After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. 3 And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him. 4 Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 5 While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid. 7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and do not be afraid.” 8 And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone. 9 As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, “Do not tell the vision to anyone until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”
Jesus’ divinity had been revealed to Peter by the heavenly Father (Mt. 16:15-17) and his divinity was now going to be revealed to James and John. Jesus took Peter, James, and John up Mount Tabor (Luke added to pray – Lk. 9:28). Mt. Tabor was SE of Nazareth. Specifying the period, “After six days (v. 2)” could be a reference to Moses on Mt. Sinai where he waited for six days before God called to him (Ex. 24:15-16). Elijah also went up a mountain to meet God (1 Kgs. 19:8-9). A mountain was frequently used in the Bible as a place where a supernatural revelation by God took place (Ex. 19:16-25). Jesus’ physical form was profoundly changed before their eyes into a divine state and even his garments were affected. Moses and Elijah represent the Law and the Prophets which was being fulfilled in Jesus.
Peter and the disciples were afraid and in awe of the experience and, assuming that Moses and Elijah would be staying, Peter suggested making three tents. The cloud represented God’s presence which enveloped them (Ex. 16:10), and God’s divine voice repeated the words spoken at Jesus’ Baptism (Mt. 3:17) commanding the disciples, to listen to what Jesus told them. Jesus’ command to tell no one until “the Son of Man had risen from the dead,” was likely because the disciples would not be able to understand the transfiguration until after his resurrection (v. 9). Jewish belief was that the resurrection would occur at the end of time before the final judgment (v. 10).
Almighty God, may your grace transform our hearts and minds to discern your will and what is good and pleasing to you. Hear our prayers for our friends, especially those who are traveling, and for all in need of your mercy. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen!
Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Upper Saddle River, NJ, United States, Prentice Hall, 1990.
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