Transfigured

 

Transfigure is defined in the dictionary as to transform into something more beautiful or elevated; to change in form or appearance.

The Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke record the unique event of Christ Jesus when He was transfigured.

Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John and led them up on a high mountain apart by themselves. And He was transfigured before them and became resplendent with divine brightness. – Mark 9:2 (AMPC)

Mark tells us that Jesus became resplendent with divine brightness while Matthew 17:2 (NLT) says that Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light and in Luke 9:29 (NLT) we read the appearance of his face was transformed, and his clothes became dazzling white

These three Gospel writers record one thing in common, Jesus’ appearance changed, becoming more beautiful. Luke, however, lets us know that it was as he was praying that this incredible metamorphosis took place.

Moses experienced a similar transformation after his encounter with God atop Mount Sinai. When Moses descended the mountain, his face was shining so brightly that he had to cover it with a veil (see Exodus 34:29-35).

Though both were the manifestation of the glory and presence of God, there is a stark difference between these two events, Moses’ face was transformed from the outside by being in the powerful presence of God, while Jesus’ face shone not from divine light falling upon Him but from the radiant splendour of His divine glory emanating from within.

The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God – Hebrews 1:3 (NLT)

On that high mountain Jesus had passed into an elevated state of existence; it is widely believed that at that moment Jesus’s body assumed the properties of His soon to be resurrected body.

Jesus’ transfiguration occurring a mere six to eight days after He predicted His own death must not be overlooked as it sets the context for what was about to happen.

Also, by this time, Peter had already rightly identified Jesus, and for him and the two other disciples to witness Jesus’ transfigured body must have been the icing on the cake. It confirmed to Peter, James and John the necessity of the cross and gave Jesus encouragement as He would soon be entering the glory of His Kingdom reign.

Beloved, when you encounter Christ Jesus, you too are transfigured but that is a conversation for another day.

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “Transfigured” ©2026 January 19, 2026