The What, Where, When, and Why of Transfiguration
Posted on Feb 25, 2025 by Shari Van Baale
This Sunday we will celebrate the Transfiguration of our Lord. I did a quick Google search on the topic, and AI told me all I needed to know about Transfiguration. See the results below.
The Transfiguration in the Bible is when Jesus' appearance changed to reveal his heavenly glory. The word "transfiguration" comes from the Latin words trans- ("across") and figura ("form, shape").
What happened?
- Jesus, Peter, James, and John went to a mountain to pray
- Jesus' face and clothes became bright
- Moses and Elijah appeared
- God the Father called Jesus "Son"
- A voice came from the cloud, saying, "This is my beloved Son: hear ye him"
- The disciples prostrated themselves in awe
Where did it happen?
- The event took place on a mountain, which is sometimes called the Mount of Transfiguration
- The exact location is unknown, but some suggested sites include Mount Hermon and Mount Carmel
When did it happen?
- Most timeline sources place it in the late spring or early summer of 30 AD
Why is it important?
- It provided evidence that Jesus was who he said he was
- It gave a glimpse of Jesus' coming glorification as King of kings and Lord of lords
Where is it recorded?
- In the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 17:1–8, Mark 9:2–13, Luke 9:28–36)
- In 2 Peter 1:16-21
This Sunday the Gospel will be Luke 9:28-36, the Transformation of Our Lord. Now that
you have a little context, you should be able to understand it a little better and form your
own opinions. This is the last Sunday before Lent, so come be transformed by the message of the Gospel.
Shari Van Baale
Salem Communications Coordinator