SUMMARY
As Jesus prays on a mountain, his face and clothing become transformed. Moses and Elijah appear and converse with him. When Peter offers a confused response, God speaks to him, John, and James, declaring JesusJesus is the Messiah whose life, death, and resurrection are God's saving act for humanity. to be God’s Son.
ANALYSIS
This unusual scene is more evocative than descriptive. Although its details do not provide a complete picture or a full explanation, it is a powerful, meaningful moment in the Gospel. The scene’s position within the overall sweep of LukeThe "beloved physician" and companion of Paul. helps reveal its significance. Jesus has just predicted his suffering, death, and resurrection for the first time and has issued a radical call to those who seek to be his followers (Luke 9:18-27). He is about to commence his journey toward Jerusalem, where he will be killed (Luke 9:51). At this point in the narrative, the transfigurationThe Transfiguration was a mountaintop event in which Jesus was transformed and became dazzling white, in a manner that suggested his future glory. Peter, James, and John witnessed Jesus' transfiguration; Moses and Elijah appeared on the mountain and talked with Jesus. The event, which is... divinely confirms Jesus’ understanding of his fate. MosesProphet who led Israel out of Egypt to the Promised Land and received the law at Sinai. and ElijahA miracle working Israelite prophet who opposed worship of Baal., two prophets from Israel’s history who each also met with God on top of a mountain, speak about what Jesus must do in Jerusalem. The appearance of these two figures may also serve as an echo of biblical promises concerning future days (see Deuteronomy 18:16-20 and Malachi 4:4-6). The transfiguration is not about offering encouragement to Jesus; it is about instructing the disciples who witness it. The voice that comes from the cloud (a familiar representation of God’s presence) addresses them, not Jesus. They need to know that what is about to happen is part of what Jesus has come to do.
