The Transfiguration:An Exegetical Essay by Tamice Namae

While the incarnation, cross, and resurrection stand as the most important events in the life of Jesus, not enough attention is given to the magnificent occurrence known as the transfiguration. Recorded by all three synoptic authors this event stands as one of the central events pointing to the divinity of Jesus of Nazareth in scripture.

While each author highlights aspects of the encounter that the other fails to mention, the points of agreement highlight three main aspects that are central and most important. First, Moses and Elijah appear bodily and in apparent glory signifying that both the law and prophets Jesus of Nazareth bear witness to Jesus as the Christ. Second, Jesus’ visitation from these Old Testament figures in front of the inner circles signify that they are to rely upon His words as authoritative over and above the law and the prophets. The vocal admonition from God the Father for them to listen to Him from now on confirms this reality. Lastly, the encounter seems to be strategic in terms of preparing the most prominent eyewitness authors of the new testament for what is about to take place at Jerusalem and serve as an anesthetic of sorts.

The most notable difference between the passages occurs in verse 3 of Matthews account and verse 31 in Luke’s. The combination of the passages reads as follows:

Luke draws attention to the physical appearance of Moses and Elijah and the subsequent response of the disciples, a point that Matthew leaves out. Other contrasts include timing and the response of the disciples. For instance, Luke’s account the event takes place 8 days after Jesus speaks about his future glorification, this is in contrast to the six days mentioned in Matthew. Matthew describes the setting in general terms whereas Luke describes the mountain very specifically as if his audience would be familiar with it. Matthew tells us that the encounter ends with Jesus reaching out and touching the disciples Luke doesn’t include this.

The purpose of the exclusion/inclusion must be related to audience and intention. Luke seems intent on weaving this display of glory into the narrative of a suffering servant based upon what he includes while Matthew bypasses this to place Jesus as the fulfillment of scripture. Each of these accounts drives the point home that there is more to Jesus than we know. Luke wants to show us that Jesus is the servant and Lord while Matthew seeks to show us that Jesus is the fulfillment and the end of the law.