Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain. There his appearance was changed before their eyes. Even his clothes shone, becoming as white as no bleach of this world could make them. Elijah and Moses appeared to them; the two were talking with Jesus. Then Peter spoke and said to Jesus, «Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah». For he did not know what to say; they were overcome with awe.
But a cloud formed, covering them in a shadow, and from the cloud came this word, «This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him». And suddenly, as they looked around, they no longer saw anyone except Jesus with them. As they came down the mountain, He ordered them to tell no one what they had seen, until the Son of Man be risen from the dead.
Source: http://evangeli.net/gospel/
Analysis
Today's passage describes an event usually known as the transfiguration of the Lord. Though I will focus more on the conversation between Jesus and the prophets. In summary, Jesus took Peter, James, and John to a high mountain, specifically Mount Tabor. Suddenly, Jesus' appearance changed into an divine looking being, shining light from His figure. Then, Elijah and Moses appeared, talking with Jesus, the trio of disciples were shocked and Peter asked if they should make three tents, two for the prophets and one for Jesus. At the same time, the prophets fade away, and God declared that Jesus is His beloved Son and that people must listen to Him. Jesus then ordered them to not tell anyone, until the resurrection.
What may be significant of this event? There is one very significant part of this event, that is Jesus' conversation with the prophets and the transition to God speaking. Now, the conversation wasn't recorded, but I am willing to bet and guess the contents of such conversation. The prophets were handing out their task to Jesus, and thus this marks the transition from traditionalist law to a law of truth. Jesus receives the responsibility, and thus the prophets and their laws are all annulled for it has been fulfilled, replaced with Jesus' new order of love and truth. This is evident by the prophets disappearing and God instructing the world to listen to Jesus, and not the prophets. And thus Jesus is appointed as the new and last prophet, as the messenger and savior of the world.
What of the actual transfiguration? Is it scientifically possible or what significance does it hold? Scientifically, of course it is possible, as Jesus is effectively God, thus transcend general biological limitations. Meanwhile, the significance of it is generally simple, that is it shows Jesus' true nature as not a normal human being, that He is more than most of the world. What message can we take though? It is simple, Jesus' arrival marks the time where we should change our old attitudes of following tradition and hearsay, and start to think for ourselves. Jesus wishes for us to be rationally independent, and follow Him not because He told us to, but because of our own heart to follow Him and serve the world in His quest of salvation. Yet, we usually like to blind ourselves with mere songs and prayers, now are we ready to open our eyes? That is all I have to say, have a nice day and see you tomorrow.
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