The Glory and Divinity of Jesus Christ Revealed on the Mount of Transfiguration and the Necessity of the Suffering of the Cross

The Glory and Divinity of Jesus Christ Revealed on the Mount of Transfiguration and

the Necessity of the Suffering of the Cross

 

 

 

 

 

 

“About eight days after these sayings, Jesus took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray.  And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white.  And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.  Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, but when they became fully awake they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him.  And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, ‘Master, it is good that we are here.  Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah’—not knowing what he said. As he was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud.  And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, ‘This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!’ And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone.  And they kept silent and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen” (Luke 9:28–36).

 

 

 

(1)   Today, as I meditate on the passage of Luke 9:28–36 together with Matthew 17:1–8 and Mark 9:2–8, I would like to receive the lessons given to us through these Scriptures:

 

(a)    First, ‘About eight days after these sayings, Jesus took Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain by themselves to pray.  And while he was praying, he was transfigured before them: his face shone like the sun (his appearance was changed), and his clothes became as white as the light, shining brilliantly—so white that no launderer on earth could bleach them’ (Lk. 9:28–29; Mt. 17:1–2; Mk. 9:2–3).

 

(i)               After performing the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand (Lk. 9:12–17), Jesus, “while praying alone” (v. 18), spoke to his disciples who were with him (vv. 18–27).  “After he had said these things,” about eight days later, Jesus took only Peter, James, and John the brother of James from among the disciples (v. 28), and “by themselves” (Mt. 17:1; Mk. 9:2), “went up a high mountain” (Mt. 17:1; Mk. 9:2) “to pray” (Lk. 9:28).

 

·        Here, I became particularly interested in the phrase that Jesus “prayed privately.” Matthew 14:23 also records the following words: “After he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray.  When evening came, he was there alone.”

 

-      What, then, was the purpose of Jesus praying privately in this way?  Why is “praying alone” important?

 

n  Jesus set aside time to pray alone in order to maintain an intimate relationship with God the Father even amid busy ministry, and to discern and obey not his own will, but the will of God.  This demonstrates that prayer is not merely about the fulfillment of personal wishes, but about communication with God and forming a relationship with Him.

 

Maintaining intimacy with God: By leaving the ministry field (the people) and being alone with God the Father, Jesus gained spiritual strength.

Discerning and obeying God’s will: The focus of prayer was not personal desire, but understanding God’s will and obeying it.

 

Preparation and wisdom for ministry: Before important decisions (such as choosing disciples) or major ministries, Jesus prepared through prayer and sought God’s guidance.

 

The driving force of gospel proclamation: Prayer was an essential part of fulfilling the missionary calling to proclaim the gospel of the Kingdom of God.

 

In short, Jesus’ practice of praying alone was spiritual breathing and a spiritual discipline that kept him from losing the essence of his ministry (Internet).

 

·        Furthermore, as I meditated on the fact that Jesus took only Peter, James, and John from among the disciples and went up a high mountain to pray alone, I was reminded of Jesus’ words in the Garden of Gethsemane.  There, Jesus said to the disciples, “Sit here while I pray,” and then took Peter, James, and John with him and said to them, “My soul is deeply troubled to the point of death; remain here and keep watch.” Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that, if possible, the hour might pass from him (Mk. 14:34–35).

 

-      Why did Jesus take only Peter, James, and John from among the twelve disciples and pray separately with them?

 

n  Jesus took only Peter, James, and John aside for prayer (such as at the Mount of Transfiguration and in Gethsemane) because, as core leaders, they required special spiritual experience and training.  They were the most trusted among the apostles (the inner circle), and were to become pillars of the future church.  They needed to witness in advance both the suffering of the cross and the glory of the resurrection so that they could testify to these truths.

 

The key reasons and background are as follows:

 

A special apostolic group (inner circle): Among the twelve disciples, they were the closest to Jesus and were present at decisive moments such as the raising of Jairus’ daughter, the Mount of Transfiguration, and the Garden of Gethsemane.

 

Training future church leaders: Peter, the leading disciple of confession; James and John, passionate leaders known as the “sons of thunder,” were specially trained to become pillars of the future church.

 

Witnesses of spiritual experience: By showing them Jesus’ glorious appearance on the Mount of Transfiguration, Jesus prepared them so that they would not lose faith in the face of the coming suffering and death on the cross, but would proclaim the hope of the resurrection.

 

Symbolism of faith, hope, and love: Peter (faith), James (hope), and John (love) were seen as disciples who embodied the core values of the gospel and would lead the church.

 

In this way, these three disciples were chosen as special witnesses who shared the most significant spiritual moments of Jesus’ public ministry and directly beheld his divinity and mission (Internet).

 

(ii)             When Jesus went up a high mountain with Peter, James, and John to pray privately, and while he was praying he was transfigured before them—his face shining like the sun (his appearance being changed), and his clothes becoming as white as the light, shining with a brilliance so white that no launderer on earth could make them so—what is the meaning of this statement?

 

·        The transfiguration of Jesus (the event on the Mount of Transfiguration) was an occasion in which Jesus revealed his original divine glory while praying.  It served to confirm to the disciples, just before the suffering of the cross, that Jesus is the Son of God, and to reveal that he is the Messiah who fulfills the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah).  The face shining like the sun and the radiance of garments whiter than anything achievable on earth symbolize his glorious divine essence and perfect holiness.

 

-      The manifestation of divine glory: Before undergoing suffering, Jesus momentarily set aside the veil of human flesh and revealed his original glorious form, thereby displaying his divinity.

 

-      The fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets: The appearance of Moses (representing the Law) and Elijah (representing the Prophets) and their conversation with Jesus testify that Jesus is the one who fulfills all the Law and the prophecies of the Old Testament.

 

-      The power of prayer: This astonishing transformation occurred while Jesus was praying, demonstrating that through prayer divine glory and power are revealed.

 

-      The foretelling of the suffering of the cross: Immediately following this glory, the suffering and death of the cross are foretold, conveying the truth that the path to glory necessarily passes through suffering.

 

This event allowed Peter, James, and John to behold the true nature of Jesus and became a source of strength enabling them not to lose their faith even in the midst of suffering (Internet).

 

(b)   Second, at that time Moses and Elijah appeared together in glory and spoke with him, speaking of the departure that Jesus was about to accomplish in Jerusalem. (Lk. 9:30–31; Mt. 17:3; Mk. 9:4),

 

(i)               What is the meaning of Moses, representing the Law, and Elijah, representing the Prophets, appearing together in glory before Peter, James, and John and speaking with Jesus?

 

·          The conversation between Moses (the Law) and Elijah (the Prophets) with Jesus in glory on the Mount of Transfiguration is an event that proves that all the words of the Old Testament are fulfilled through Jesus’ death on the cross and his resurrection.  It shows that Jesus is the fulfiller of the Old Testament and the Son of God, and suggests that the Law and the prophecies of the Old Testament are centered on Christ.

 

The main meanings are as follows:

 

-        Jesus as the fulfiller of the Old Testament: Moses, representing the Law, and Elijah, representing the Prophets, speaking with Jesus and referring to his death indicate that Jesus is the one who fulfills all the prophecies and the Law of the Old Testament.

 

-        The glory and divinity of Jesus: By appearing in a glorious form before the disciples, Jesus demonstrates that he is not merely one prophet among many, but the Son of God who possesses glory equal with God.

 

-        The command given to the disciples: The voice from the cloud saying, “This is my beloved Son… listen to him,” confirms that Jesus’ word holds the highest authority, surpassing that of the Law and the Prophets (Moses and Elijah).

 

-        The emphasis on mission: Jesus did not remain in the state of glory but descended toward the cross, teaching the disciples that his glory is accomplished through his death on the cross.

 

This event is decisive evidence that the prophecies of the Old Testament were fulfilled in Jesus (Internet).

 

(ii)             What is the meaning of the statement that, when Moses and Elijah spoke with Jesus, they spoke about the departure that Jesus was about to accomplish?

 

·        The fact that Moses (the representative of the Law) and Elijah (the representative of the Prophets) spoke with Jesus about his departure (exodus, Exodos) on the Mount of Transfiguration signifies that Jesus’ death on the cross is the fulfillment of the Old Testament Scriptures and a necessary event for the salvation of humanity.  It indicates not merely an ordinary death, but the completion of a glorious redemptive history (an exodus).

 

-      Fulfillment of the Old Testament (completion of the Law and the Prophets): Moses and Elijah symbolize the Old Testament. That they spoke about Jesus’ death shows that his death would take place exactly as foretold in the Old Testament.

 

-      The meaning of “departure” (Exodus): Here, “departure” is the Greek word Exodos. Just as the Israelites were liberated from Egypt, it means that through his death Jesus would accomplish a work of salvation, liberating humanity from sin—an exodus.

 

-      The connection between the cross and glory: Moses and Elijah appeared in glory and held this conversation, showing that the cross is not merely a tragedy, but a means through which God’s glory is revealed.

 

-      Assurance given to the disciples: Through this scene, the disciples learned that the suffering of the cross that Jesus was about to endure was a necessary process within God’s plan.

 

Thus, the appearance of Moses and Elijah served as witnesses guaranteeing that both the Law and the Prophets are fulfilled through Jesus’ death on the cross and his resurrection (Internet).

 

(c)    Third, at that time, Peter and the other disciples, who had been sleeping deeply, became fully awake and saw Jesus’ glory and the two men standing with him.  As the two men were about to depart, Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, we will make three shelters here: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’  However, he did not know what he was saying, and James and John were also very afraid, so they did not understand what Peter was saying (Lk. 9:32–33; Mt. 17:4; Mk. 9:5–6)..

 

(i)               What is the meaning of the statement that Peter and the other disciples, who had been sleeping, were deeply asleep and then became fully awake?

 

·          That Peter and the disciples, who had been sleeping, were deeply asleep and then became fully awake is the key point of the Mount of Transfiguration account in Luke 9:32.  It signifies that the disciples, who had been in a state of spiritual ignorance and weariness (sleep), came to a complete spiritual understanding of the meaning of Jesus’ glory and death on the cross (the conversation between Moses and Elijah), and witnessed the true reality of Jesus in glory.

 

-           Awakening from spiritual sleep: It means that the disciples, who were in a state of spiritual ignorance due to fatigue and fear, were transformed into a state of spiritual awareness and understanding of spiritual truth.

 

-           Witnessing glory: This was not merely waking from physical sleep, but witnessing the glory of the transfigured Jesus and hearing Moses and Elijah converse about Jesus’ departure (death on the cross), thereby grasping the true meaning of the cross.

 

-           Recognition of the gospel: By seeing the glory that would follow the suffering of the cross, this became the moment when the disciples finally understood Jesus’ mission.

 

In other words, this passage signifies a spiritual awakening in which the disciples were freed from spiritual dullness and came to clearly understand Jesus’ glory and the way of the cross.” (Internet source)

 

(ii)             What is the meaning of Peter saying to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here,” when Moses and Elijah were about to depart?

 

·          Peter’s statement, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here,’ when Moses and Elijah were about to leave on the Mount of Transfiguration, reflects a human desire to remain in the ecstasy of a glorious and mystical experience, as well as Peter’s immature faith that sought to avoid the path of suffering (the cross) and enjoy only glory.

 

-           Background: Peter fell into ecstasy upon seeing Jesus transfigured in glory and conversing with Moses and Elijah.

 

-           Meaning:

 

   Avoidance of suffering: Unlike Jesus, who was facing death on the cross, Peter wanted to avoid the suffering and hardship below the mountain and remain in a state of glory.

 

      Misunderstanding: By proposing to build three shelters—placing glory (Jesus) and the Law/Prophets (Moses and Elijah) on the same level—Peter revealed a lack of understanding of Jesus’ central mission of redemption.

 

      Personal impulse: Scripture records that Peter “did not know what he was saying,” showing that his words were spoken impulsively without spiritual discernment.

 

This confession later becomes the occasion for instruction through God’s voice from the cloud, saying, “Listen to him,” teaching that the true path of discipleship is not to remain in glory, but to follow the path of suffering on the cross.” (Internet source)

 

(iii)           What is the meaning of Peter saying to Jesus that, if the Lord wished, they would build three shelters (tents) there?

 

·          Peter’s statement on the Mount of Transfiguration, ‘Let us build three shelters,’ was a human confession arising from a mixture of awe, ecstasy, and fear as he beheld the glorious appearance of Jesus, Moses, and Elijah.  It was a reaction born from the desire for the state of glory to continue, without yet fully understanding Jesus’ mission of suffering on the cross.

 

-           The detailed meanings are as follows:

 

Desire to remain in glory: Seeing Jesus, Moses, and Elijah transfigured, Peter felt that this place was like a paradise on earth and wanted to preserve that ecstatic experience.

 

Human misunderstanding and confusion: Peter did not fully understand Jesus’ ultimate mission, which required walking the path of suffering on the cross, and instead desired to remain only in glory without suffering.

 

Connection to the Feast of Tabernacles: Some interpret this as recalling the Old Testament Feast of Booths, intending to commemorate and preserve a holy place where God dwells with his people.

 

Reverence toward the Lord: Peter sought to honor Jesus, Moses, and Elijah equally by proposing a separate shelter for each.

 

This statement reveals that Peter had not yet fully grasped Jesus’ ultimate redemptive mission and the meaning of the cross (Internet).

 

(iv)            What is the meaning of the statement that Peter did not even know what he was saying, and that James and John were also very afraid, so they did not understand what Peter was saying?

 

·          This means that Peter and the disciples, having witnessed Jesus’ glorious transfiguration on the Mount of Transfiguration, were overwhelmed by extreme fear and confusion.  Unable to discern between spiritual reality and the human dimension, they made an inappropriate and misguided suggestion.  It reveals the frailty of human beings who, captivated by glory, failed to properly understand the mystery of the cross and Jesus’ true mission.

 

-        Extreme fear and confusion (Mt. 17:6; Mk. 9:6): Faced with the supernatural scene of heavenly glory and the appearance of Elijah and Moses, the disciples were so terrified that normal thinking and sound judgment were impossible.

 

-        Spiritual ignorance (Lk. 9:33): Peter, intoxicated by Jesus’ glory, proposed building three shelters, but this reflected a human, ignorant desire to seek only earthly glory while disregarding the imminent death on the cross that Jesus was about to endure (the very subject of the conversation on the Mount).

 

-        Human weakness: The disciples failed to grasp the true meaning of the situation at that moment, and Scripture records that their words were futile and disconnected from God’s redemptive plan.

 

Ultimately, this passage implies that human experience and wisdom alone cannot fully comprehend God’s glory and the way of the cross, and that the disciples would only come to understand the true meaning of this event after experiencing Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection (Internet).

 

(d)   Fourth, while Peter was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud came and overshadowed them; and as they entered the cloud, they were afraid. And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, ‘This is my beloved Son, my Chosen One, in whom I am well pleased; listen to him’ (Lk. 9:34–35; Mt. 17:5; Mk. 9:7).

 

(i)               What is the meaning of the statement, “While Peter was saying this, suddenly a bright cloud came and overshadowed them; and as they entered the cloud, they were afraid, and a voice came out of the cloud”?

 

·          This passage from Luke 9:34–35 represents the climax of the Transfiguration event.  It halts Peter’s human proposal (the three shelters) and formally confirms God’s presence (the bright cloud) and Jesus’ divine authority (his status as the Son).  It is an event in which God proclaims to the fearful disciples that Jesus alone is the one they must listen to (‘listen to him’).

 

-        The specific meanings and background are as follows:

Meaning of the bright cloud: It symbolizes the ‘Shekinah’ cloud—the glory of God that descended upon the tabernacle and the temple in the Old Testament—indicating that God Himself had now come into their presence.

 

The disciples’ fear: This is the natural response of holy creatures when confronted with God’s glory, and also reflects awe toward Jesus, who remained alone after Moses and Elijah disappeared.

 

The voice from the cloud (“This is my Son… listen to him”):

 

       The supremacy of Jesus: God Himself testifies that Jesus is His Son, superior to Moses (the Law) and Elijah (the Prophets).

 

Final authority: The disciples are commanded to obey not any other voice, but only the teaching of Jesus Christ.

 

Through this event, the disciples come to firmly recognize that Jesus is not merely one prophet among many, but the Savior who has received a direct divine mandate from God.” (Internet)

 

(ii)             What is the meaning of the statement, “A voice came out of the cloud, saying, ‘This is my beloved Son, my Chosen One, in whom I am well pleased; listen to him’”?

 

·          ‘A voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my beloved Son, my Chosen One, in whom I am well pleased; listen to him”’ (Lk. 9:35) is God’s direct testimony during the Transfiguration that Jesus is the Son of God and the Messiah (Savior), and it is a confirmation commanding that only Jesus’ teaching and words are to be followed.

 

-        The core meanings of this statement are as follows:

 

Confirmation of Jesus’ divinity: The expression ‘beloved Son’ indicates that Jesus is not merely one prophet among many, but the only begotten Son who shares the same divine essence as God.

God’s pleasure and election: Because Jesus is the one in whom God delights and whom He has chosen, this confirms that Jesus’ public ministry and his work on the cross perfectly align with God’s will.

 

Shift in the center of authority: With Moses (representing the Law) and Elijah (representing the Prophets) gone and only Jesus remaining, this voice declares that the Law and the Prophets are now fulfilled in Jesus, and that obedience must be given solely to him.

 

Command to obey: ‘Listen to him’ affirms that Jesus himself is the truth and the only path to salvation.

 

In short, this voice is heaven’s authentication that Jesus alone is the Savior, issuing guidance to the disciples and to all believers to trust in and follow Jesus (Internet).

 

(e)    Finally, fifth, when the voice ceased, the three disciples heard it and fell facedown in great fear. But Jesus came to them and touched them, saying, ‘Get up; do not be afraid.’  And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one except Jesus alone. And the disciples kept silent and told no one at that time anything of what they had seen (Lk. 9:34–36; Mt. 17:6–8; Mk. 9:7–8).

 

(i)               What is the meaning of the statement, “When the voice ceased, the three disciples fell facedown in great fear; but Jesus came to them, touched them, and said, ‘Get up; do not be afraid’”?

 

·          During the Transfiguration, after the disciples fell prostrate in fear upon directly encountering God, Jesus’ act of touching them and saying, ‘Get up; do not be afraid,’ is a loving and comforting action by the Lord of power—who has fulfilled the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah), and now stands alone—reassuring the disciples and raising them up again to their place of mission.

 

-        Detailed meaning:

 

The disciples’ great fear (awe and terror): Having heard God’s voice from the cloud and seen Jesus in his glorious form, the disciples were overwhelmed with reverent fear and terror as sinful humans standing before God.

 

Jesus touching them (intimacy and restoration): Jesus personally approached the trembling disciples and touched them, transforming their fear into intimacy and love.

 

‘Get up; do not be afraid’ (commissioning and reassurance): This affirms that Jesus Christ alone—not the Law or the Prophets—is the true Savior, and signifies that the disciples must cast off fear and return to the world with Jesus.

 

This statement reveals that Jesus is the one who remains with his disciples in moments of crisis, granting them peace and renewed strength.” (Internet)

 

(ii)             What is the meaning of the statement, “When the disciples lifted up their eyes, they saw no one except Jesus alone”?

 

·          This statement represents the climax of the Transfiguration event and testifies that only Jesus Christ is the one who fulfills the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah).  The disappearance of Moses and Elijah and the presence of Jesus alone signify the essence of faith: realizing that Jesus alone is the sole foundation and ruler of salvation.

 

-        Background: While Jesus was praying on the mountain with Peter, John, and James, his appearance was transformed, and Moses and Elijah appeared and spoke with him in glory.

 

-        Core meaning:

 

Fulfillment of the Old Testament: Moses (the Law) and Elijah (the Prophets) testified to Jesus’ suffering and death (his departure) and then disappeared, showing that the Law and the Prophets are fulfilled in Jesus.

 

Only Jesus (Solus Christus): After fear subsided, the disciples saw only Jesus’ authority and glory, realizing that Jesus alone is the only Savior and the true object of faith.

 

Focus of faith: It signifies the proper posture of faith—focusing not on worldly glory or fear, but solely on Jesus.

 

Ultimately, this passage is a confession of faith that calls believers to look beyond human means and past traditions (Moses and Elijah) and fix their eyes solely on the glory of the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ.” (Internet)

 

(iii)           What is the meaning of the statement, “The disciples kept silent and told no one at that time anything of what they had seen”?

 

·        This statement means that Peter, John, and James, having witnessed the glory of Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration, kept secret the fact that Jesus was the Son of God and the Messiah until after the events of the cross and resurrection.

 

-           This carries the following theological and situational meanings:

 

The Messianic Secret: Jesus did not want to be prematurely proclaimed as the Messiah and misunderstood politically before completing his work as Savior through the cross and resurrection.

 

Prevention of premature disclosure: Since the disciples had not yet fully understood the meaning of Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross, proclaiming only the glorious vision could have produced a distorted understanding of the Messiah.

 

Time for reflection and internalization: It shows that the disciples needed time to treasure and meditate on what they had seen, so that they could later testify to this glorious experience after Jesus’ death and resurrection.

 

In summary, this passage teaches that until God’s appointed time (after the cross), believers must follow God’s will and timetable rather than acting out of human zeal.” (Internet)