Have you ever witnessed something that you thought was one thing but turned out to be something completely different? What about the transformation of the butterfly? It begins life as an ugly, yucky worm. Who wants to touch it, except for maybe a young boy who grabs it up for fishing bait? Then, after eating all the greenery it needs to go into the next phase, it grabs on to a stem, a twig or a leaf, and spins an ugly gray cocoon around itself, and there it remains for its time. Finally, after what seems like an eternity, it breaks out of that cocoon, a beautiful, colorful, majestic but delicate butterfly. What a transformation.
In Matthew 17:1-9 we read of another transformation; one we call the Transfiguration. The word, “transfiguration” literally means, “a complete change of form or appearance into a more beautiful or spiritual state.” In Matthew 16, Jesus had been preaching and said that there were some in their midst that would not taste death until they had seen Him coming in His kingdom. Six days later, Jesus took Peter, James, and John with Him up the mountain. Here, they saw exactly what He had predicted,but notinthe way they had expected. Jesus was transformed to what I believe, was a description later given by John in the Book of Revelation chapter 1 where we see the glorified Christ. Along with Jesus in His glorified appearance, stood Moses and Elijah, and later the disciples also heard the very voice of God from Heaven. This experience was more than just an awesome miracle; it had much to say about His mission, and the future of all mankind.
This event not only was a transfiguration of Christ, but it also transfigured the lives of those who witnessed it. John began his Gospel by describing Jesus like this: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14). Peter wrote, “For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnessesof Hismajesty. For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Himontheholymountain.” (2 Peter 1:16-18). The transfiguration shows us through these great apostles that Christ is not just a good teacher, or was a good man living a good life, but that He is the Son of God, and very God Himself! There was no doubt in the eyes of these three men that Jesus was exactly who He had claimed to be! He was, is, and will be forever, the SON OF GOD!
There are two teachings arising from the presence of these two very distinguished prophets who were with Jesus. The first is that the Law and the Prophets were fulfilled in Christ, just as He claimed. Secondly, they show forth the order of the coming of the Lord when He returns for His Church. Moses died and was buried by God Himself (Deuteronomy 34:5-6). He represents those who have died in Christ, and will be brought up in the first resurrection. Elijah was caught away in the whirlwind (2 Kings 2:11). He represents those who will be alive and remaining and will be caught up after the dead in Christ are raised to meet together with the Lord in the air!
There is a testimony to the transfiguration. It first of all testifies that Christ is who He said He was! He was perfect man. Because He was virgin born, He did not come into this world in a sinful state. He did nothing to deserve His fate on the Cross. He willingly laid down His life in sacrifice for us. He was the promised Messiah! If Peter, James, and John had harbored any doubt to that claim in their hearts before, it vanished now! He was God in the Flesh! Could there be any doubt?
It also testified of His future glory. John saw this glory twice (The Mount. of Transfiguration, and his vision of the Revelation). With confidence and inspiration,he writes: “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” (I John 3:2). I want to see that day!
When Moses and Elijah met with Christ they could have talked about many things, for example, the LawandMosesexperiences, Elijah’s experience in the whirlwind, or even the glories of Heaven. But the topic of their discussion was on one thing only: “And behold, two men talked with Him, who were Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of His decease which Hewasabouttoaccomplish at Jerusalem.” (Luke 9:3031). This was the most important event that ever happened inhuman history, because in the sacrifice of Calvary, Christ made it possible for man and creation to finally be at peace, and one with its Creator again!
The death of Christ was NATURAL, Or, in other words, real. He really suffered. He really bled. He really died. His human side ceased to exist as it does for each of us. This was His sacrifice: He died naturally to pay the supreme requirement for man’s sin.
But His death was also UNNATURAL. He did nothing to deserve death. He was perfect man. He did not fall under the curse placed on the earth. He willingly laid down His life. He did it out of love for man. He did not have to do what He did. He had the power to lay down His life, and to take it up!
Finally, His death was PRE-NATURAL. He was for-ordained to pay for man’s sin so man could see without doubt the love of God in living, breathing action!
He has paid the price; He has given His all; what will you do with what He has done?
— Jerry D. Ousley is the author of Soul Challenge, Soul Journey, Ordeal, The Spirit Bread Daily Devotional and his first novel The Shoe Tree. Visit the website at spiritbread.com to download these and more completely free of charge.