Metamorphosis
Metamorphoo is the transliterated word in the common Greek language of the New Testament that coincides with our English word transform. In the insect world we are very aware that caterpillars go through a metamorphic process to change into a beautiful butterfly or moth.
May our attention be directed to Matthew 17 for a moment:
Mat 17:1-7 Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. … 5) While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. But Jesus came and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.”
The Transfiguration was a vision, a brief glimpse of the true glory of the king (Matt. 16:27-28). This was a special revelation of Jesus’ divinity to three of the disciples, and it was God’s divine affirmation of everything Jesus had done and was about to do.
Moses and Elijah were the two greatest prophets in the Old Testament. Moses represents the law, or the old covenant. He wrote the Pentateuch, and he predicted the coming of a great prophet (Deut. 18:15-19). Elijah represents the prophets who foretold the coming of the Messiah (Malachi 4:5-6). Moses’ and Elijah’s presence with Jesus confirmed Jesus’ messianic mission—to fulfill God’s law and the words of God’s prophets. Just as God’s voice in the cloud over Mount Sinai gave authority to his law (Exodus 19:9), God’s voice at the Transfiguration gave authority to Jesus’ words.
Jesus told Peter, James, and John not to tell anyone what they had seen until after his resurrection because Jesus knew that they didn’t fully understand it and could not explain what they didn’t understand. Their question (Matthew 17:10) revealed their misunderstandings. They knew that Jesus was the Messiah, but they had much more to learn about the significance of his death and resurrection.
It is because of Christ’s transformation; we have the reality of our lives being spiritually changed.
Transformed by the Spirit of our glorious Savior, Pastor Larry
Please visit our website, and visit, like, and follow our Facebook Page at: