Matthew 17:1-6

Matthew 17:1: “And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,”

This is the Transfiguration. Notice that Jesus brought Peter, James, and John, and no one else. This apparently represented the “inner circle” of disciples. John, of course, was the one who later wrote the Book of Revelation. This episode may be what Christ was referring to in the previous chapter, when He said that there were some that would not taste death until they saw the kingdom of God come with power.

Also, notice this happened after Peter told Jesus that He was the Son of God – not before. Peter believed and was then shown this transfiguration. Belief had to come first.

Matthew 17:3: “And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.”

Here we have something astonishing: a New Testament appearance of Moses and Elijah! They don’t seem to have been introduced, and yet everyone knew who they were. This reminds me of the rich man and Lazarus; after they died they seemed to know everyone, and everyone seemed to know them. It’s as if in the next life everyone knows each other. This may be one of the characteristics of the way things will be – and that might explain what Paul meant by “for now we see through a glass darkly, but then face to face; now we know in part, but then shall I know even as also I am known”. It is something to think about.

In the future, our relationships with people – and our knowledge of each other – may be much closer than it is today, and the distance between people may be much smaller.

Matthew 17:4: “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.”

Peter has a habit of saying things before he’s thought it through. Another example of this is the time when Jesus was walking on water, and Peter said “If it’s you then tell me to come out with you.” That was a terrible idea – suppose that it wasn’t Jesus at all, but something evil. By the time you got out of the boat and drown it would have been too late. If you wanted proof that it was Jesus that seemed like a poor way to go about it.

Once again we see the honesty of the gospels. They recorded it just like it happened.

Matthew 17:5: “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.”

This is the second time this happened; the first was at Christ’s baptism. As you can see, it clearly had a powerful impact:

Matthew 17:6: “And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.”

No one who hears the Father speak is unaffected: His presence fills men with utter terror. The Israelites at Mount Horeb reacted the same way, as did Isaiah when he saw God in Heaven. God is so awesome, so holy, and so tremendous, that no one can boast in His presence. There is just something about Him.