The Transfiguration of Jesus was a turning point in his ministry. Many Old Testament themes are fulfilled and Jesus sets his face toward the Cross. Luke (along with Matthew and Mark) writes his Gospel with a rolling question repeatedly being posed of Jesus: Who is this man? There are many answers to that question, but in light of what happened on the mountain, one thing is for sure:

Jesus is the glory of God.

The parallel with Moses on Mt. Sinai is obvious. However, unlike Moses, Jesus was not merely reflecting God’s glory, he IS the glory of God. As Revelation 21:23 points out, the heavenly city of God has no need of a sun because “the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.” 

Jesus’ glory was temporarily obscured in his incarnation. He lived in every way like the rest of us, but without sin. This did not mean he ever ceased to be God. On the mountain, Peter, James and John got to see the divinity of Christ shining through his humanity. Christianity has faithfully believed and taught that Jesus is fully God and fully man. 

Jesus’ offices of High Priest, Prophet and King are seen in this event. As the cloud of God enveloped the disciples, they were not consumed because Jesus was their mediator. He was going to the Cross to atone for sin. As Prophet, he speaks for God so we must “listen to him” (v. 35). Finally, as the King of kings, Jesus revealed 

God’s Kingdom and was crowned with thorns for our sin.

Taking It Home: Just as the disciples were sleepy, we can be aloof to Jesus’ glory. Pray for him to open the eyes of your heart this Lent.