The Transfiguration

[The Artist and His Museum]

I am a new follower in Christ and am trying wrap my mind around one particular concept in the scripture and I could be way off with my interpretation. In the Gospels they speak of the Transfiguration of Christ. I understand what it was and what happened. However, my question is does the Transfiguration count as a sign that Jesus is the Lord and Son of God? There are many instances where He preaches that a sign will not be delivered because of the wickedness and sinful nature of the current generation and they don't deserve a sign. I could be way off in this thought but wanted some opinions. Thank you all.

 

[Vambram]

I am a new follower in Christ and am trying wrap my mind around one particular concept in the scripture and I could be way off with my interpretation. In the Gospels they speak of the Transfiguration of Christ. I understand what it was and what happened. However, my question is does the Transfiguration count as a sign that Jesus is the Lord and Son of God? There are many instances where He preaches that a sign will not be delivered because of the wickedness and sinful nature of the current generation and they don't deserve a sign. I could be way off in this thought but wanted some opinions. Thank you all.

The only ones who were there at the Transfiguration of Christ were the inner circle of Jesus' disciples. Those three men were Peter, James, and John. Undoubtedly, the purpose of the transfiguration of Christ into at least a part of His heavenly glory was so that the “inner circle” of His disciples could gain a greater understanding of who Jesus was. Christ underwent a dramatic change in appearance in order that the disciples could behold Him in His glory. The disciples, who had only known Him in His human body, now had a greater realization of the deity of Christ, though they could not fully comprehend it. That gave them the reassurance they needed after hearing the shocking news of His coming death.

Matthew 17:1-8

Mark 9:2-8

Luke 9:28-36

 

[The Artist and His Museum]

The only ones who were there at the Transfiguration of Christ were the inner circle of Jesus' disciples. Those three men were Peter, James, and John. Undoubtedly, the purpose of the transfiguration of Christ into at least a part of His heavenly glory was so that the “inner circle” of His disciples could gain a greater understanding of who Jesus was. Christ underwent a dramatic change in appearance in order that the disciples could behold Him in His glory. The disciples, who had only known Him in His human body, now had a greater realization of the deity of Christ, though they could not fully comprehend it. That gave them the reassurance they needed after hearing the shocking news of His coming death.

Matthew 17:1-8

Mark 9:2-8

Luke 9:28-36

The part before says that he told of his prophecy of his death and resurrection. Were the disciples so shocked at what they heard or scared of how he would react if they asked further questions. Mark 9:32

Then is this the interaction that prompted Jesus to perform the Transfiguration to solidify thier faith?

 

[Vambram]

The part before says that he told of his prophecy of his death and resurrection. Were the disciples so shocked at what they heard or scared of how he would react if they asked further questions. Mark 9:32

Then is this the interaction that prompted Jesus to perform the Transfiguration to solidify thier faith?

Short answer?

Yes. Please remember that the 12 disciples all expected the Messiah to establish an earthly kingdom because of many of the Old Testament prophecies. Therefore, Jesus shocked the disciples when he prophesized His own death. Also, the Transfiguration was a primary method God used to establish to Peter, James, and John the divinity and deity of Jesus Christ.

 

[Maria Billingsley]

I am a new follower in Christ and am trying wrap my mind around one particular concept in the scripture and I could be way off with my interpretation. In the Gospels they speak of the Transfiguration of Christ. I understand what it was and what happened. However, my question is does the Transfiguration count as a sign that Jesus is the Lord and Son of God? There are many instances where He preaches that a sign will not be delivered because of the wickedness and sinful nature of the current generation and they don't deserve a sign. I could be way off in this thought but wanted some opinions. Thank you all.

If we read on, we get the answer:

Now as they came down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, “Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead.”

10 And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”

11 Jesus answered and said to them, “Indeed, Elijah is coming first and will restore all things. 12 But I say to you that Elijah has come already, and they did not know him but did to him whatever they wished. Likewise the Son of Man is also about to suffer at their hands.” 13 Then the disciples understood that He spoke to them of John the Baptist.

 

[The Artist and His Museum]

Awesome, thank you for the clarification

 

[eleos1954]

I am a new follower in Christ and am trying wrap my mind around one particular concept in the scripture and I could be way off with my interpretation. In the Gospels they speak of the Transfiguration of Christ. I understand what it was and what happened. However, my question is does the Transfiguration count as a sign that Jesus is the Lord and Son of God? There are many instances where He preaches that a sign will not be delivered because of the wickedness and sinful nature of the current generation and they don't deserve a sign. I could be way off in this thought but wanted some opinions. Thank you all.

Symbolically, also the appearance of Moses and Elijah represented the Law and the Prophets. But God’s voice from heaven – “Listen to Him!” - clearly showed that the Law and the Prophets must give way to Jesus. The One who is the new and living way is replacing the old – He is the fulfillment of the Law and the countless prophecies in the Old Testament. Also, in His glorified form they saw a preview of His coming glorification and enthronement as King of kings and Lord of lords.

It gave them great faith as to the fact that one day we will be resurrected and glorified through Christ.

It wasn't a sign .... it was a super natural event that without any doubt whatsoever showed them that Christ was indeed God in the flesh and those in Christ will be resurrected in the same way .... having human form and glorified with ever lasting life .... (not Diety powers for course) but in all other aspects will be like Christ.

1 John 3:1-3
Amplified Bible​

Children of God Love One Another​

3 See what an incredible quality of love the Father has shown to us, that we would [be permitted to] be named and called and counted the children of God! And so we are! For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. 2 Beloved, we are [even here and] now children of God, and it is not yet made clear what we will be [after His coming]. We know that when He comes and is revealed, we will [as His children] be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is [in all His glory]. 3 And everyone who has this hope [confidently placed] in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure (holy, undefiled, guiltless).

How amazing!!

And... AMEN !!! Thank you Jesus !!!

 

[HarleyER]

I am a new follower in Christ and am trying wrap my mind around one particular concept in the scripture and I could be way off with my interpretation. In the Gospels they speak of the Transfiguration of Christ. I understand what it was and what happened. However, my question is does the Transfiguration count as a sign that Jesus is the Lord and Son of God? There are many instances where He preaches that a sign will not be delivered because of the wickedness and sinful nature of the current generation and they don't deserve a sign. I could be way off in this thought but wanted some opinions. Thank you all.

I always found this quote rather interesting:

2 Peter 1:16 For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17 For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, “This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased”— 18 and we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. 19 So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts.​

When Peter was teaching Christians about believing him, Peter didn't refer back to seeing Christ raised from the dead or His ascension into Heaven. Instead, Peter referred back to the Transfiguration as witnessing the majesty of Christ. So I would say yes, the Transfiguration is a sign of the majesty of Christ. But Christ choose only to reveal this sign to three apostles, James, John, and Peter. And then He commanded them not to talk about it until after He was raised from the dead.

Just some advice, don't get wrapped up in signs. Signs are often quickly forgotten (e.g. after Israel passed through the Red Sea they began to gumble against God). The greatest sign that God has given us in these end days is His Word and Spirit. Study the Word and pray the Spirit will grant you wisdom and understanding. Trust the Word even if you don't understand it. I've found that many things I didn't understand as a new Christian became clearer 30, 40, or 50 years later.