Transfiguration
To Us a Child is Born
After six days, Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain by themselves. He was changed before them. His face shone like the sun, and his garments became as white as the light.
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. The light has shined on those who lived in the land of the shadow of death.
Behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them talking with him.
You have multiplied the nation. You have increased their joy. They rejoice before you according to the joy in harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the plunder. For the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as in the day of Midian.
Peter (pe’-tur)
A stone; a rock.
Source: EDBN answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you want, let’s make three tents here: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them.
For all the armor of the armed man in the noisy battle, and the garments rolled in blood, will be for burning, fuel for the fire.
Behold, a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to him.”
For a child is born to us. A son is given to us;
When the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces, and were very afraid. Jesus came and touched them and said, “Get up, and don’t be afraid.”
and the government will be on his shoulders.
Lifting up their eyes, they saw no one, except Jesus alone.
His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, “Don’t tell anyone what you saw, until the Son of Man has risen from the dead.”
Of the increase of his government and of peace there shall be no end, on David’s throne, and on his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from that time on, even forever. The zeal of Yahweh of Armies will perform this.
- May 23, 2023
- | Jim Tallman
Transfiguration: A Son is Given
- May 23, 2023
- | Jim Tallman
Transfiguration: A Son is Given
The story of resurrection and new life is every bit as true in the Old Testament as in the New. The famous prophecy of Isaiah 9, “To Us a Son is Given” is a great example. Let’s compare it with the transfiguration story.
A Great Light
The people who walked in darkness and who lived in the valley of the shadow of death have seen a great light. More specifically, they’ve seen Jesus, whose face shines like the sun, and whose garments are as white as the light.
Multiply
Jesus multiplies the nations, who now rejoice before him. This includes Moses and Elijah, who suddenly appear in the transfiguration scene.
Glad to be Here
Peter testifies, “It is good to be here.” This stands in stark contrast to the destination of the “armed man in the noisy battle”, which symbolizes Satan and his angels. They are, “fuel for the fire.”
The Son
God the Father testifies, “This is my beloved Son,” my Gift. For a child is, “born to us, a Son is given to us.” The Son is more than the newborn Christ of the Christmas story. He is also the resurrected Christ, the beginning of the new creation of God.
Government
The disciples fall on their faces, which typically means they fall and worship. They do so because the government, the rule and authority, now belong to Christ. He has the power over death.
His Name
The disciples look up and see Jesus, alone. We will call his name, “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.” No one but Jesus bears these names.
Eternal Kingdom
Jesus comes down from the mountain, which symbolizes his eternal Kingdom and the place of his throne. The increase of his government shall have no end — it is eternal — upon his throne. Forever.
Isaiah 9 works hand in hand with the Transfiguration story. Strings reveal a deeper spiritual view of everything. They open a doorway to eternity. I hope, from now on, you’ll look at these passages, and perhaps even your own life, in entirely new ways.
Let’s compare another Revelation scene. Click the right arrow, or the “Before the Throne” link below.
To explore these passages directly, click this button:
