Matthew 17:1-13 the Transfiguration - a Twofold Prophecy

Six days later Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John his brother, and led them up on a high mountain by themselves. And He was transfigured before them; and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, I will make three tabernacles here, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice out of the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell face down to the ground and were terrified. And Jesus came to them and touched them and said, “Get up, and do not be afraid.” And lifting up their eyes, they saw no one except Jesus Himself alone. As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, “Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man has risen from the dead.” And His disciples asked Him, “Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” And He answered and said, “Elijah is coming and will restore all things; but I say to you that Elijah already came, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they wished. So also the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that He had spoken to them about John the Baptist.

The transfiguration of Jesus is a twofold prophecy. First, it reveals John the Baptist as the true one who announces Jesus as Messiah. John is the Second Elijah who was to precede the Christ. Second, it is a prophecy of Jesus Christ’s Second Advent. In that time before Christ’s return, the church will be raptured and the Anti-Christ, also called the Beast will rule in the form of a man possessed by Satan. This rule will be seven years and in the middle of that period, two witnesses, here revealed as Moses and Elijah will do great works for Jesus Christ in the period known as the Great Tribulation. These witnesses are revealed as being with Jesus in the transfiguration and the disciples heard the voice of God in this vision speaking to confirm His Son as the Christ.

Daily Prayer: Father, ever since the ascension of Jesus Christ after the resurrection from the Cross, we have been living in the Latter Days. Help me and the church to be faithful to the written Word of God contained in the Holy Scriptures’ so that in this important time that we are not found wanting. In Jesus name I pray Amen.