God’s Beloved Son

“He [Jesus] was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’” [1]

Peter, James, and John saw Jesus with His face aglow, and with His clothing shining like light! They saw Moses and Elijah talking with Him. How did Peter know that the two men with Jesus were Moses and Elijah? They did not have name tags. Their names were not announced. Peter knew their names the way people in heaven knew each other; by divine revelation.

Moses represents the five books of Old Testament Law. Elijah represents the books of Old Testament Prophets – two divisions in the Hebrew Bible. Jesus is glowing brightly amidst these two men. Their writings point to Him. Jesus is about to make a new covenant with humankind. Moses and Elijah are talking with Jesus Christ about His coming death in Jerusalem. [2]

While he [Peter] was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” [3]

The voice of the Heavenly Father from a bright cloud confirmed that Jesus is God's Son, and that people should listen to Him. That Jesus pleases the Heavenly Father well, punctuates the fact we should place Jesus in the highest place. We are to worship Him, learn from Him and follow Him.

The disciples of Jesus asked Him, “Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” Jesus replied, “I say to you that Elijah has come already, and they did not know him but did to him whatever they wished. Likewise, the Son of Man is also about to suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that He spoke to them of John the Baptist.” [4]

The Prophet Malachi had prophesied that Elijah would return before Messiah came. The disciples had just seen Elijah with Jesus. So, they asked about this. Jesus told them that John the Baptist was Elijah in a metaphoric sense. The Old Testament Elijah opposed the idolatry of Ahab and Jezebel. John the Baptist opposed the adultery and corruption of King Herod and his mistress. John lost his head for opposing his king’s sin. More importantly, John pointed people to Christ. He said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” [5]

God the Father spoke from heaven to point the disciples to the Messiah, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!”

[1] Matthew 17:2-4
[2] Luke 9:31
[3] Matthew 17:5
[4] Matthew 17:12-13
[5] John 1:29