(a) Narrate the story of the transfiguration [9 marks]. (b) Give three points of significance in this story. [6 marks]

Answer Details

(a) The story of the Transfiguration (Mark 9:2-8; Matthew 17:1-8; Luke 9:28-36):

• About six (or eight) days after teaching about His coming suffering, Jesus took Peter, James, and John with Him up a high mountain apart, to pray.
• There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His garments became dazzling white, whiter than any launderer on earth could bleach them.
• Two great figures of the Old Testament, Moses and Elijah, appeared and talked with Jesus, speaking of His departure (exodus) which He was to accomplish at Jerusalem.
• Peter, overwhelmed, said, "Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah," not knowing what to say, for they were terrified.
• Then a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud saying, "This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him."
• Suddenly, when the disciples looked around, they saw no one but Jesus only.
• As they came down the mountain, Jesus charged them to tell no one what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead.

(b) Three points of significance:

• It confirmed the divine Sonship of Jesus. The heavenly voice declared Him God's beloved Son, affirming His divinity and authority.
• It linked Jesus with the Law and the Prophets. The presence of Moses (the Law) and Elijah (the Prophets) shows that Jesus is the fulfilment of the Old Testament.
• It strengthened the disciples for the coming suffering. The glimpse of Christ's glory prepared Peter, James, and John for His passion and pointed forward to His resurrection and glory.