Transfiguration

The transfiguration refers to the event where Jesus led Peter, James and his brother John to a mountain where he was transfigured before their eyes (see Matthew 17:1-13; Mark 9:2-13; Luke 9:28-36; cf. 2 Pet 2:16-18 and Jn 1:14). The texts also assert that Moses and Elijah were present as well which add to the significance of this occurrence. Both figures had eschatological (i.e. end times) roles: Moses was a model for the eschatological prophet (cf. Deut 18:18), and Elijah was understood to be the forerunner for the Messiah (cf. Mal 4:5-6), and together they summarize the Law and the Prophets. Furthermore, they both had a vision of God's glory on a mountain: Moses at Sinai (Ex 31:18) and Elijah at Horeb (1 Kgs 19:8). However, this time it is Jesus' glory that is present and, by calling Jesus "my Son", the text reveals that he supersedes both Moses and Elijah.

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