In a few weeks, we will resume our study of Luke’s Gospel, going up the mountain with the disciples to see the transfiguration of Jesus (9:28-36). This short story has been long neglected in the church. In the transfiguration, we find an intertextual tapestry that draws together the doctrines of our trinitarian God, Jesus’ two natures, and the Bible’s storyline (e.g. the exodus, Moses on Mount Sinai, and Elijah’s ministry). Many of us have not seen all the glory there is to see in the transfiguration.
And yet the transfiguration is not merely theological, it is also highly practical. Jesus’ transfiguration points us to our own. On top of the Mount of Transfiguration shines our future, for “we will all be changed” (1 Cor. 15:51). As one scholar says, “The transfigured Christ is the hope of the church.”
So as we go up the mountain with the disciples, our goal is not merely to do biblical or systematic theology. Our task is not done once we understand something theologically. Understanding the event, the what and the why of it, will be part of what we seek to do when we look at this text together. But, as is the case with all of God’s word, God calls us into participation, to action, not just understanding. The transfiguration is meant to transfigure us.
The transfiguration is meant to form us more into the image of Jesus Christ, helping us become “partakers of the divine nature” (2 Pet. 1:4). The transfiguration is one of the things the Lord aims to use in sanctifying us. This is why it is so unfortunate that it has been largely neglected by many modern Christians.
The transfiguration gives us a picture of the glorified Christ, which in turn reveals the destiny of those who are in Christ. This is what the apostle John means when he says, “Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is” (1 Jn. 3:2).
John says that when Jesus returns, “we will be like him.” What does that mean? It means that when Jesus returns to the earth in his glorified body, everyone who belongs to him will be glorified with him, will be given new glorious bodies. This will happen instantly, “in the twinkling of an eye” (1 Cor. 15:52). When Jesus returns in glory, his people will shine with him in glory.
This is amazing and worthy of regular contemplation. The transfiguration shows us the glory that we will one day share with Jesus. As I said, it’s more than an event. It’s our destiny.
The implications of this truth are far-reaching. Among other things, it means that we will one day live in the very light of God. Think of it. One day, all those who have trusted Christ, will never see darkness or death or despair or disease or divorce or depression or despondency or disaster ever again. All will be light. We will be light in the Lord, becoming experientially what we already are in reality (Eph. 5:8).
On that day, our earthly bodies will be permanently transfigured into heavenly bodies, never to age or die. Our hearts and minds will be finally free from anxiety and fear. Our wounds will be completely healed. Our sins and temptations will come to an end. Our enemy will be finally and fully defeated. Our affections will be released to increasingly enjoy the light of God’s glory forevermore.
This will be a glorious day for the redeemed. And the transfiguration gives us a foretaste of what it will be like. Therefore, by contemplating it, we find strength to persevere through any sort of darkness. The promise of everlasting light and glory energizes and sustains our faith, hope, and love. It keeps us moving forward even though it often feels like darkness has settled over the world.
The transfiguration reveals the future glory of Jesus and the future glory of those who follow Jesus. Because of it, we can begin to see what we will be. As one writer says, “The transfiguration guarantees that we will not only be where Jesus is but as he is.” Everyone who belongs to Jesus through faith will see and share in his glory. His light will forever drown out the darkness. Are you ready to see him?
Waiting to See His Glory, With You,
Pastor John