Transfiguration - Revision history

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Mxmsj: /* The Transfiguration does not say Jesus is God, the Son */

2013-12-09T15:24:21Z

The Transfiguration does not say Jesus is God, the Son

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:24, 9 December 2013
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	* This scene does not assert the divinity of Jesus directly and unequivocally.		* This scene does not assert the divinity of Jesus directly and unequivocally.
	* All by itself, it shows Jesus as the summit toward which the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah) lead. The logic of the story (not the text itself) asserts that the Jewish Scriptures (TNK) point to Jesus: Moses represents â€œTorahâ€ and Elijah represents â€œNebi'im.â€		* All by itself, it shows Jesus as the summit toward which the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah) lead. The logic of the story (not the text itself) asserts that the Jewish Scriptures (TNK) point to Jesus: Moses represents â€œTorahâ€ and Elijah represents â€œNebi'im.â€
	* The phrase "[[Son of God]]" was used of the Kings ([http://www3.canisius.edu/~moleski/handouts/trouble%20with%20christ.pdf Messiahs, Christs]) in the Old Testament (Ps 2, Ps 89). Those who do not accept the full divinity of Jesus, one-in-being (homoousios with the Father; Council of Nicea, 325 AD) could give these passages a Jewish interpretation. On this view, Jesus would just be identified as the human being who was expected to re-start David's dynasty (Ps. 89).		* The phrase "[[Son of God]]" was used of the Kings ([http://www3.canisius.edu/~moleski/handouts/trouble%20with%20christ.pdf Messiahs, Christs]) in the Old Testament (2 Sam 7:16, Ps 2, Ps 89). Those who do not accept the full divinity of Jesus, one-in-being (homoousios with the Father; Council of Nicea, 325 AD) could give these passages a Jewish interpretation. On this view, Jesus would just be identified as the human being who was expected to re-start David's dynasty (Ps. 89).
	* John's gospel is unequivocal. The mention of the Transfiguration in 1:14 (if it is a mention of the Transfiguration!) comes after the opening verses, in which there is no doubt that the ''logos'' (Greek, "word") is God.		* John's gospel is unequivocal. The mention of the Transfiguration in 1:14 (if it is a mention of the Transfiguration!) comes after the opening verses, in which there is no doubt that the ''logos'' (Greek, "word") is God.

Mxmsj at 13:26, 7 August 2013

2013-08-07T13:26:07Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:26, 7 August 2013
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	{\| {{Prettytable}}		{\| {{Prettytable}}
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	! v.		! v.
	! Matthew 17		! Matthew 17
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	! Luke 9		! Luke 9
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	\|<u>After six days</u> Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.		\|<u>After six days</u> Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.
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	\|<u>About eight days after he said this</u>, he took Peter, John, and James and went up the mountain ''to pray.''		\|<u>About eight days after he said this</u>, he took Peter, John, and James and went up the mountain ''to pray.''
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	\|And he was transfigured before them;		\|And he was transfigured before them;
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	\|''his face shone like the sun''		\|''his face shone like the sun''
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	\|''While he was praying his face changed in appearance''		\|''While he was praying his face changed in appearance''
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	\|''and his clothes became white as light.''		\|''and his clothes became white as light.''
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	\|and his clothing became dazzling white.		\|and his clothing became dazzling white.
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	\|And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him.		\|And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him.
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	\|And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah,		\|And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah,
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	\|''who appeared '''in glory''' and spoke of '''his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem'''.''		\|''who appeared '''in glory''' and spoke of '''his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem'''.''
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	\|''Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep, but becoming fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him.''		\|''Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep, but becoming fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him.''
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	\|Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, "Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."		\|Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, "Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."
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	\|As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."		\|As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."
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	\|But he did not know what he was saying.		\|But he did not know what he was saying.
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	\|While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them,		\|While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them,
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	\|While he was still speaking, a cloud came and cast a shadow over them, and ''they became frightened when they entered the cloud.''		\|While he was still speaking, a cloud came and cast a shadow over them, and ''they became frightened when they entered the cloud.''
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	\|then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him."		\|then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him."
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	\|Then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my ''chosen'' Son; listen to him."		\|Then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my ''chosen'' Son; listen to him."
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	\|''When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid.''		\|''When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid.''
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	\|''But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Rise, and do not be afraid."''		\|''But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Rise, and do not be afraid."''
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	\|And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone.		\|And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone.
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	\|After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone.		\|After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone.
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	\|As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, "Do not tell the vision to anyone until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead."		\|As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, "Do not tell the vision to anyone until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead."
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	\|They fell silent and did not at that time tell anyone what they had seen.		\|They fell silent and did not at that time tell anyone what they had seen.
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	\|Then the disciples asked him, "Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?"		\|Then the disciples asked him, "Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?"
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	\|He said in reply, "Elijah will indeed come and restore all things;		\|He said in reply, "Elijah will indeed come and restore all things;
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	\|but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they pleased. So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands."		\|but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they pleased. So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands."
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	\|''Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.''		\|''Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.''

Mxmsj at 13:20, 7 August 2013

2013-08-07T13:20:08Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:20, 7 August 2013
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	So the Transfiguration takes place "six days" (Mt & Mk) or "eight days" (Lk) after the apostles accept that "Jesus is [[the Christ, the King]]." It is clear by the questions they ask as they descend from the Mount of Transfiguration that this is still uppermost in their minds. Many Jews believed that Elijah would be sent from Heaven to anoint the next [[Christ\|Christ-King]] in the line of King David.		So the Transfiguration takes place "six days" (Mt & Mk) or "eight days" (Lk) after the apostles accept that "Jesus is [[the Christ, the King]]." It is clear by the questions they ask as they descend from the Mount of Transfiguration that this is still uppermost in their minds. Many Jews believed that Elijah would be sent from Heaven to anoint the next [[Christ\|Christ-King]] in the line of King David.

			''In hindsight,'' looking at this story after the death and resurrection of Jesus, and using the gifts of the Spirit Who was poured out upon the apostles at Pentecost, we can see that the Transfiguration is a foreshadowing of Jesus' resurrection from the dead and a revelation of His glory as God the Son. From the standpoint of the fully developed dogma of the Trinity, "Son of God" necessarily means "God the Son." The text of the Transfiguration, if taken in isolation from the other Scriptures that assert [[the divinity of Jesus]], does not go beyond the exaltation of a human being--just as Moses face was filled with radiance after [[face of God\|seeing God face-to-face.]]

			We see things in the event that Peter, James, and John did not see on that day. We know things about Jesus that they did not know at that time. We know the "deeper meaning" (Latin: ''sensus plenior'') of the text.

	{\| {{Prettytable}}		{\| {{Prettytable}}

Mxmsj: /* Luke alone */

2013-08-06T12:52:23Z

Luke alone

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:52, 6 August 2013
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	* "While he was praying his face changed in appearance" (9:29).		* "While he was praying his face changed in appearance" (9:29).
	* Moses and Elijah "appeared in glory" (9:31). Two accidental morals to draw from this aspect of the story:		* Moses and Elijah "appeared in glory" (9:31). Two accidental morals to draw from this aspect of the story:
	** Moses and Elijah ~~are~~ not trapped in Hell, waiting for the death of Jesus to set them free; they are alive and well and "in glory."		** Moses and Elijah seem not to be [[Descent into Hell\|trapped in Hell, waiting for the death of Jesus to set them free;]] they are alive and well and "in glory."
	** Their glorification anticipates the glory of all of the saints. God designed us to be aglow with His love. "By your stubbornness and impenitent heart, you are storing up wrath for yourself for the day of wrath and revelation of the just judgment of God, who will repay everyone according to his works: <nowiki>[</nowiki>[[faith that works\|We are judged by our WORKS!]]<nowiki>]</nowiki> eternal life to those who '''seek glory, honor, and immortality''' through perseverance in good works, but wrath and fury to those who selfishly disobey the truth and obey wickedness. Yes, affliction and distress will come upon every human being who does evil, Jew first and then Greek. But there will be '''glory, honor, and peace''' for everyone who does good, Jew first and then Greek" (Rom 2:5-10).		** Their glorification anticipates the glory of all of the saints. God designed us to be aglow with His love. "By your stubbornness and impenitent heart, you are storing up wrath for yourself for the day of wrath and revelation of the just judgment of God, who will repay everyone according to his works: <nowiki>[</nowiki>[[faith that works\|We are judged by our WORKS!]]<nowiki>]</nowiki> eternal life to those who '''seek glory, honor, and immortality''' through perseverance in good works, but wrath and fury to those who selfishly disobey the truth and obey wickedness. Yes, affliction and distress will come upon every human being who does evil, Jew first and then Greek. But there will be '''glory, honor, and peace''' for everyone who does good, Jew first and then Greek" (Rom 2:5-10).
	* Moses and Elijah talk with Jesus about "his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem" (9:31).		* Moses and Elijah talk with Jesus about "his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem" (9:31).

Mxmsj: /* Mark alone */

2013-08-06T12:51:24Z

Mark alone

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:51, 6 August 2013
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	* His clothes were "such as no fuller on earth could bleach them" (9:3).		* His clothes were "such as no fuller on earth could bleach them" (9:3).
	* The disciples are not perplexed by the question of how Jesus is "Son of God" (an ambiguous term in the Israelite tradition); they leave the mountain "questioning what rising from the dead meant" (9:10).		* The disciples are not perplexed by the question of how Jesus is "Son of God" (an ambiguous term in the Israelite tradition); they leave the mountain "questioning what rising from the dead meant" (9:10).
	* "How is it written regarding the Son of Man that he must suffer greatly and be treated with contempt?" (9:12). ''That is '''The Big Question''' of Mark's gospel. The Big Answer is in 10:45: "For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many."''		* "How is it written regarding the Son of Man that he must suffer greatly and be treated with contempt?" (9:12). ''That is '''The Big Question''' of Mark's gospel. The Big Answer is in 10:45: "For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom [[pro multis\|for many.]]"''
	* Only Mark claims that the maltreatment of John the Baptist was a fulfillment of prophecy: "they did to him whatever they pleased, ''as it is written of him''" (9:13).		* Only Mark claims that the maltreatment of John the Baptist was a fulfillment of prophecy: "they did to him whatever they pleased, ''as it is written of him''" (9:13).

Mxmsj: /* Mark alone */

2013-08-06T12:51:00Z

Mark alone

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:51, 6 August 2013
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	* His clothes were "such as no fuller on earth could bleach them" (9:3).		* His clothes were "such as no fuller on earth could bleach them" (9:3).
	* The disciples are not perplexed by the question of how Jesus is "Son of God" (an ambiguous term in the Israelite tradition); they leave the mountain "questioning what rising from the dead meant" (9:10).		* The disciples are not perplexed by the question of how Jesus is "Son of God" (an ambiguous term in the Israelite tradition); they leave the mountain "questioning what rising from the dead meant" (9:10).
	* "How is it written regarding the Son of Man that he must suffer greatly and be treated with contempt?" (9:12). ''That is '''The Big Question''' of Mark's gospel. The ~~big answer~~ is in 10:45: "For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many."''		* "How is it written regarding the Son of Man that he must suffer greatly and be treated with contempt?" (9:12). ''That is '''The Big Question''' of Mark's gospel. The Big Answer is in 10:45: "For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many."''
	* Only Mark claims that the maltreatment of John the Baptist was a fulfillment of prophecy: "they did to him whatever they pleased, ''as it is written of him''" (9:13).		* Only Mark claims that the maltreatment of John the Baptist was a fulfillment of prophecy: "they did to him whatever they pleased, ''as it is written of him''" (9:13).

Mxmsj: /* All agree */

2013-08-06T12:49:58Z

All agree

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:49, 6 August 2013
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	** Mk: The disciples were terrified by the appearance of Moses and Elijah (v. 6-- before the cloud and the voice).		** Mk: The disciples were terrified by the appearance of Moses and Elijah (v. 6-- before the cloud and the voice).
	** Lk: "They became frightened when they entered the cloud" (34).		** Lk: "They became frightened when they entered the cloud" (34).
	* "This is my ... Son; listen to him." Variations:		* "This is my ... Son; '''listen to him'''." Variations:
	** Mt: "beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."		** Mt: "beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."
	** Mk: "beloved Son."		** Mk: "beloved Son."

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:18, 10 December 2022
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	So the Transfiguration takes place "six days" (Mt & Mk) or "eight days" (Lk) after the apostles accept that "Jesus is [[the Christ, the King]]." It is clear by the questions they ask as they descend from the Mount of Transfiguration that this is still uppermost in their minds. Many Jews believed that Elijah would be sent from Heaven to anoint the next [[Christ\|Christ-King]] in the line of King David.		So the Transfiguration takes place "six days" (Mt & Mk) or "eight days" (Lk) after the apostles accept that "Jesus is [[the Christ, the King]]." It is clear by the questions they ask as they descend from the Mount of Transfiguration that this is still uppermost in their minds. Many Jews believed that Elijah would be sent from Heaven to anoint the next [[Christ\|Christ-King]] in the line of King David.

	''In hindsight,'' looking at this story after the death and resurrection of Jesus, and using the gifts of the Spirit Who was poured out upon the apostles at Pentecost, we can see that the Transfiguration is a foreshadowing of Jesus' resurrection from the dead and a revelation of His glory as God the Son. From the standpoint of the fully developed dogma of the Trinity, "Son of God" necessarily means "God the Son." The text of the Transfiguration, if taken in isolation from the other Scriptures that assert [[the divinity of Jesus]], does not go beyond the exaltation of a human being--just as Moses face was filled with radiance after [[face of God\|seeing God face-to-face.]]		''In hindsight,'' looking at this story after the death and resurrection of Jesus, and using the gifts of the Spirit Who was poured out upon the apostles at Pentecost, we can see that the Transfiguration is a foreshadowing of Jesus' resurrection from the dead and a revelation of His glory as God the Son. From the standpoint of the fully developed dogma of the Trinity, "Son of God" necessarily means "God the Son." The text of the Transfiguration, if taken in isolation from the other Scriptures that assert [[the divinity of Jesus]], does not go beyond the exaltation of a human being — just as Moses face was filled with radiance after [[face of God\|seeing God face-to-face.]]

	We see things in the event that Peter, James, and John did not see on that day. We know things about Jesus that they did not know at that time. We know the "deeper meaning" (Latin: ''sensus plenior'') of the text.		We see things in the event that Peter, James, and John did not see on that day. We know things about Jesus that they did not know at that time. We know the "deeper meaning" (Latin: ''sensus plenior'') of the text.
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	* The disciples were frightened and/or terrified at some point in the story.		* The disciples were frightened and/or terrified at some point in the story.
	** Mt: The disciples fell face-down on the ground and became "very much afraid" when they heard the voice (6).		** Mt: The disciples fell face-down on the ground and became "very much afraid" when they heard the voice (6).
	** Mk: The disciples were terrified by the appearance of Moses and Elijah (v. 6-- before the cloud and the voice).		** Mk: The disciples were terrified by the appearance of Moses and Elijah (v. 6 — before the cloud and the voice).
	** Lk: "They became frightened when they entered the cloud" (34).		** Lk: "They became frightened when they entered the cloud" (34).
	* "This is my ... Son; '''listen to him'''." Variations:		* "This is my ... Son; '''listen to him'''." Variations:
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	The dynasty (royal family) of David did ''not'' last forever. David was anointed (messiahed, christened) King of Israel, which consisted of twelve tribes, around 1010 BC. Ten of the twelve tribes of the Kingdom of Israel were destroyed by the Assyrians around 722-721 BC; the eleventh tribe was swallowed up by Judah; and the Kingdom of Judah was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC. Four hundred and twenty-six years is a good run for a royal family, but it is not "forever." The Jews knew that God had not fulfilled his covenant with David and said so in no uncertain terms ([http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/psalms/psalm89.htm#v39 Ps 89:39-46]).		The dynasty (royal family) of David did ''not'' last forever. David was anointed (messiahed, christened) King of Israel, which consisted of twelve tribes, around 1010 BC. Ten of the twelve tribes of the Kingdom of Israel were destroyed by the Assyrians around 722-721 BC; the eleventh tribe was swallowed up by Judah; and the Kingdom of Judah was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC. Four hundred and twenty-six years is a good run for a royal family, but it is not "forever." The Jews knew that God had not fulfilled his covenant with David and said so in no uncertain terms ([http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/psalms/psalm89.htm#v39 Ps 89:39-46]).

	When Peter said that the disciples believed Jesus was "the Messiah, the son of the living God" ([http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/matthew/matthew16.htm#v16 Mt 16:16]), he was saying, in effect, "You are the man who has been chosen by God to re-found the House of David--and we twelve apostles are going to be the fathers of twelve new tribes. We'll each have our own harem and our own tribal land. You are going to lead us in battle against our enemies, the Romans. With your miracle-working power, we can't lose! You who calmed the storm can summon storms to defeat them. You will heal all who are wounded on the battlefield and even raise them from dead. Our job is going to be to eat, drink, be merry, and beget lots and lots of children of Abraham with our harems in order to fulfill God's covenant with him. Oh, happy days are here again!"		When Peter said that the disciples believed Jesus was "the Messiah, the son of the living God" ([http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/matthew/matthew16.htm#v16 Mt 16:16]), he was saying, in effect, "You are the man who has been chosen by God to re-found the House of David — and we twelve apostles are going to be the fathers of twelve new tribes. We'll each have our own harem and our own tribal land. You are going to lead us in battle against our enemies, the Romans. With your miracle-working power, we can't lose! You who calmed the storm can summon storms to defeat them. You will heal all who are wounded on the battlefield and even raise them from dead. Our job is going to be to eat, drink, be merry, and beget lots and lots of children of Abraham with our harems in order to fulfill God's covenant with him. Oh, happy days are here again!"

	This way of looking at Peter's confession of faith is confirmed by the versions of the story in Matthew and Mark. The disciples' first question to Jesus is ''not'' about his Divine and unique Sonship, but about the coming of the Kingdom: "Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?" (Mt 17:10; Mk 9:11). They have been confirmed in their belief that Jesus is the Christ, the King, Son of David, who is about to re-create the twelve tribes of Israel through them; their only anxiety is about the sequence of events that will lead up to their own enthronement as patriarchs under King Jesus.		This way of looking at Peter's confession of faith is confirmed by the versions of the story in Matthew and Mark. The disciples' first question to Jesus is ''not'' about his Divine and unique Sonship, but about the coming of the Kingdom: "Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?" (Mt 17:10; Mk 9:11). They have been confirmed in their belief that Jesus is the Christ, the King, Son of David, who is about to re-create the twelve tribes of Israel through them; their only anxiety is about the sequence of events that will lead up to their own enthronement as patriarchs under King Jesus.
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	== Some other observations ==		== Some other observations ==
	* Transfiguration is an extremely popular image in science fiction: ''Transformers'', ''Alien'', ''Men in Black'', ''Close Encounters of the Third Kind'', etc., etc. Cf. also Franz Kafka's novel, ''The Metamorphosis''. One of the great themes of literature is that '''''“Things are not always as they seem.”'''''		* Transfiguration is an extremely popular image in science fiction: ''Transformers'', ''Alien'', ''Men in Black'', ''Close Encounters of the Third Kind'', etc., etc. Cf. also Franz Kafka's novel, ''The Metamorphosis''. One of the great themes of literature is that '''''“Things are not always as they seem.”'''''
	* The Transfiguration provides a scriptural justification--if any is needed--for the use of halos in paintings. I don't know whether any painters, in fact, appealed to this source for their inspiration to do so.		* The Transfiguration provides a scriptural justification — if any is needed — for the use of halos in paintings. I don't know whether any painters, in fact, appealed to this source for their inspiration to do so.
	* The Transfiguration is literally an ''"epiphany"'' (Greek, "shining on"), with the light of Christ shining forth from within Him and shining on the disciples. It is also an “epiphany” (in the sense of a sudden and unexpected revelation) for the three witnesses.		* The Transfiguration is literally an ''"epiphany"'' (Greek, "shining on"), with the light of Christ shining forth from within Him and shining on the disciples. It is also an “epiphany” (in the sense of a sudden and unexpected revelation) for the three witnesses.
	* Compare this story to that of Moses' shining face when he came down from Mt. Sinai. "When he finished speaking with them, he put a veil over his face. Whenever Moses entered the presence of the LORD to converse with him, he removed the veil until he came out again. On coming out, he would tell the Israelites all that had been commanded. Then the Israelites would see that the skin of Moses' face was radiant; so he would again put the veil over his face until he went in to converse with the LORD" (Ex 34:33-35).		* Compare this story to that of Moses' shining face when he came down from Mt. Sinai. "When he finished speaking with them, he put a veil over his face. Whenever Moses entered the presence of the LORD to converse with him, he removed the veil until he came out again. On coming out, he would tell the Israelites all that had been commanded. Then the Israelites would see that the skin of Moses' face was radiant; so he would again put the veil over his face until he went in to converse with the LORD" (Ex 34:33-35).

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	== Matthew alone ==		== Matthew alone ==
	* "He was transfigured before them" (17:1). Greek: metemorphothe, which became ~~â€œmetamorphosis”~~ in English. "Transfiguration" is from the Latin translation of the Greek.		* "He was transfigured before them" (17:1). Greek: metemorphothe, which became “metamorphosis” in English. "Transfiguration" is from the Latin translation of the Greek.
	* "His clothes became white as light" (17:2).		* "His clothes became white as light" (17:2).
	* Only Matthew records that the Father said "I am well pleased" with the Son (17:5). The same words were used in the Baptism of Jesus in [http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/matthew/matthew3.htm#v17 Matthew 3:17.] According to the [http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/matthew/matthew3.htm#foot13 footnote in the New American Bible,] that phrase, in turn, is an echo of [http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/isaiah/isaiah42.htm#v1 Isaiah 42:1], [http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/psalms/psalm2.htm#v7 Psalm 2:7], and [http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/genesis/genesis22.htm#v2 Genesis 22:2.]		* Only Matthew records that the Father said "I am well pleased" with the Son (17:5). The same words were used in the Baptism of Jesus in [http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/matthew/matthew3.htm#v17 Matthew 3:17.] According to the [http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/matthew/matthew3.htm#foot13 footnote in the New American Bible,] that phrase, in turn, is an echo of [http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/isaiah/isaiah42.htm#v1 Isaiah 42:1], [http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/psalms/psalm2.htm#v7 Psalm 2:7], and [http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/genesis/genesis22.htm#v2 Genesis 22:2.]
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	<sup class="versenum">16</sup> We did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been '''eyewitnesses of his majesty'''.		<sup class="versenum">16</sup> We did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been '''eyewitnesses of his majesty'''.

	<sup class="versenum">17</sup> For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that unique declaration came ''to him'' from the majestic glory, '''~~â€œThis~~ is my Son, my beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”'''		<sup class="versenum">17</sup> For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that unique declaration came ''to him'' from the majestic glory, '''“This is my Son, my beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”'''

	<sup class="versenum">18</sup> ''We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven'' while we were with him on the holy mountain.		<sup class="versenum">18</sup> ''We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven'' while we were with him on the holy mountain.
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	=== The Transfiguration does not say Jesus is God, the Son ===		=== The Transfiguration does not say Jesus is God, the Son ===
	* This scene does not assert the divinity of Jesus directly and unequivocally.		* This scene does not assert the divinity of Jesus directly and unequivocally.
	* All by itself, it shows Jesus as the summit toward which the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah) lead. The logic of the story (not the text itself) asserts that the Jewish Scriptures (TNK) point to Jesus: Moses represents ~~â€œTorah”~~ and Elijah represents ~~â€œNebi~~'im.”		* All by itself, it shows Jesus as the summit toward which the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah) lead. The logic of the story (not the text itself) asserts that the Jewish Scriptures (TNK) point to Jesus: Moses represents “Torah” and Elijah represents “Nebi'im.”
	* The phrase "[[Son of God]]" was used of the Kings ([http://www3.canisius.edu/~moleski/handouts/trouble%20with%20christ.pdf Messiahs, Christs]) in the Old Testament (2 Sam 7:16, Ps 2, Ps 89). Those who do not accept the full divinity of Jesus, one-in-being (homoousios with the Father; Council of Nicea, 325 AD) could give these passages a Jewish interpretation. On this view, Jesus would just be identified as the human being who was expected to re-start David's dynasty (Ps. 89).		* The phrase "[[Son of God]]" was used of the Kings ([http://www3.canisius.edu/~moleski/handouts/trouble%20with%20christ.pdf Messiahs, Christs]) in the Old Testament (2 Sam 7:16, Ps 2, Ps 89). Those who do not accept the full divinity of Jesus, one-in-being (homoousios with the Father; Council of Nicea, 325 AD) could give these passages a Jewish interpretation. On this view, Jesus would just be identified as the human being who was expected to re-start David's dynasty (Ps. 89).
	* John's gospel is unequivocal. The mention of the Transfiguration in 1:14 (if it is a mention of the Transfiguration!) comes after the opening verses, in which there is no doubt that the ''logos'' (Greek, "word") is God.		* John's gospel is unequivocal. The mention of the Transfiguration in 1:14 (if it is a mention of the Transfiguration!) comes after the opening verses, in which there is no doubt that the ''logos'' (Greek, "word") is God.
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	== Some other observations ==		== Some other observations ==
	* Transfiguration is an extremely popular image in science fiction: ''Transformers'', ''Alien'', ''Men in Black'', ''Close Encounters of the Third Kind'', etc., etc. Cf. also Franz Kafka's novel, ''The Metamorphosis''. One of the great themes of literature is that '''''~~â€œThings~~ are not always as they seem.”'''''		* Transfiguration is an extremely popular image in science fiction: ''Transformers'', ''Alien'', ''Men in Black'', ''Close Encounters of the Third Kind'', etc., etc. Cf. also Franz Kafka's novel, ''The Metamorphosis''. One of the great themes of literature is that '''''“Things are not always as they seem.”'''''
	* The Transfiguration provides a scriptural justification--if any is needed--for the use of halos in paintings. I don't know whether any painters, in fact, appealed to this source for their inspiration to do so.		* The Transfiguration provides a scriptural justification--if any is needed--for the use of halos in paintings. I don't know whether any painters, in fact, appealed to this source for their inspiration to do so.
	* The Transfiguration is literally an ''"epiphany"'' (Greek, "shining on"), with the light of Christ shining forth from within Him and shining on the disciples. It is also an ~~â€œepiphany”~~ (in the sense of a sudden and unexpected revelation) for the three witnesses.		* The Transfiguration is literally an ''"epiphany"'' (Greek, "shining on"), with the light of Christ shining forth from within Him and shining on the disciples. It is also an “epiphany” (in the sense of a sudden and unexpected revelation) for the three witnesses.
	* Compare this story to that of Moses' shining face when he came down from Mt. Sinai. "When he finished speaking with them, he put a veil over his face. Whenever Moses entered the presence of the LORD to converse with him, he removed the veil until he came out again. On coming out, he would tell the Israelites all that had been commanded. Then the Israelites would see that the skin of Moses' face was radiant; so he would again put the veil over his face until he went in to converse with the LORD" (Ex 34:33-35).		* Compare this story to that of Moses' shining face when he came down from Mt. Sinai. "When he finished speaking with them, he put a veil over his face. Whenever Moses entered the presence of the LORD to converse with him, he removed the veil until he came out again. On coming out, he would tell the Israelites all that had been commanded. Then the Israelites would see that the skin of Moses' face was radiant; so he would again put the veil over his face until he went in to converse with the LORD" (Ex 34:33-35).
	* According to two gospels, Peter, James, and John were also special witnesses of Jesus' Agony in the Garden (Mt 26:37; Mk 14:33). The texts do not say why Jesus chose them to be close to Him in either event; it is a fact that we may ponder and, perhaps, from which we may perhaps draw some personal insights.		* According to two gospels, Peter, James, and John were also special witnesses of Jesus' Agony in the Garden (Mt 26:37; Mk 14:33). The texts do not say why Jesus chose them to be close to Him in either event; it is a fact that we may ponder and, perhaps, from which we may perhaps draw some personal insights.

	[[Category:Scripture Studies]]		[[Category:Scripture Studies]]

Transfiguration - Revision history

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