Transfiguration

Each record of Jesus catching up with his Father and the Holy Spirit is extraordinary and is filled with imagery that illuminates their relationship.

There are similarities with the encounter at his baptism e.g. where the Father re-affirms that Jesus is the Son of God and will fulfil the role of the expected Messiah. There is re-assurance that his ministry to this point had been completed successfully and appropriately. As with the period in the desert, there were discussions here about the next phase of his ministry. Jesus’ focus becomes going to Jerusalem and his death, resurrection and ascension.

Matthew uses the term transfiguration to describe this event. It means a change of appearance particularly of the face. Luke records that clothes also shone. Perhaps the reason that Luke does not use the word ‘transfiguration’ could be due to the popular Greek usage at the time that linked it to the term metamorphosis (a physical transformation) referenced in famous works that suggested change being brought about by personal effort and/or magic. Without stating it directly here, Luke probably wants to stress that this was a spiritual experience, that the Holy Spirit was there and causes this sort of effect. The Father is present as He speaks. The Holy Spirit is present as He radiates and is reflected in Jesus. This is described as glory.

Despite the strangeness of this experience Luke is careful to record it as a real event. There is reference to Peter and the other witnesses being asleep that could suggest that this was a dream, a vision, or the direction of sunlight low in the sky. However, Luke clearly states that they were wide awake. He records what they saw and heard.

Peter confirms this in one of his letters, that his witness of this event was as an additional proof that Jesus is everything he says he is. Whereas the bible records occasions where John and others ‘saw’ and recorded what was happening in heaven, here there seems to be a connection with the intermediary place (sometimes called Hades) where souls are asleep or at rest awaiting resurrection, perhaps why the meeting includes Moses and Elijah.

Glory

Glory is one of those churchy words that clearly has great significance but not necessarily easy to understand. Today we tend to link it to splendour, something that looks fantastic, an amazing external appearance. However, there is a greater depth to the word’s meaning.

The Greek word for glory is ‘doxa’. It relates to an opinion, a view of someone. This has developed into meaning an impression, an imprint. It is what is left behind after an encounter. After a crime, the forensics team look for evidence left at a scene, the fingerprints that reveal who was there.

Glory was not something fleeting that disappeared quickly but a lasting impression that comes from the essence of someone or something.

Glory links to radiance, what radiates. It is not the actual essence or nature of something but what can be picked up by any of our senses. E.g. the essence of a plant is its stem, flower, leaves etc.. The glory of the plant is the impression it makes, e.g. the colour and form, feel, scent, flavour, sound etc.. Once we have encountered something spectacular, it has an impact on one or more of our senses, and then an enduring memory remains.

With the glory of plants, for example, we remember the scent of roses or the taste of strawberries.

We see in the Old Testament that God expresses himself in His creation. The creation is His glory.

In the New Testament, we see the glory of God expressed in Jesus.

Now amazingly, God wants to reveal His glory in His church, in us.

Sight - The Holy Spirit causes a transformation that can be seen. Paul writing to the church in Corinth reminds them of Moses, who after meeting God face- -to-face had to cover his face with a veil because it shone. He states that Jesus has removed a veil from over our hearts so that we can have the equivalent of a face-to-face encounter, like looking in a mirror, involving a transformation, Jesus seen in us, a change brought about by the Holy Spirit.

Hearing - The Holy Spirit puts words into our mouths. He glorifies Jesus and the Father. We need ears that are hearing what the Holy Spirit is saying to the churches.

Scent - Paul writing to the churches in Corinth refers to manifesting the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Jesus in every place, stating that we are a fragrance of Christ to God.

Taste - We are encouraged to taste God’s goodness. Jesus caused consternation among the religious leaders when he told people to eat of his body. However, this was not a call to cannibalism but an expression of how Jesus was giving his life so that we may live. He is our sustenance.

See ‘Sustenance’

Feel - Thomas had to physically put his hand into Jesus’ side to believe he had both died and risen again.

By living and walking in the Holy Spirit we are giving glory to God, by leaving an impression of Jesus.