(Jesus of Nazareth: Part 8)

JESUS OF NAZARETH: HIS TRANSFIGURATION

Intro.

Matt. 17:1-9 (Mk. 9:2-9; Lk. 9:28-36) - The transfiguration of Jesus presents Him in His glory & teaches us of Jesus’ relationship with the Father, his purpose on earth & what He is able to do for us (mankind).

I. THE EVENTS OF THE TRANSFIGURATION - Matt. 17:1-9.
A. What Is A Transfiguration?
1. Trans - Across; Figure - To form; “To change into another form” (Vine).
2. His appearance was changed: Face & garments (Matt. 17:2); garments (Mk. 9:3, “fuller” - launderer); Face altered (Lk. 9:29).

B. Why Did Jesus Take Only Three Disciples?
1. So-called “inner circle” of disciples (Peter, James & John: Jairus’ daughter, Lk. 8:51; Gethsemane, Matt. 26:37).
2. Peter (confessed His deity - Matt. 16:16); John (“disciple whom He loved”); James (1st apostle killed, Acts 12:2).
3. Possible reasons:
a. Guard the desired privacy until proper time - 17:9.
b. Increasing their faith would help the faith of other apostles (17:16-17).
c. Insure best final results - 2 Pet. 1:16-18 (2 or 3 witnesses, 2 Cor. 13:1).

C. Moses & Elijah Appeared With Jesus - Matt. 17:3.
-Lk. 9:30-31 - Had glorious countenance as well; conversation (Matt. 17:3).

D. The Reaction Of The Disciples - Matt. 17:4.
1. Lk. 9:32 - Asleep when transf. began; woke up & saw His glory.
2. Lk. 9:33 - Peter suggested 3 tents (shelter for the night).
-v. 33 - Not knowing what he said....Because of fear - Mk. 9:6.

E. The Voice Of The Father - Matt. 17:5.
1. Cloud “enveloped” all, causing disciples to fear - Lk. 9:34.
2. The Father’s statement - (Matt. 17:5; Mk. 9:7; Lk. 9:35).
3. Matt. 17:6-8 - Disciples afraid, comforted.

F. Jesus Commanded The Disciples - Matt. 17:9.
1. “Tell no one until His resurrection” - cf. Matt. 16:20.
a. Divine testimony still in progress - cf. 16:17.
b. Apostles not yet equipped to properly teach about this event.
c. His resurrection would validate the claim & event (He is Christ).

II. THE PURPOSES OF THE TRANSFIGURATION - 2 Pet. 1:17.
A. To Strengthen And Prepare Jesus For His Sufferings - Lk. 9:31 (2 Pet. 1:15).
1. Remind Him of the Father’s constant love and pleasure (17:5).
2. Remind Him of the glory He had & would have (Jno. 17:5, 24; Heb. 2:9).

B. To Confirm The Faith Of The Disciples:
1. In His heavenly glory & honor - Lk. 9:32; 2 Pet. 1:16-17.
2. In His deity (voice of Father testified of it) - Matt. 16:16; Jno. 5:17-18.

C. To Present Jesus As The Messiah.
1. “My chosen” - Lk. 9:35; Isa. 42:1.
2. “Hear him” - cf. Deut. 18:15, 18-19; Acts 3:22.
3. Faith in Him is made secure by the voice of the “Excellent Glory!”
4. After His resurr., their testimony would produce true faith (2 Pet. 1:16).

D. To Present The Superior Authority Of Jesus - Matt. 17:5.
1. Authority over the OT law & the prophets - cf. Matt. 5:17-18.
2. His word has authority (from God) to produce faith - Rom. 10:17; 1:16-17.
3. “Hear” - Continuous action.
4. “Him” - His word alone is authoritative today - Col. 3:17.

III. CHRIST: THE SOURCE OF OUR STRENGTH, COMFORT & SALVATION.
A. Christ Eliminates The Fear Of Sinners - Matt. 17:6
1. Sinners in the presence of the holy God.
2. Jesus stopped their fear - Matt. 17:7.
3. cf. Heb. 4:15-16; 6:20 - Through Him we enter God’s presence with boldness!
4. Only the One Sent from God can give us true comfort! - Rom. 8:15

B. Our Salvation Rests Upon God’s Eternal Plan Which Has Been Accomplished In Christ - Lk. 9:31.
1. His decease - cf. Matt. 16:21.
2. Jno. 17:4 - He accomplished God’s work - Salvation is ours in Him!

Conclusion
1. Jno. 17:24 - Our goal must be to be with Christ in heaven so we can behold His glory forever!
2. “Hear Him!”