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Matthew 17:1-13

It was when Jesus and His disciples were in the Gentile region of Caesarea Philippi that Peter made his
declaration of faith: Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God.

But then Jesus disclosed to His disciples His crucial mission: to go to Jerusalem, where He would suffer at
the hands of the religious authorities, and be put to death. They didn’t seem to even hear the rest of what
Jesus said: that He would then be raised the third day.

The same disciple who had so boldly proclaimed his faith in Jesus then brashly attempted to dissuade Him
from following this course: Simon Peter. Peter - who Jesus said would be the rock upon which He would
build His church - had made himself into a stumbling stone, at this time; an obstacle in the way of Jesus
fulfilling the will of His Father.

The sharp rebuke of Peter which followed showed that Jesus would not be deterred from His course of
obedience. What’s more, anyone who desired to follow Jesus - as His disciple - had to be willing to follow
the same path - to take up his cross, and follow Jesus - bearing suffering and shame, for His sake. It is the
only course of a true follower of Jesus - but it ultimately leads to great reward.

This is what Jesus last spoke of, to His disciples. Each man will recompensed, according to his works. Has
he done the one good work - believing into Jesus? Only then can a man receive the reward of eternal life -
ensuring that his soul “finds” a place to live, in the age to come - a forever living body. Otherwise, a man’s
soul will be lost for eternity - suffering eternal loss, in the Lake of Fire.

I’d like to read the final two verses from last week, where Jesus spoke of this recompense. We’ll begin in
verse 27 of chapter 16.

16:27-28 Remember that the detailed description that Jesus gives here of the “Son of Man” - Himself - was
intended to bring to mind Daniel’s prophecy of Messiah when He will return to judge the earth and claim
His kingdom. The disciples certainly would have understood it that way - but of course, they didn’t know
in their day that Messiah would come to the earth in two separate comings.

So how would they reconcile what Jesus already said - that He would die, and be raised the third day - and
put it together with what He said now, that the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father, with His
angels?

If they were willing to consider all of the words of Jesus, they would likely come to the conclusion that
after Jesus was raised from the dead, He would immediately return to the earth in glory, accompanied by
His angels, to set up His kingdom. They would never have imagined that those two comings of Jesus to the
earth would be separated by about two thousand years.

Did Jesus give any indication that there would be a delay, in His return? Not at this time. He merely
indicated that when He came, He would reward men according to their works.

This will be true for the disciples, when Jesus comes for His church; and it will be also be true when Jesus
returns to the earth, at His Second Coming. But the church was a mystery, at this time; and so the delay in
the return of Jesus to the earth goes unmentioned.
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What the disciples did expect was that Messiah would come to the earth, to set up His kingdom - it was the
well-known hope of Israel, according to their Scriptures. And so Jesus wanted His disciples to know that
they would not be disappointed, in their hope. In fact, He indicated that some of them, standing right there,
would not die before seeing the Son of Man, coming in His kingdom.

And we say, wait a minute. That’s when Jesus will return to the earth in His second coming; that hasn’t
even happened in our day, and the disciples have all been dead for about 2000 years. How could Jesus say
that?

This would be a mystery to us - if it weren’t for the gospel accounts as recorded by Matthew, Mark and
Luke. What is the very next thing, that Matthew records, in chapter 17? The transfiguration of Jesus. And
that’s the very next thing that Mark and Luke record (Mk 9:2-13; Lk 9:28-36).

And each one of the gospel writers links it to the previous passage they wrote by giving a time connection
between the two events; between Jesus saying some would see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom, and
the transfiguration of Jesus, in the presence of some of His disciples. The writers were equating the words
of Jesus, with the event that followed. The transfiguration, then, was this “seeing” of the Son of Man,
coming in His kingdom.

So let’s begin with Matthew’s account of this event.

17:1-3 This was six days after Jesus told His disciples that He was going to Jerusalem, where He would be
put to death - but raised the third day. Luke says it was about eight days (Lk 9:28), most likely making his
count from when Peter declared Jesus to be the Messiah.

We can presume that Jesus and all of His disciples were traveling back from Caesarea Philippi southward,
in the direction of Galilee, since we will afterwards find them with a Jewish crowd (17:14-18), and later
staying in Galilee (17:22). It is more likely, then, that the mountain was in Galilee; there are two that
would have been close enough to reach within this time period (Mt Tabor, 588 meters; Mt Meron, 1208
meters).

The fact that this was a “high mountain”, and not just a hilly region was no doubt intentional, on the part of
Jesus. He sought a location as far as possible from other people - and from everyday life.

Jesus took only three of His disciples with Him. These three - Peter, James and his brother John - were the
very first disciples that Jesus called to Himself - along with Peter’s brother, Andrew. Peter, James and John
were the ones with whom Jesus shared the closest bond.

The revelation that Jesus would make of Himself would be private; intimate. Only after His death would it
be shared. That it was shared is evident by the gospel accounts. Matthew, Mark and Luke wrote of this
revelation - but they themselves never saw it; it was told to them.

Luke writes that Jesus took Peter, John and James up on the mountain to pray (Lk 9:28). The other
disciples remained below, where we will learn later they were actively ministering among the people (Lk
9:37-40) - likely at the instruction of Jesus. Jesus had different purposes for those disciples, at this time;
after the resurrection of Jesus, the revelation would be communicated to them.
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Luke indicates that it was while Jesus was praying that the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe
became white and glistening (Lk 9:29). Matthew and Mark use the term “transfigured”. In the Greek, the
word means literally to change one’s form. It refers, not to a change in substance, but a change in
appearance.

Jesus was still Jesus, but His appearance changed; His face shone like the sun; His clothes were white as
light. Mark writes that His clothes became shining, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on
earth can whiten them (Mk 9:3).

The appearance of Jesus was not natural; it was supernatural; other-worldly. Was it real? Or was it a
vision? Jesus would call it a vision, later (17:9), but it wasn’t a vision created in the mind; this was a vision
that was completely real to the conscious senses; it could be seen by the eyes of the three disciples.

And those eyes had been closed, just a moment before. Luke informs that Peter, James and John had fallen
asleep, while Jesus was praying. Their eyes were heavy with sleep (Lk 9:32).

Perhaps it was the dazzling light, that awoke them; perhaps it was the sound of voices. Because when the
disciples were fully awake, they saw, not just Jesus, but two other figures: Moses and Elijah. And these
two were talking with Jesus.

The disciples saw Jesus, Moses and Elijah with their eyes; they heard them with their ears. The disciples
were fully conscious, as they took in this experience.

But what exactly were they looking at? Both Matthew and Mark describe only what the disciples saw,
visually; but Luke goes further, and indicates just what it was the disciples were actually looking at. Turn
to Luke chapter 9.

[Luke 9:28-32] The three disciples saw “His glory” - the glory of Jesus. On this mountain, apart from
other persons and circumstances, Jesus revealed His glory to His most intimate companions.

And we wonder, just what does that mean? We read the description of what the disciples saw, and we must
ask, in what sense is that the glory of Jesus?

We remember when Jesus came to the earth, He made Himself of no reputation - that is, He emptied
Himself of His divine attributes, limiting Himself to a body of flesh. He set aside His abilities as God -
such as His omnipotence, His omniscience, and His omnipresence.

Jesus took the form of a bondservant - the Servant of Jehovah, who would only do the will of His Father.
And He came in the likeness of men - a human being, in every respect - all the while never ceasing to be
God (Phil 2:5-7). Deity was veiled in a flesh and blood body - concealing all the manifestations of His
glory, as God.

And now, for a brief moment, the Father had Jesus reveal that Deity - the glory of God the Son, visibly
shining out through His human body - transforming its appearance to a body of glorified flesh.

This was a vision of the glory that the Son had with the Father before the world was; the glory that would
be restored to Him, upon His return to heaven (Jn 17:5).
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It was the glorious light with which the angels who made appearances on earth shone, who dwelt with God
in the heavenlies; it was the light with which the face of Moses shone, after he had communed in the
presence of God.

But for the angels and for Moses, that glorious light was merely reflected. This light emanated from Jesus;
from His body. He was the source of the radiance.

Was Jesus actually in His glorified body? No; this was a vision; He appeared that way. And He would
have His disciples keep the vision to themselves, until after His resurrection - when the reality would catch
up with what was just envisioned, now.

But even after the resurrection, Jesus would not appear as the disciples see Him right now. At that time,
Jesus would be raised in His ever-living body, glorified flesh - flesh and bone - but there is never an
indication in any of the gospel accounts that the resurrected body of Jesus appeared in this radiant splendor;
it would seem that He still looked like “Himself”.

It will not be until Jesus ascended back to heaven that His full glorious appearance would be manifest once
again - manifest, now through the body of Jesus - to be seen forevermore.

And there was one who actually saw Him that way - in the heavenly realm. Turn to Revelation chapter 1.
John was given this revelation of Jesus Christ, which Jesus sent and signified by His angel to John. It
began while John was in exile on the island of Patmos. He heard the voice of Jesus, and as John turned
around, he saw Him.

[Revelation 1:12-16] John sees Jesus in His resurrection body, with His glory now fully manifest - the
outshining of Deity. The details which are given point to Jesus as the Judge - a judgment that will begin
with the fiery Tribulation, that will encompass the whole earth.

Let’s return to Luke’s gospel, for a moment.

[Return to Luke 9]

So the disciples woke to see Jesus in resplendent, glorious form; and they saw Moses and Elijah talking
with Him. We are not told how the disciples know they are Moses and Elijah; just that they do know who
they are. Notice in verse 30 that Moses and Elijah also appeared in glory; that is to say, they appeared
alive, in glorified bodies.

Speaking in terms of time, in Jesus’ day, would Moses and Elijah have actually been in those glorified
bodies, yet? No; the body of Jesus will be the first glorified body; He is the firstborn from the dead (Col
1:18); Christ is the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep (1 Cor 15:20). But eternity has stepped into
time, for this vision - and these two OT saints appear in their glorified bodies.

And we find ourselves again wondering about that. Why would these two OT saints be selected by God, as
part of this vision? One simple explanation is that Moses might be seen as the representative of the Law;
and Elijah of the prophets. The Law and the Prophets are then seen in this vision as bearing witness to
Jesus as the Messiah.

It’s also interesting to consider these two significant figures, in Israel’s history. Both Moses and Elijah
suffered rejection and hostility from the people to whom they were sent. Also, both of them had a
mountaintop encounter with God.
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Now both of them were having a mountaintop encounter with Jesus, and in verse 31, we read that they
spoke with Him about His decease - His coming death - which we know will be when Jesus is rejected by
the people. So Moses and Elijah were uniquely suited to speak with Jesus on this subject.

There is another curious commonality between Moses and Elijah. Both of these men of God had their
earthly life come to an end in a supernatural way. Elijah was caught up to heaven by a chariot of fire,
without going through death (2 Ki 2:11). And mystery surrounds the death of Moses on Mount Nebo; the
account says that the LORD buried him, but no one knows where (Deut 34:5-6).

Because of this, the Jews came to regard Moses and Elijah as deathless ones. Now, that is just a tradition
of the Jews. But it is thought by many believers today that Moses and Elijah will be the two witnesses that
God empowers to prophesy against the Beast and his kingdom during the last half of the Tribulation (Rev
11:1-12). They will be put to death, but God will raise them after three and a half days.

If it is true that they will be those future witnesses, then Moses and Elijah were especially suited for the
current vision - and to speak to Jesus about His coming suffering and death - after which He would rise
again.

[Return to Matthew 17]

Only Luke makes mention that Moses and Elijah appeared in glory, and that they spoke to Jesus about His
decease, which He would accomplish in Jerusalem.

Both Matthew and Mark note the presence of Moses and Elijah, but not their appearance, nor the subject of
their discussion. Based on this, I don’t think it is too much to presume that the glory of Jesus was of
surpassing greatness; and that seeing Jesus in His heavenly splendor was the very focal point of the vision.

So why was the vision given? It was given for the sake of the disciples. It would enable them to look past
the prospective death of their beloved Master, to the glory that lay just beyond - glory that they would not
only behold, but that Jesus would share with them (Jn17:22-24). And it was given so they could see even
further beyond that - to the Son of Man, coming in His kingdom.

For isn’t that what He said some of them would see? And what have they seen? They’ve seen Jesus in the
glory of His Father - His radiant glory, shining out from Him - and they seen two of His glorified saints,
who will be subjects in His kingdom on the earth, during His thousand year reign. They have indeed seen
the Son of Man, coming in His kingdom!

All of this glory, the three close disciples of Jesus were privileged to take in. It must have taken their
breath away! But then breath comes back, to one of them - who proceeds to speak on behalf of the other
disciples.

17:4 Once again, Peter’s natural ability to lead causes him to jump ahead with his words, proceeding
without any real thought. From Luke’s account, we learn that Moses and Elijah were parting from Jesus;
they were leaving (Lk 9:33). This undoubtedly is what prompted Peter to speak up.

And what does he say? “Lord, it is good for us to be here”. From the Greek, the idea is “It’s a good thing
we’re here”. Peter saw himself as an important participant, here; someone who could add something
useful, to the experience. And what is it that Peter proposes to add? Three tabernacles: one for Jesus, one
for Moses, and one for Elijah.
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Now, the Greek word for “tabernacle” generally refers to any covered or shaded place. The word is used
generally for an abode or dwelling. This word is also used for the Tabernacle; the tent of meeting, in which
the presence of God dwelt in the midst of children of Israel. It was where Moses came to inquire of the
LORD, to seek His will for the people.

At the very least, we can see that when Peter saw Moses and Elijah were about to leave, it occurred to him
that if the disciples constructed some booths or tents, perhaps it would encourage them to stay longer.

But it’s likely that Peter’s thoughts actually went further - in a much more dangerous direction. Bedazzled
by the vision, Peter not only wanted to perpetuate the experience; he came up with a vision of his own, to
make this a place where people could come to meet with and inquire from Israel’s great ones, about God:
Moses, and Elijah - and Jesus, too.

Luke says Peter didn’t know what he was saying (Lk 9:33). Mark concurs, indicating Peter’s thinking was
impaired by his fear.

True enough; but thoughtless words in the direction of Jesus are dishonoring to Him. The thought of
anyone being put on the same level, as the Son of God. The thought of there being any other Mediator, but
the Son of God. Perish the thought! And before Peter could go any further with his thoughtless words, he
was suddenly interrupted.

17:5-8 This overshadowing cloud did not create shade; it was a luminous cloud, which brought light. Luke
adds that the disciples entered the cloud; they came into it, as if it enveloped them - which frightened the
disciples (Lk 9:34).

From this cloud, surrounding them, came a voice - speaking of His Beloved Son. So whose voice was this?
This was the Father’s voice; and perhaps the bright luminous cloud was in actuality His holy angels; the
LORD of hosts was manifesting His presence.

The suddenness of the appearance of the Divine Presence speaks of an intervention. Peter’s thoughtless
words must be silenced; silenced by the voice that speaks with unquestionable authority and absolute truth.

The Father pronounced the same words that He spoke at the baptism of Jesus: “This is My Beloved Son, in
whom I am well pleased” (Mt 3:17). That baptism was the anointing of Jesus for His ministry: as the Lamb
of God - the Sin Bearer - the sacrifice that would be acceptable, for the sin of the world.

This is the one and only Son of the Father; unique and without equal. And to this the Father adds a new
directive - for the disciples, and especially, for Peter - “Hear Him!” This is the one and only Mediator
between God and man - the Man, Christ Jesus (1 Tim 2:5). His words are the words of God - hear Him.

The awe of this other-worldly experience now waxed to the point of terror; and the disciples assumed a
posture which such terror generates - they were on their faces in the dirt. It was a good place to be, in the
presence of holy God - especially if being rebuked by Him.

And no doubt the disciples would have stayed in that place indefinitely - if Jesus didn’t come, and touch
them - encouraging them to rise - and not to fear. And when they looked up, what did they see? No one
but Jesus only. And keeping their eyes on their Beloved Master, they were now ready to go on following
Him.

After the vision, the three disciples accompanied Jesus down the mountain.
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17:9 Here Jesus connects the vision which the three disciples had seen with His rising from the dead. They
were not to disclose this vision of the Son of Man coming in His kingdom - His Second Coming - until He
had accomplished the work of His first coming - to redeem mankind.

But after Jesus had risen, Peter really did find something useful to add to this experience. This took the
form of his eyewitness testimony to it, that he recorded in his second letter.

Turn to Second Peter chapter 1. Peter was assuring his readers that what he taught them was the truth -
unlike the false teachers that were beginning to circulate among believers. Peter was an eyewitness to the
ministry of the Lord Jesus - to His death, and resurrection - all of which fulfilled the prophecies of the OT.

[Second Peter 1:16-18]

v. 16 the “cunningly devised fables” were the lies taught by the false teachers. Peter then begins to write of
the vision he saw of Jesus, on the mountaintop. Notice how he describes it: as the power and coming of
our Lord Jesus Christ. This is when the glorified Jesus will come in power, to claim His kingdom. Peter,
James and John saw His majesty; His greatness; that is, His glory, as God.

v. 17-18 Peter was showing that the Father gave recognition to His Son, in His proclamation; esteeming
Him, honoring Him, from the heavenlies. It’s interesting to see that this is what was retained by Peter of
the experience, isn’t it? Just a vision of Jesus. By now, Peter saw no one, but Jesus only.

[Return to Matthew 17]

As we continue, we see that the disciples ask Jesus about Elijah. This does not mean that this is all they
spoke of, as they descended the mountain; but Matthew and Mark considered this to be important to
include in the record - especially for Jewish readers.

17:10-13 So Jesus confirmed what the scribes taught, that Elijah must come first - before the Son of Man
comes in His kingdom. That’s because the scribes were quoting the prophet Malachi, the last prophet of the
OT: Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the
LORD” (Mal 4:5).

What was in the disciples’ minds? In their minds was the expectation that Jesus would be returning right
away, to claim His kingdom. They didn’t know He would be gone for two thousand years before He came
back to the earth. So the disciples were still thinking the Kingdom was coming soon - so where’s Elijah?

The answer of Jesus is cryptic. He says Elijah had already come - and they didn’t recognize him - but did
to him what they wished - they put him to death. And Jesus indicated He would follow a similar course.

The disciples were then able to make the connection - that John the Baptist was an “Elijah”. John had come
in the spirit and power of Elijah (Lk 1:17). Like Elijah, John sought to cause Israel to repent, and turn to
God - and be restored to Him, as a nation.

But the nation as a whole didn’t heed John. And when Herod Antipas put him to death, the religious rulers
breathed as sigh of relief.

As Israel had rejected the forerunner, so they would reject their King. But the King will come again - and
through the great and dreadful events of the day of the LORD - the Tribulation - the nation will be made
ready to bow their knee to Him.
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These were things that were beyond the ability of the disciples to understand, at this time. But meanwhile,
three of them could ponder in their hearts the treasure that they received from Jesus, up on the mount.

Reading: Mt 17:14-27; Mk 9:14-33; Lk 9:37-45