Main Highlights
The Transfiguration reveals Jesus’ glory, Jesus heals a demon-possessed boy, and foretells his death and resurrection again.
Key Verses
And He was transfigured before them; and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light.- Matthew 17:2
And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!”- Matthew 17:5
And Jesus rebuked him, and the demon came out of him, and the boy was healed from that moment.- Matthew 17:18
Related Scripture
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.- John 1:14
Scholar Insight
"“The transfiguration provides a glimpse of the glory of the coming kingdom and confirms the identity of Jesus as the Son of God.” - Leon Morris, The Gospel According to Matthew (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1992), Matthew 17."
Theological Analysis
What we learn about God
God is revealed as the Father who affirms Jesus as His beloved Son. “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!” (Matthew 17:5)
Christological Connection
Jesus is referenced as the beloved Son of God whose glory is revealed, and as the one who has power over demons. “And He was transfigured before them; and His face shone like the sun…” (Matthew 17:2) and “Jesus rebuked him, and the demon came out of him…” (Matthew 17:18)
Systematic Theology
The doctrine of the Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit in the cloud) is implicitly supported, as well as the deity of Christ.
Law & Grace
Law is not prominent, but the grace is evident in Jesus' healing and revelation of his glory, showing God's mercy and power. "And Jesus rebuked him, and the demon came out of him, and the boy was healed from that moment." (Matthew 17:18)
Personal Application
People should listen to and obey Jesus, trusting in His power to overcome evil. “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!” (Matthew 17:5)