The Transfiguration of Our Lord, God and Saviour Jesus Christ

The Transfiguration of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Evangelists Matthew, Mark and Luke tell us that Jesus Christ took three of His disciples, Peter, James and John, up into a high mountain and was transfigured before them: “and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light” (Matt. 17:2). The Evangelist Luke tells us that Christ’s Transfiguration took place while He was praying: “And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering” (Luke 9:29). The Saviour was transfigured to strengthen the faith of the disciples, so that when they saw their Teacher’s crucifixion and death they would understand that all this was necessary for the deliverance of mankind from sins.

When Jesus Christ appeared to the apostles in His divine glory, the Prophets Moses and Elijah stood beside Him: “And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him” (Matt. 17:3). The Evangelist Luke also tells us what they were talking about with the Lord: they “spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem” (Luke 9:31). By this departure is meant Christ’s going from His earthly life through death, His Resurrection and His Ascension into heaven.

The Apostle Peter asked his Teacher to set up three tents in this holy place: “Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias” (Matt. 17:4). The Evangelist Mark adds: “For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid” (Mark 9:6). In the view of John Chrysostom, the words with which Peter addressed Christ speak of the disciple’s love and of the exalted spiritual state brought about by the vision. Nor is the apostles’ fear surprising: the divine beauty and the unearthly sight could well have frightened them. Suddenly a bright cloud appeared, and out of the cloud came a voice: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him” (Matt. 17:5).

Jesus came to the apostles, who had fallen on their faces in fear, touched them and said: “Arise, and be not afraid.” When they opened their eyes, Moses and Elijah were nowhere to be seen; Jesus was alone.

Nowhere in the Gospel is it said on which mountain exactly the Saviour went up with His disciples. In Cyril of Jerusalem and in Jerome there is the testimony that it was Mount Tabor. Some travellers who lived in the sixth and seventh centuries confirm that in their time three churches stood on Mount Tabor, in accordance with the request which the Apostle Peter made to the Saviour.