The Transfiguration

The Transfiguration

(Some simple thoughts)

"And He was transfigured before them."

Matthew 17:2; Mark 9:2.

"And as He prayed the fashion of His countenance became different and His raiment white [and] effulgent."

Luke 9:29.

We notice with interest and instruction, that this resplendent incident upon the "holy mount"* is not recorded in Johns' Gospel account;

The Holy Spirit caused it to be omitted by John, because He had entrusted to John the infinite privilege of presenting the Lord Jesus as very Son of God! *2 Peter 1:18.

Thus, as the all-glorious God He could not be "transfigured!" 

The Incarnation and Transfiguration of the Son of God, are two of the most beautiful truths concerning Himself;

They are preciously contrasting, and yet, at one and the same time, perfectly corresponding.

His incarnation may be expressed thus: His intrinsic glory  veiled beneath a "bondmans' form;" Phil. 2:7.

While at His transfiguration the "bondmans' form" was veiled by the brightness, the outshining, the "effulgence of His glory."

"His glory" spoken of here is a reference to the glory of Godhead, (but without distinction of the Persons), yet expressly exhibited "in [the Person of the] Son." Heb. 1:2,3.

He was truly "God manifest in flesh," and withal Emmanuel, "God with us;" not only as to His presence in our midst, but also as to "blood and flesh," for "He also, in like manner, took part in the same." Hebrews 2:14.

The word metecho" i.e. "took part" does not say how far the taking share went; thereby it commands holy, reverent restraint on the part of the believer; this is holy ground.

While we would unhesitatingly affirm with the poet:

"Verily God, yet become truly human --

Lower than angels to die in our stead:"

E're He was "transfigured" His perfect dependence as the impeccable Man and surrendered Servant is witnessed, "He prayed;" this His uninterrupted practice in this scene;

Whilst transfigured His incomparable transcendence was displayed; infinitely eclipsing both Moses and Elijah; these two no doubt representing the Law and the Prophets; They also perhaps in some measure, pre-figure those who "have fallen asleep through Jesus," and those who are "the living" and "remain" unto His coming. I Thess. 4:14,17.

But with the removal of the cloud no one was to be seen save "Jesus alone."

Just two further thoughts might occupy us for a brief moment.

It was a "bright cloud" that "overshadowed them:" it covered without darkening them; It was "bright"-- "the excellent glory:" (The same word used for the cloud that took possession of the tabernacle and filled it with glory. Exodus 40:34,35.)

Thus it was that the three privileged disciples were enable to be "eyewitnesses* of His majesty;" 2 Peter 1:16.

* "eyewitnesses" admitted into immediate vision of the glory, where they heard, "such a voice being uttered to Him by the excellent glory: This is My beloved Son, in Whom I have found My delight."

"Eyewitnesses," a word used for full initiation into the [N.T.] mysteries; which prerogative has been granted to us, for we have heard His voice, and contemplated His glories; and e'en now "we all, looking on the glory of the Lord, with unveiled face, are transformed (same word as "transfigured") according to the same image from glory to glory, even as by [the] Lord [the] Spirit." 2 Cor. 3:18.

Did Thy God e'en then forsake Thee,

Hide His face from Thy deep need?

 In Thy face once marred and smitten,

All His glory now we read.

Gazing on It we adore Thee,

Blessed, precious holy Lord;

Thou the Lamb, alone art worthy;

This be earths' and heavens' accord.

Cenita Thompson 1822-1909.

T.W.