Multifaceted Glory: What the Transfiguration Tells Us About Jesus
By Justin Dillehay
1. He’s the Son of Man Who Will Come in Glory
Matthew places this story immediately after Jesus speaks of “the Son of Man” coming in judgment (Matt. 16:27). This is clearly a reference to the end of the age (cf. Matt. 13:39–43, 49)—which is why it’s so puzzling when Jesus immediately says, “Truly I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom” (Matt. 16:28). Who could possibly live that long?
Though scholars differ, I agree with R. T. France that this puzzling statement in Matthew 16:28 is a reference to the transfiguration six days later. This allows us to see the transfiguration as a foretaste of the end of the age when the Son of Man will come “in the glory of his Father” (Matt. 16:27). Not everyone standing there that day would see it, but Peter, James, and John would—and they would never forget it (2 Pet. 1:16–18; John 1:14).
The transfiguration is a preview of the future, when the Son of Man will come in glory to consummate his kingdom. But this future kingdom can only come through his death and resurrection, which is why Jesus warns the three disciples to “tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead” (Matt. 17:9). Sounds like they told Matthew.
2. He’s the Son of God Whose Glory Was Hidden
The presence of Moses and Elijah is one of the most fascinating features of this story. Where else in the New Testament do you find Old Testament heroes showing up in person?
But it’s not hard to see why Moses and Elijah would be summoned for such a glorious mountaintop event. After all, both men had famous mountaintop experiences with God (Ex. 24:9–34:35; 1 Kgs. 19:8–18). Moses’s was especially relevant, since it resulted in his own transfiguration, with his face shining so brightly they had to cover it with a veil (Ex. 34:29–35).
But Jesus wasn’t simply shining the way Moses had, or the way you and I one day will (Matt 13:43). His was more than a reflected glory; it was the glory of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14). As Joseph Ratzinger observed, “Jesus [unlike Moses in Exodus 34] shines from within; he does not simply receive light, but he himself is light from light.”
So the transfiguration wasn’t only a preview of the future; it was also a peek into eternity past at “the glory [Christ] had with [the Father] before the world existed” (John 17:5). It was a glimpse behind the veil at the glory that Christ continued to immutably possess, despite having hidden the glorious form of God beneath the humble form of a servant (Phil. 2:5–7).
3. He’s the Son (and Prophet) to Whom We Must Listen
Besides their previous mountaintop experiences, there was probably another reason Moses and Elijah were summoned to this mountain.
Moses and Elijah represented the Law and the Prophets, respectively, and their appearance ontinues Matthew’s portrayal of Jesus as the one who fulfills the Law and the Prophets (Matt. 5:17). Moses and Elijah could say “Thus says the LORD,” whereas the Son proclaims point blank “But I say to you” (Matt. 5:22, 28, 32, 34, 39, 44). The Law and the Prophets had prophesied until John, but they had now reached their climax in Jesus, the One whose sandals even the greatest among
women wasn’t worthy to carry (Matt. 3:11; 12:11, 13).
His Multifaceted Glory
The transfiguration is like a prism through we which we can see the
multifaceted glory of Jesus.
In it we see a picture of his unique authority.
In it we get a glimpse of the eternal glory he had veiled.
Article excerpt taken from The Gospel Coalition (U.S. Edition). Read the full resource here: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/glory-transfiguration-jesus/
Why Church Membership Matters
By Rev. Joseph Tee
Once again, Grace B-P Church is starting her membership class (also known as “Catechism Class” in other B-P churches) for those interested in baptism, reaffirmation of faith, or transfer of membership at our Christmas service. At this time, some may wonder, “Why bother with church membership?” For some Christians, church membership sounds too formal and rigid. Yet, there are a few reasons why church membership still matters! [1]
Reason 1: Church Membership is Biblical
Although the Bible does not explicitly command us to have a formalised membership, the concept of membership is implied and assumed throughout Scripture. For instance, many of the Apostle Paul’s writings point to examples of a local community that is identifiable and organised (e.g. Titus 1, Philippians 1, and 1 Peter 5). This is also evident in 1 Corinthians 5, where Paul implies that there is a defined local body from which an unrepentant believer may be removed.
Reason 2: Church Membership is Historical
Simply put, church membership has been practiced throughout church history. Understanding this helps us realise that this is what Christians have done across the centuries. It is not a new phenomenon.
Reason 3: Church Membership is Practical
Christians are called to live in community with mutual accountability and love (Heb. 3:13; Eph. 4:11–16). This includes having elders (pastors) to lead, feed, and protect the flock spiritually (1 Pet. 5:1–3) and give an account for their people (Heb. 13:17). Thus, church membership helps clarify who has willingly placed themselves into the community and under the pastoral care of the local church.
Reason 4: Church Membership is Theological
At conversion, we are spiritually united to Christ, receiving all the blessings of the new birth. Out of this union with Christ, we then join together with other believers to live in community. In church membership, we have the physical expression of the spiritual reality of new life in Christ. We are partakers of a new identity and a new family that is characterised by holiness.
Have you taken up membership here at Grace B-P Church yet? Whether you have been worshipping with us for many years or have only just started a few weeks ago, we encourage you to prayerfully consider joining our local church officially as a church member. For those who want to find out more or who have questions, please reach out to Ps Joseph Tee or any of our church leaders today.
[1] This article has been adapted, with some amendments, from the original article by Erik Raymond, ‘Why Church Membership?’, The Gospel Coalition, 18 Jun 2013 https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/erik-raymond/why-church-membership
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