Why does the Transfiguration matter and why is it in the Gospels?

For so long, I overlooked this majestic story, barely giving it a second thought. It seemed out of place in the narrative of Jesus’ ministry. Most of the stories in the Gospels convey Jesus as a humble rabbi who speaks God’s truth and performs miracles. But in the story of the Transfiguration, Jesus shines brightly as the Miracle. In the story, we see that He is more than just a teacher, He is God in the flesh.

At the beginning of Jesus’ earthly ministry, the voice of God expresses His pleasure in His Beloved Son as a dove appears. Now at the close of Jesus’ mission, God’s glory is seen again.

Jesus goes up a mountain with His closest disciples: James, John, and Peter. While there, Jesus is transformed right before their eyes. His appearance dazzles them: He shines brighter than the sun.

This event confirmed Jesus’ divine nature. He is not just a man. He is the God-Man. The disciples saw Moses and Elijah at the mountain as well. Their presence was significant because Moses represented the Law and Elijah was known as a great prophet. The Transfiguration illustrates that Jesus is the fulfillment of the law and the prophets. For every problem the law and the prophets identified, only Jesus is our solution and restitution.