We continue our exegesis from where we stopped.

Vs.5. A VOICE CAME OUT OF THE CLOUD“

While (Peter) was still speaking” (v. 5a). The voice interrupts Peter—otherwise how can God get a word in? God repeats His words at Jesus’ baptism (Matthew 3:17), adding “listen to him.” These few words summarize the meaning of the Transfiguration. On this mountain, God reveals Jesus as God’s son—the beloved—the one in whom God is well pleased—the one who teaches with God’s authority—the one to whom we must listen.

“behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them” (v. 5b). The cloud is reminiscent of Moses’ experience on Mount Sinai, where “the cloud covered the mountain… (God) called to Moses out of the cloud… (and) the appearance of the glory of the Lord was like a devouring fire on the top of the mountain in the sight of the people of Israel” (Exodus 24:15-17). God often made appearances in a cloud (Exodus 13:21-22; 19:16; 33:9-10; 34:5; 40:34-38; 1 Kings 8:10-11).

“This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (v. 5c). These are the same words that God spoke at Jesus’ baptism (3:17)—but there it was not clear who heard the voice. Here the disciples hear the voice. Its message is directed at them.

“Listen to him!” (v. 5d). God’s words, “listen to him,” remind us of Moses’ words to the Israelites: “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you shall heed such a prophet” (Deuteronomy 18:15).

God’s commands to the disciples and to His church is to listen to Jesus. In the early church, they didn’t have the New Testament canon. They were faced with the question of authority, to what extent must they observe Old Testament law, especially in situations where Jesus’ example gives a new twist to the old law? God answers, “Listen to him!” We, too, are faced with serious doctrinal and ethical questions. How do we find our way in an increasingly complex world? God answers, “Listen to him!” That’s where the church fell into all those Councils of men!

Vs.6 THE DISCIPLES WERE VERY AFRAID
“they fell on their faces, and were very afraid” (v. 6b). Fear is a common response when confronted with God or angels (14:6; 28:4-10; Luke 1:13; 1:30; 2:10; 8:35). “The fear of the Lord” is a common phrase in the scriptures (2 Chronicles 17:10; 19:7, 9; Job 28:28; Psalm 19:9; 34:11; 111:10; Proverbs 1:7, etc.), and captures a sense of awe regarding God. The Jewish people revere God so highly that they avoid pronouncing God’s name lest they inadvertently make wrongful use of it (Exodus 20:7). Today we have lost this sense of holy awe. We are so fond of the idea that we have been created equal that we resist acknowledging that even the Creator might be of a higher order. Our loss of reverence may seem harmless. It does not diminish God, but it does diminish us. The person who stands in God’s presence without reverence is far worse than the barbarian who is unable to appreciate fine art or beautiful music.

Vs.7. DON’T BE AFRAID
“But Jesus came and touched them” (v. 7a). Jesus has been restored to His usual self and reassures His disciples with His touch. Any kind touch can soothe, but Jesus’ touch has the power to heal (Matthew .8:3, 15; Matthew. 9:20-21, 29; Matthew. 14:36; Matthew 20:34).

“Get up and don’t be afraid” (v. 7b). This is like Daniel 10:5-12, where God reassured a fearful Daniel with a loving touch and encouraging words. Jesus will later touch a leper and cleanse him with the words, “Be made clean” (8:3). He will touch the eyes of two blind men and heal them (9:29). Jesus’ touch not only comforts the disciples, but it also reassures them that this is the real Jesus and not just a vision. Fear is a common human experience, but scripture includes godly reassurances that God’s people have nothing to fear from God or man (Exodus 14:13; Joshua 11:6; 2 Kings 19:6; Nehemiah 4:14; Isaiah 40:9; 43:1-7; Matthew 14:27; 28:10; Mark 5:36; Acts 18:9; Revelation 1:17-18).

Vs.8. THEY SAW NO ONE, EXCEPT JESUS ALONE
God acknowledged Moses and Elijah by having them appear with Jesus in the revelatory moment, but the voice speaks only of Jesus. Moses and Elijah are gone, and Jesus alone remains. We are reminded of our debt to Moses and Elijah but, in the final analysis, only Jesus is Savior. This is the gospel we preach, that redemption is in Christ alone through the blood He shed.

When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good.But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God. Romans 5:6-11(NLT)

This is an uncomfortable word in a multicultural world and in churches that prize tolerance as their highest value. It is, nevertheless, the clear word of the New Testament. Moses and the prophets were helpful, but in the end, there is only Jesus. Science and education can be helpful, but in the end, there is only Jesus. Medicine can be helpful, but in the end, there is only Jesus. Music and art can be helpful, but in the end, there is only Jesus. Jesus alone! That needs to be the focus of our proclamation.

Vs. 9. DON’T TELL ANYONE
“Don’t tell anyone what you saw” (v. 9b). In the previous chapter, Peter acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah, and Jesus commended him for his insight. Then Jesus “sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah” (16:20). Then Jesus told the disciples “that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised” (16:21). Now Jesus instructs Peter, James and John, “Don’t tell anyone what you saw, until the Son of Man has risen from the dead.”

“until the Son of Man has risen (egerthe—has been raised) from the dead” (v. 9c). Jesus has foretold his death at 16:21 and will soon do so again at 17:22-23 and 20:17-19.

Here is the bridge to Gethsemane, yet these special disciples missed the moment and the import! These privileged disciples do not yet understand what it means for Jesus to be the Messiah. He told them that He will suffer and die in Jerusalem, but the disciples do not understand. They still carry the old model of Messiah in their heads and hearts. Only after the resurrection will the light begin to dawn for them. Only after the resurrection will the disciples be able to proclaim Christ, because only after the resurrection will they understand Him.

The truly amazing thing is how quickly the disciples will forget. Peter, James, and John have seen Jesus revealed in glory, but their courage will fail them at the cross. Peter will deny Jesus three times.

There are lessons here for us:

1. Having experienced the hand of God in our lives yet we find faith difficult when trouble looms.
2. We experience Transfiguration moments as the Lord God will occasionally permit us to ascend to the heights and to glory in what we see there. Our discipleship will be most complete if we will keep our spiritual eyes open to see the glory that more often manifests itself in our daily lives. The daily grind is where we live but we need to find the glory that is present there but mostly to be pursued, the glory that is in His presence.