1. The context
v.1 Six days later, that was a subsequence event to the previous context, which is about the 2nd coming of the Messiah.
16:27-28 For the Son of Man will come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done. 28 I tell you the truth, there are some standing here who will not experience death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”
(NET) The reference to six days later in 17:1 seems to indicate that Matthew had the transfiguration in mind insofar as it was a substantial prefiguring of the consummation of the kingdom (although this interpretation is not without its problems). As such, the transfiguration would be a tremendous confirmation to the disciples that even though Jesus had just finished speaking of his death (in vv. 21–23), he was nonetheless the promised Messiah and things were proceeding according to God’s plan.
Problem: The disciples did not see the KOG. No one who stood there were going to see this eschatological event.
The reason why the disciples will see the KOG was an encouragement for them. Why? b/c in 16:24-25 Jesus encouraged them to deny themselves to the point of give up their life. By seeing the KOG they will be encouraged of dying of J, bc there will be reward when the KOG comes. The future becomes more important than today. The transfiguration is a down payment for that future.
2. What does the transfiguration mean?
BDAG to change in a manner visible to others, be transfigured of Jesus, who took on the form of his heavenly glory
Same word is used in
2 Cor 3:18 我們眾人既然敞著臉得以看見主的榮光，好像從鏡子裡返照，就變成主的形狀，榮上加榮，如同從主的靈變成的。
Rom 12:2 不要效法這個世界，只要心意更新而變化，叫你們察驗何為神的善良、純全、可喜悅的旨意。
The light and the glory of Jesus is able to change us when we come close to Him, but that is not passive. Our changes are brought by renewing of our mind. In short, transfiguration was the showing of His divine glory. And this is a life-changing showing.
3. What was the right response to transfiguration?
v.4 is -ve, v.5 is the correction.
v.4 the suggestion of 3 shelters: (NET) sn Peter apparently wanted to celebrate the feast of Tabernacles or Booths that looked forward to the end and wanted to treat Moses, Elijah, and Jesus as equals by making three shelters (one for each). It was actually a way of expressing honor to Jesus, but the next verse makes it clear that it was not enough honor.
We should not give the equally honor to Moses, Elijah and Jesus. But Jesus is the One dear Son of God.
And the best way to show our honor is to listen to Him!
Reflection: The transfiguration should have brought a response to the disciples, especially giving Jesus the proper honor. Therefore, we should listen to Him. Do I recognize the glory of Jesus and being changed by Him? Do I listen to Him and have my mind being renewed?
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