The Transfiguration
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The Transfiguration of Christ by Gerard David, 1520 The side wings are the portraits of the donors, Anselmus de Boodt and Johanna Voet.. O.L.V.-kerk Museum, Bruges, Belgium
The transfiguration is a centerpiece of the Synoptic Gospels (Mark, Matthew and Luke), which tradition tells us takes place on Mount Tabor about 11 miles west of the Sea of Galilee. The transfiguration takes place near the end of Jesus’ Galilean ministry before his final trip to Jerusalem. Each of the Gospels has a similar setting and similar story of the event.
Prior to the Transfiguration in the Book of Mark Jesus feeds the four thousand. Jesus tells the disciples not to trust the Pharisees and Herod and heals a blind man at Bethsaida. In the Book of Luke there is a similar approach with the feeding five thousand. Peter acknowledges Jesus as the Messiah, and Jesus predicting his own death. The Book of Matthew takes a different approach with Peter declaring Jesus the Messiah and Jesus predicting his death. But while Mark and Peter have Jesus begin his journey to Jerusalem almost immediately, Matthew continues to have Jesus give guidance to the disciples, leaving for Jerusalem nearly two chapters later.
The Transfiguration story is nearly the same in all three Gospels.
The Church of the Transfiguration, located on Mount Tabor in southern Galilee is about 11 miles west of the Sea of Galilee. It is an establish Christian Pilgrimage and the historical location of Jesus’ Transfiguration. The Franciscan monastery was completed in 1924 and was built on the site of a 4th-6th century Byzantine church and a 12th century Crusader church. Several other locations have also been offered as the Mountain of the Transfiguration. By Liorca - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=62632427
Jesus and three disciples, Peter, James and John, escape from the crowds which have been following Jesus, and go up onto a mountain to pray. While they are there, Jesus becomes transformed. Jesus’ face changes and his clothes shine brighter than the sun revealing his true nature. Suddenly to Jesus’ right Elijah appears and to his left Moses appears. The three talk about Jesus’ coming trip to Jerusalem and his fulfillment of his earthly tasks.
The disciples witness Jesus’ glory and Peter offers to build three shelters with the idea of staying on the mountain top. Then a cloud surrounds them and the voice of God comes from the cloud saying “This is my Son, whom I have chosen, listen to him.” And it is over. Elijah and Moses have gone and they are alone with the “normal” Jesus.
The transfiguration is significant on several levels. Jesus was transformed. His human body changed and became one of blazing light. Remember when Moses saw God on Mount Sinai, God was shown as a light to bright to behold, as dose Jesus in the transfiguration. Elijah, one the most important prophets in the Old Testament who was taken alive into heaven appears to Jesus’ right. Moses, the giver of the Law as received in the Ten Commandments, appears on Jesus’ left. Through Elijah we have confirmation that Jesus fulfilled the prophesies of the Old Testament. From Moses we have confirmation that Jesus fulfilled the Law as given in the Old Testament. As an added affirmation of Jesus’ status, we have Elijah and Moses in conversation with Jesus.
The Transfiguration of Christ, tempera on wood panel by Duccio, 1308–11; in the National Gallery, London. This painting, like others of a group portraying the temptation and miracles in the life of Christ, is located on the reverse side of the Maestà's predella.