Transfiguration

Illustration of Transfiguration
Era
Life of Christ
Date
c. AD 29 โ‰ˆ Approximate
Reference
Matthew 17:1-9
For one moment on a mountaintop, the veil was pulled back. The disciples saw Jesus as He truly is.

The Transfiguration took place when Jesus led Peter, James, and John up a high mountain, where his appearance was dramatically altered so that his face shone like the sun and his clothes became intensely white. Moses and Elijah appeared beside him, discussing his upcoming departure in Jerusalem, while a bright cloud enveloped them and a voice from heaven declared Jesus as God's beloved Son, commanding the disciples to listen to him. This event holds significance in Scripture as it reveals Jesus' divine glory prior to his suffering and death, bridging the Old Testament law and prophets with the New Covenant he fulfills. It strengthened the disciples' faith by confirming his identity as the Messiah and preparing them for the challenges ahead.

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Did You Know?

1

Moses and Elijah appeared beside him, discussing his upcoming departure in Jerusalem, while a bright cloud enveloped them and a voice from heaven declared Jesus as God's beloved Son, commanding the disciples to listen to him.

2

This event holds significance in Scripture as it reveals Jesus' divine glory prior to his suffering and death, bridging the Old Testament law and prophets with the New Covenant he fulfills.

3

This event is dated to approximately c. AD 29 in biblical chronology.

4

Key figures involved: Jesus, Peter, Moses, Elijah.

5

This took place at or near Mount Tabor.

Key Passage

Transfiguration

Matthew 17:1-9

A1nd 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.

Read full chapter: Matthew 17 โ†’

Meanwhile in the World

The Roman Empire is at its peak under Augustus and Tiberius (Pax Romana). Rome controls the entire Mediterranean world. Roads, common language (Greek), and peace make travel and communication easy - the 'fullness of time.' Herod the Great rules Judea as a client king.

When: c. 5 BC - AD 33

Key Civilizations: Roman Empire (Pax Romana)

Biblical Parallels: Matthew 1-28 , Mark 1-16 , Luke 1-24 , John 1-21

Explore Related

Characters 4

Jesus Jesus is portrayed in the Bible as the Son of God and the long-awaited Messiah whose coming fulfilled Oldโ€ฆ Peter Peter, originally a fisherman named Simon, was called by Jesus along the Sea of Galilee to become one ofโ€ฆ Moses Moses was a prophet chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt during the Exodus. Throughโ€ฆ Elijah Elijah was a powerful prophet in the northern kingdom of Israel during the reign of King Ahab and Queenโ€ฆ

Places 1

Mount Tabor Mount Tabor, located in the Lower Galilee region of Israel, is traditionally identified in Christianโ€ฆ