The period of time immediately following the Gentile Feeding is very interesting and extremely important. According to Dr. Alfred Edersheim in his book, The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah, the journey of our Lord and His disciples shows a significant turn of events. Dr. Edersheim called this time, “The Great Confession, The Great Commission, The Great Instruction, The Great Temptation, & The Great Decision.”
The gospel writers tell us that there is a period of six days or more between this great dialog between Jesus and His disciples and the Transfiguration on Mt. Hermon(?). What do you suppose transpired during this time considering Jesus’ admission that He must die?
Jesus: the beginning of the Christian Church (Matthew 16:17-19)
- This is the only gospel account of Jesus’ statement to Peter about the beginning of the Christian Church.
- What do you think Jesus meant in His statement, “on this rock I will build my church.”
- Go to Isaiah 51:1-2 to see what Old Testament figurehead was referred to as a “rock.”
- Let’s take a look at some similarities between these two patriarchs.
- Faith: Abraham said, “yes” without question when the Lord appeared to Him when chosen and asked him to pickup everything and move. Abraham never questioned the Lord when asked to sacrifice his only son Isaac. Peter makes his statement of faith, “You are the Christ.”
- Rock: Isaiah refers to Abraham as “the rock from which you were hewn.” Peter name means “rock” and his statement of faith becomes the foundation of the Christian Church.
- What other likenesses do you see in these two men?
The Greek word for rock is petros, petra among others. Peter’s name is Petros, the masculine form. It can be translated as “stone or rock.” The word, “rock” following Peter’s name in Matthew’s account is the feminine form, petra. It can only be translated rock and literally “a massive rock.” The gender use here is significant in that there can be no mistake about how important this foundation is to be. (Source: Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries)
Before we move into the story of the great Transfiguration of our Lord, it might be helpful to have some facts about Mt. Hermon. (A possible site of the Transfiguration)
Mt. Hermon is a range of mountains containing three peaks. There is some question as to the actual height of the peaks, but most suggest that two of its peaks are between 9,100 and 9,400 feet above sea level. The third peak is just a few hundred feet lower. Mt. Hermon can be seen from as far away as the Dead Sea—120 miles away. The range is approximately 28 miles in length and reaches 15 miles in width. Its peak is covered with snow two-thirds of the year. Water from its snow flows into the Jordan River. Their route to Mt. Hermon was from Caesarea Philippi. There is one road leading to Mt. Hermon.
Jesus’s Transfiguration (Matthew 17, Mark 9, and Luke 9:28-36)
- The story is recorded in all of the synoptic gospels noted above. Since the account is fairly short, read each of the three accounts.
- Luke is the only writer that tells what Jesus did when He go to the mountaintop. What was it? What do you suppose was the subject of His prayer?
- How does each of the writers describe the appearance? Using your imagination and today’s vocabulary, describe the appearance.
- Suddenly, two men appear with Jesus in His transfigured form. What is the significance of their appearance?
- Moses ______________________________
- Elijah ______________________________
- What was similar about the departure of each man from the earth?
- What was being discussed by the transfigured men? Using the Luke account, why was their discussion important for the disciples? and for you and me?
Think back to Moses’ end times. Moses was a great leader of the Israelites for many years. In today’s terms, he was in a “no win” situation. Over two million people, almost constant disagreement and bickering, yet he was to follow God’s plan. Yes, he made mistakes and his punishment was that he would not enter the Promised Land. But, God in His great mercy and love, took Moses by the hand and led him to Mt. Nebo, where we’re told that Moses saw the Land of Milk and Honey. And the Lord buried him. We are not told about any conversation between the Lord and Moses on Mt. Nebo, but consider this: “Moses, you have been a faithful servant. While you will not enter the Promised Land, I have a special treat for you.” “What’s that, Lord,” Moses inquired? “I am going to have you appear with Me along with Elijah on Mt. Hermon to show the fulfillment of the Father’s plan,” said Jesus. And with that Moses fell asleep in peace. (Learned at the feet of my mentor, The Late Reverend Dr. John E. Meyer).