The Transfiguration (16:27-17:13)

The Gospel According to Matthew
Jesus for President (Part 48: The Transfiguration)

Last week we saw how following Jesus may entail suffering for Him in the here and now. But there is coming a day when the faithful will be rewarded. In today’s passage, a few of the disciples are given a special glimpse into the glory of Christ.

Is 16:28 a mistake? (list of options below)

1. Yes, Jesus’ 2nd coming didn’t occur within the lifetimes of any of the first disciples
+ This does keep 27-28 connected, apparently, to the 2nd Coming
- We have no other evidence of Jesus ever having been wrong
2. No, Jesus’ reference was to the Transfiguration
+ This does come next in all 3 synoptics
- But how was this the 'coming of his kingdom'?
- None of them tasted death before this event
3. No, Jesus' reference was to the Resurrection/Ascension
+ The coming may be a coming toward the father (Daniel 7)
- Only Judas died before this event
4. No, Jesus’ reference was to Pentecost
+ Mark & Luke describe the kingdom coming in power
+ Jesus referred to the coming of the Spirit as His own coming too
- Only Judas died before this event
5. No, Jesus’ reference was to AD70
+ Seems to make the most sense of 'some who are standing here'
+ The temples destruction demonstrated Jesus' Kingship
- Was AD70 really the coming of the kingdom?
6. No, Jesus' reference was to the 2nd Coming
+ Keeps the apparently easiest interpretation (2nd Coming)
- Completely generalizes the 'some of you will not taste death'

What was the Transfiguration all about?

1. Jesus took a select few to witness this event (1)
Peter, James & John (also see resurrection of daughter, Gethsemane)

2. Jesus’ glory was revealed (2)
He's like Moses and MORE

3. Moses & Elijah talked with Jesus (3)
They were talking about Jesus' departure (confirmation for disciples?)
Why these 2? They represent Law and Prophets?

4. Peter just had to say something (4)
Groggy, scared... but interrupted by the Father

5. This was a Trinitarian event (5)
Cloud = Holy Spirit? (see also birth and baptism)

6. This was a clarifying event (6-13)
Jesus is exalted over Moses and Elijah
Only Jesus was left
They STILL weren't sure about resurrection (Mark 9:10)