulfillment.

Matthew 17:1-13

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.

Mark 9:1–13 (KJV)

1 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.
2 And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.
3 And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.
4 And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus.
5 And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
6 For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid.
7 And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.
8 And suddenly, when they had looked round about, they saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves.
9 And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead.
10 And they kept that saying with themselves, questioning one with another what the rising from the dead should mean.
11 And they asked him, saying, Why say the scribes that Elias must first come?
12 And he answered and told them, Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth all things; and how it is written of the Son of man, that he must suffer many things, and be set at nought.
13 But I say unto you, That Elias is indeed come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they listed, as it is written of him.

Luke 9:28–36 (KJV)

28 And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.
29 And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering.
30 And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias:
31 Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.
32 But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him.
33 And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said.
34 While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud.
35 And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.
36 And when the voice was past, Jesus was found alone. And they kept it close, and told no man in those days any of those things which they had seen.

2 Peter 1:16–21 (KJV)

16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.
19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Comparative Analysis: Key Parallels and Differences

1. Timing of the Event

• Mark: “After six days” (9:2)

• Luke: “About an eight days after” (9:28)

Commentary:

This difference is not a contradiction, but a matter of Jewish vs Roman reckoning of days. Luke includes both the starting and ending days, while Mark counts only the days in between. This strengthens reliability, as minor variation reflects authentic eyewitness perspectives.

2. Purpose of Ascending the Mountain

• Mark: Does not explicitly state purpose

• Luke: “Went up into a mountain to pray”

Commentary:

Luke emphasizes prayer as the spiritual context. This highlights that divine revelation flows from communion with God. Luke repeatedly presents prayer as the gateway to supernatural encounters.

3. Description of Christ’s Glory

• Mark: “His raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow”

• Luke: “The fashion of his countenance was altered”

Commentary:

Mark emphasizes radiant brightness, while Luke highlights facial transformation, revealing Christ’s internal glory radiating outward.

4. Subject of Moses and Elijah’s Conversation

• Mark: Simply states they were “talking with Jesus”

• Luke: Reveals they spoke of “his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem”

Commentary:

Luke provides critical theological depth. The glory of the Transfiguration does not remove the cross — it confirms it. Heaven itself discusses Christ’s coming sacrifice, reinforcing that the crucifixion was divinely ordained, not accidental.

5. Disciples’ Physical Condition

• Luke: Notes they were “heavy with sleep”

• Mark: Mentions fear and confusion instead

Commentary:

Luke shows human weakness, while Mark shows emotional shock. Both reveal that divine revelation often overwhelms human capacity.

6. The Heavenly Voice

All three passages record:

“This is my beloved Son: hear him.”

Commentary:

This divine declaration:

• Confirms Jesus’ identity

• Establishes His supreme authority

• Commands absolute obedience

The presence of Moses (Law) and Elijah (Prophets) alongside Christ demonstrates that Jesus fulfills and surpasses both.

7. Post-Event Silence

• Mark: They were commanded to remain silent until after the resurrection

• Luke: They “told no man” during those days

• Peter: Years later, boldly proclaims this testimony

Commentary:

What was once hidden becomes public proclamation after Christ’s resurrection. Resurrection transforms mystery into testimony.

Theological Significance of 2 Peter’s Testimony

Peter confirms:

“We were eyewitnesses of his majesty.”

This establishes:

• Apostolic credibility

• Historical authenticity

• Doctrinal certainty

Peter connects the Transfiguration to:

• The Second Coming

• Prophetic fulfillment

• Scriptural authority

This shows the Transfiguration was a preview of Christ’s coming kingdom glory.

Major Differences and Their Spiritual Meaning

Key Spiritual Lessons

1. Jesus is Fully Divine

His glory was revealed, not created. The Transfiguration unveiled what was already true.

2. The Cross and Glory Are Linked

Suffering precedes exaltation.

3. Scripture is Divinely Inspired

Peter connects eyewitness experience with prophetic authority.

4. Obedience is Required

“Hear Him” is not optional — it is divine command.

The Transfiguration reveals Jesus as the Christ, King, Redeemer, and Divine Son of God the Father. The event bridges Old Covenant prophecy and New Covenant fulfillment, confirming that Jesus is the climax of all revelation.

Through Matthew, Mark, Luke, and Peter, we see a complete picture:

• Historical event

• Spiritual revelation

• Prophetic confirmation

This moment on the mountain assures believers that:

The Jesus who suffered is the Jesus who reigns.

Additional Commentary Points:

I. The Setting of the Transfiguration — A Mountain of Prayer and Revelation

Luke 9:28

“He took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.”

The mountain in Scripture often represents separation, elevation, and divine encounter. Jesus did not bring all twelve. He selected three—Peter, James, and John—His inner circle. This teaches us that intimate revelation requires intentional separation and spiritual readiness.

Luke alone reveals that prayer preceded the Transfiguration. This is deeply significant. The greatest revelations in Scripture occur in atmospheres of prayer.

• Moses encountered God on Sinai.

• Elijah heard God on Horeb.

• Jesus was transfigured while praying on an unmentioned mountain.

Application:
If we desire divine insight, spiritual power, and deeper revelation, prayer is not optional — it is essential in order to encounter the divine presence of God. Sometimes the Lord draws us like he did with Peter, James, and John to a solitary place to pray so he can reveal His glory to us as we pray. This place of prayer may not be a literal mountain, but a (our spiritual mountain) where God wants to reveal his majesty to us!

II. The Glory of Christ Revealed — Divine Nature Unveiled

Mark 9:2–3

“And he was transfigured before them.”

The Greek word metamorphoo means to change form outwardly, revealing inward reality.

Jesus did not receive glory — He revealed it to his disciples.

His divine nature, which had been veiled in human flesh, now radiated visibly.

This was not reflected light like Moses — this was inherent glory.

Luke 9:29

“The fashion of his countenance was altered.”

This teaches us:

• Jesus is fully God

• His humility did not diminish His deity

• His humanity concealed divine splendor

III. Moses and Elijah — The Law and the Prophets Bear Witness

Mark 9:4

“There appeared unto them Elias with Moses.”

Moses represents the Law.
Elijah represents the Prophets.

Together, they testify that “ALL” Scriptures points us to Jesus Christ.

John 5:39

“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.”

Luke 9:31

“They spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.”

Even in glory, heaven’s discussion centered on the cross.

This proves:

• Christ’s death was planned, not accidental – (John 3:16)

• Redemption was foreordained – (Revelation 13:8)

• Glory and suffering are inseparably connected – (Luke 24:27)

IV. The Father’s Testimony — Divine Authority Declared

Mark 9:7

“This is my beloved Son: hear him.”

This echoes Jesus’ baptism and establishes:

• Christ’s divine Sonship

• Christ’s absolute authority

• Christ’s final revelation

God did not say, “Hear Moses.”
God did not say, “Hear Elijah.”
God said, “Hear Him.” – JESUS

The authority of Christ supersedes all others.

Application:
The Father revealed to the disciples “HEAR HIM” and to hear Christ is to obey everything Jesus Christ taught and said. – (Luke 6:46)

V. The Command of Silence — Glory Hidden Until Resurrection

Mark 9:9

“Tell no man… till the Son of man were risen from the dead.”

Why silence?

Because:

• Glory without the cross produces false theology

• Resurrection validates revelation

• Faith must be grounded in redemption, not spectacle

After resurrection, Peter boldly declares:

2 Peter 1:16

“We were eyewitnesses of his majesty.”

The mountain experience matured into unshakable conviction.

VI. The Prophetic Certainty — Scripture is Divine Revelation

2 Peter 1:19

“We have also a more sure word of prophecy.”

Peter affirms:

• Scripture is more reliable than personal experience

• Prophecy originates from God

• Scripture is inspired by the Holy Ghost

This confirms:

Experience must be judged by Scripture — not Scripture by experience.

Closing Exhortation

The Transfiguration teaches us:

• Jesus is God.

• His glory precedes His suffering.

• His authority demands obedience.

• In prayer is where one meets the glory and majesty of God.

• His Word is final.

One day, we too shall see Him in glory — not briefly, not partially, but fully and eternally.

BIBLE STUDY WORKSHEET

Title: The Transfiguration — Seeing Christ in His Glory
Texts: Mark 9:1–13; Luke 9:28–36; 2 Peter 1:16–21 (KJV)

SECTION 1 — Observation

1. Who were the disciples chosen to witness the Transfiguration?

2. What physical changes occurred to Jesus?

3. Who appeared with Jesus?

4. What did Moses and Elijah discuss with Jesus? (Luke 9:31)

5. What did the voice from heaven declare?

SECTION 2 — Interpretation

6. Why do you think Jesus allowed only three disciples to witness this event?

7. What does the presence of Moses and Elijah symbolize?

8. Why is it important that the conversation focused on Christ’s coming death?

9. What does “Hear Him” mean practically for believers today?

SECTION 3 — Application

10. How does the Transfiguration strengthen your faith?

11. What areas of your life require deeper obedience to Christ?

12. How can prayer become a greater priority in your spiritual walk?

SECTION 4 — Reflection & Prayer

Personal Reflection:
What truth from this study most impacted you?

Prayer Focus:
Ask God to reveal Christ more deeply and grant strength to obey His Word.