Hear Ye Him
Various attitudes often arise in how Jesus would have us to handle matters and issues of worship, spirituality, morality, and religion in general. Attitudes toward these areas often extend from one end of the spectrum to the other and in between as well. What it all ultimately comes down to in these matters is how we really view Jesus Christ and His authority.
Mount Tabor [seen in the distance in the picture to the left] is often seen as the traditional site of Jesus’ Transfiguration (Matt. 17:1-13). Located about 11 miles west of the Sea of Galilee and standing about 1,800 feet above sea level, it is also believed to be the site where Barak, commander of Deborah’s army, met Sisera, commander of the Canaanite army, in battle (Judges 4). In regard to the transfiguration, all that the biblical text tells us is it occurred on a high mountain. While it is possible that Mount Tabor was the place of this event we cannot know for certain. What is most important, though, is what occurred there.
The Bible tells us that Jesus took His three closest disciples, Peter, James and John, up on the
mountain apart. [In the picture to the right, a road which winds its way up to the top of Mt. Tabor can be seen]. While upon this mountain, we are told by Matthew that Jesus was transfigured before them. The word for transfiguration is metamorphoo from which we get our English word “metamorphosis” meaning “change.” Jesus’ form was changed as He stood before Peter, James, and John. Matthew says, “His face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light” (Matthew 17:2).
What was the meaning of the transfiguration? At least one purpose of it was to be a preview of Jesus’ post-resurrection, glorified state to these disciples. Another purpose though was related to the two individuals that the disciples saw talking with Jesus while he was in His transfigured state.
The Bible says that on this high mountain, Peter, James and John saw Jesus talking with Moses and Elijah (Matthew 17:3). Notice that these two Old Testament prophets (presented here in this event as representatives of the Law of Moses and its authority) were not only still living, but they were recognizable and maintained the identity they had while living their lives in this world.
When Peter saw this amazing event of Jesus speaking with these great Old Testament men, he wanted to commemorate it (Matthew 17:4). This certainly seems that it would have been a noble act. This is not the case though. [Another view of Mount Tabor is seen on the left].
Without a direct response to Peter’s comment, the Bible simply tells us that while Peter was speaking, a bright cloud appeared and overshadowed both Moses and Elijah. Jesus was thus presented as being one with greater importance than Moses and Elijah.
A voice was then also heard out of heaven stating words similar to those heard at the baptism of Jesus, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). This time, though, the voice from heaven states, “Hear ye him.” In other words, the Father wants us to do only that which has been authorized by His Son, Jesus Christ.
Jesus has been given all authority in heaven and in earth (Matthew 28:18). In any matter that involves our words or our deeds (that is, in all that we say or we do), may we only do those things which are approved of by the Lord (Colossians 3:17). In all things may we “Hear ye Him.”
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Doctrine, Michael Carter
on October 12th, 2008
