In (Matthew 17:1-8) we read the following account of the transfiguration of Jesus:
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. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
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.” When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.
Just what was the purpose and significance of this momentous event? I believe there were seven main reasons for the transfiguration.
First, this event was to help encourage the disciples. In order to encourage Peter, James, and John, who were reeling under the news of the cross, Jesus gave the three a sneak preview of what He would look like in His kingdom. His visible person, in all His glory, was meant to show them what He would be like when He came a second time.
Second, the transfiguration was meant to show his disciples a glimpse of His Glory. When Jesus was transfigured, His brilliant bright form was a way for Jesus to help His disciples gain a greater understanding of who He was and, in fact, that He was deity. By viewing Jesus in His transfigured form, the disciples were able to get a glimpse of His glory. Before the transfiguration they had only known Jesus in his fleshly body. Now they were able to see Him in His glorious body – which speaks of deity.
Third, this spectacular transformation of Jesus helped to bring reassurance to his disciples. When they had heard of Jesus’ coming death the disciples were perplexed because they thought that if He was the Messiah, then how could He die. The sight of a glorified Jesus gave the three the reassurance they needed that Jesus was somehow going to be with them always.
Fourth, His transfigured form provided evidence of His deity. With the shining out of the glory of Christ this must have left the three disciples with an indelible picture of what true deity looked like. Nothing like this had ever been seen and this impression must truly have stuck with the three for the rest of their lives.
Fifth, Moses and Elijah represented the Law and the Prophets. With the voice from heaven saying for the three disciples to listen to Jesus I believe that this was Jesus’ way of telling them that the law and the prophets must now become subservient To Him. Jesus now represented the fulfillment of the Law and the many prophecies about Himself in the Old Testament.
Sixth, This was a preview of His coming as the true King of the universe. No matter what they did or didn’t understand about His death and resurrection seeing His glorified form must have helped them see that He indeed was for all eternity going to be enthroned as the true King of the universe.
And seventh, Jesus’ departure is symbolic of the exodus account of Moses. The word for departure in the Greek is really the word for exodus. Thus, it is fitting to have Moses there, who centuries earlier was involved in the great exodus out of Egypt. This annual event (Passover) signified the sacrifice of the last Passover lamb – Jesus. Now Moses was discussing this event with the one who would fulfill it, and Peter, James, and John were privileged to hear about what they were discussing.