Kingdom Principle: Jesus reveals his glory to the disciples, for a short time, in order to instill confidence in them. Jesus can deliver on his promise because he is more glorious than Moses and Elijah. In Christ is life and he grants it to all who believe. 2Peter 1:16-21The effect of the transfiguration, writes David Gooding, was to convince the disciplesbeyond any shadow of doubt of the real existence of the other world, the eternal kingdom. Our world is not the only one: there is another. Next they were given to see that that other world is not just future to our world, but concurrent with it, though also before it and beyond it. They further saw that though that world is normally invisible to ours, Christ had contact with both worlds simultaneously; and what is more, though he was still on earth, his person and clothes could and did take on a radiance suited to the glory of the other world. Jesus Glory is a _______________ _______________ GloryLuke 9:29 (ESV) — 29 And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white. Exodus 34:29-35 (pg 70)Mark 9:2–3 (ESV) — 2 … And he was transfigured before them, 3 and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them. Matthew 17:2 (ESV) — 2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. Jesus’ veil concealed the fact that he was always glorious. Jesus’ veil covers his eternal glory and in the Transfiguration it is removed for a short moment in order to show the disciples the reality of the splendor of his Majesty.2Cor. 3:7-18 (pg 907)John 1:16–17 (ESV) — 16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. What this Transfiguration is intended to show us is that Jesus’ departure was not the end of his glory, it was only the beginning. And that his resurrection would be to the benefit, not only of himself, but also those who believe in him. Jesus Departure is a _____________ __________________ DepartureLuke 9:30–31 (ESV) — 30 And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah, 31 who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. 2Kings 2:1-12 (pg 286)Elijah is present as the hope of the eschaton (Mal. 4:5–6 [3:23–24 MT])… When the NT mentions Elijah with Jesus, it has in view either the coming of the eschaton or the preparing of the way, the latter concept also appearing in the John the Baptist image of Luke 1:16–17… Thus, Moses looks back to the exodus and Elijah looks forward to the fulfillment of promise in the eschaton.Elijah never died, but Elijah did not take any one with him into everlasting life. There is one thing that makes Jesus’ departure far more substantial than Elijah’s. Elijah couldn’t take Elisha with him, but all those who are united to Christ experience his death and resurrection through faith.Hebrews 2:10-15; Colossians 1:18; John 11:25-27Question to ConsiderWhy is Jesus more glorious than Moses and Elijah? How are you trusting in Christ for Eternal Life?
