a summary of Transfiguration sharing

In addition to the connection with the Feast of Tabernacles and the strong Mosaic inferences, here are some summarizing thoughts of our looking at the Transfiguration according to Matthew -

(1) At the very beginning of his ministry Matthew quoted Isaiah re. Jesus

the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light,

and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death,

on them a light has dawned.” (Matt. 4:16)

This is a literal culmination of this prophecy, a high point – but really only a fleeting moment (the old “mountain top experience”) -

“When Jesus, in circumstances strongly reminiscent of Ex. 24 and 34, goes up on a mountain and is transfigured into light, the reader is to infer that history has come full circle, that the eschatological expectations of Judaism have begun to find their fulfillment. The eschatological prophet, the one like Moses and Elijah, has appeared, and the light of the resurrection and parousia has already shone forth. Israel’s primal history is being recapitulated by her Messiah, God’s Son, the eschatological embodiment of true Israel.” (Davies, p. 705)

(2) emphasis on the Messiah who is “the Son” and the revelation from heaven. (Matthew 16:16-17; 17:5)

(3) one last interesting thought is a possible play against the crucifixion –

· three disciples are named as observing in both;

· there are two people with him in each account;

· in one his clothes shine, in the other they are stripped off;

· one is filled with light, one with darkness;

· one is private, one is public;

· Jesus confessed as Son of God in both;

· Elijah there or referenced in both;

· up on a mountain, up on a cross;

· glorification, humiliation;

· six days, six hours...