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Matthew 17: Jesus' Talk & Transfiguration

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God the Father said, “This is my Son, who I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him” (Mt 17:5)! It is very fitting that God the Father speaks in this way at Jesus’ transfiguration just as he did at his baptism (Mt 3:17). At Jesus’ baptism, God publicly pronounced him as his beloved Son in Scripture for the time. He approved of his Son, Jesus, as he began his public ministry. God encouraged him as he was about to face the challenging temptations of the devil (Mt 4). Now God the Father pronounces Jesus as his beloved and holy Son, and he urges that all listen to him. I say it is fitting because we know what path Christ Jesus is following. Earlier in Matthew 16 he started “to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life” (Mt 16:21). On that mountain of his transfiguration encouragement for his path of suffering was offered.

We cannot know for sure why it was Moses and Elijah particularly who appeared before Jesus on this mountain to give him encouragement also. Remember, though, that Moses was the great “lawgiver” of God in the Old Testament (he gave God’s people the 10 Commandments and more). Elijah was arguably remembered as one of the greatest Old Testament prophets. Another commentator expresses, “The important point to note here is that both of these Old Testament men of God were aware of Jesus’ impending death [Luke 9:31]. They also understood the reason for it, and they could strengthen and encourage Jesus as he faced that most difficult time” (The People’s Bible, NPH-2^nd printing, 1997).

There are those among our church family who are facing suffering or are suffering in a physical way, an emotional way, or in a spiritual way. How do you gain encouragement as you face suffering? Does Christ’s talk with Moses and Elijah give you any insight into that? The Word of God about Jesus gives encouragement and comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3-11). The examples of those who have faith in Jesus give us encouragement and comfort (Hebrews 11). Jesus gives his believers comfort in knowing that they are blessed, even though it may not seem like it from the world's perspective (Mt 5:3-12). And maybe we can share that comfort and encouragement even more with those facing suffering.