(a) With specific reference to St. Mathew's Gospel, narrate the story of the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ. (b) What is the significance of this to the ch...

Answer Details

(a) The Transfiguration of Jesus Christ (Matthew 17:1-13)

• After about six days Jesus took Peter, James and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.
• There He was transfigured before them; His face shone like the sun, and His garments became white as light.
• Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared, talking with Him.
• Peter said to Jesus, Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three booths here, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.
• While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice out of the cloud said, This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.
• When the disciples heard it they fell on their faces and were filled with awe. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, Rise, and have no fear.
• When they lifted up their eyes they saw no one but Jesus only.
• As they came down the mountain Jesus charged them to tell no one the vision until the Son of Man had been raised from the dead. He also explained that Elijah had already come, referring to John the Baptist.

(b) Significance to the Christian faith

1. It confirmed the divine sonship and deity of Jesus, since the Father's voice openly declared Him the beloved Son.
2. The presence of Moses and Elijah showed that Jesus fulfils the Law and the Prophets and is greater than both.
3. It gave a foretaste of Christ's future glory and resurrection, strengthening the disciples' faith before His suffering.
4. The command listen to him establishes Jesus as the final authority whose teaching Christians must obey.
5. It assures believers of the reality of heavenly glory and the hope of being transformed to share in it.