Matthew 17. “Jesus took with him Peter and James and John his brother and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light.” (17:1-2)

A big day of hiking with Jesus results in this summit experience unlike anything these three disciples have ever experienced – the transfiguration of Jesus. Transfigure is not a word we use very often. Google defines it as “to transform into something more beautiful or elevated”. Perhaps we could say that Cinderella was transfigured when she went from being a lowly and neglected servant to a beautiful princess in a ballgown. The same idea is at play here.

The disciples have known Jesus in his human form – they have hiked with him, seen him wash his dirty feet and hands, watched him eat food, and witnessed his laughter and his frustration. Sometimes Jesus almost seemed like a normal human being, because he was in many ways.

Yet here Jesus is transfigured into a glorious state – bright, white, glorious. The voice of God proclaims from heaven, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. Listen to him.” (17:5) The transfiguration of Jesus was a picture of his coming glory.

Jesus knew that the time for revealing his purpose on earth was coming quickly. He has already told the disciples once about his coming suffering, death, and resurrection. He repeats it again for them in this chapter, “The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day.” (17:22-23) The text tells us that “they were greatly distressed”.

Jesus knew there was suffering ahead of him on the road to Jerusalem. He also knew how the disciples would respond to his suffering and death, and to their own challenges. He will tell them three or four times about his death and resurrection, but they will not be able to grasp such a strange story.

In the transfiguration, Jesus gave his closest disciples a glimpse of the full picture: The Son of God came to earth in humility, suffered so that humankind could be freed from the curse of sin, and he will be resurrected. The Messiah-King will come again in his full glory! This will eventually be a remarkable point of hope and comfort for the disciples in the dark days ahead. God was so kind to the disciples, giving them an unforgettable picture of Jesus as the glorified reigning king to carry them through the dark days ahead.