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Matthew 17:1-13 ESV

And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead.” And the disciples asked him, “Then why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?” He answered, “Elijah does come, and he will restore all things. But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.

I. A FULFILLING ADVENTURE (1-2)
A. Jesus promised it would not always be suffering and that His followers would see Him in all His glory one day.
B. Jesus is transfigured before 3 of His disciples to preview His future reigning in all His glory.
C. There is a physical change in appearance of Jesus. These 3 see a glimpse of His Divine nature. (Mark 9:2-8, Luke 9:28-36)

II. A FASCINATING ASSEMBLEY (3)
A. Moses and Elijah show up. They are representative of the Law and Prophets of Jews.
B. Jesus is friend of Law and Prophets. (Matt 5: 17-19)
C. The Law and Prophets pointed to Jesus. (Luke 24:44-45)

III. A FANTASTIC ANNOUNCEMENT (4-8)
A. Jesus greater than Law and Prophets, not equal with them. Voice of God confirms it. (Hebrews 7:22-28, 8:11-15)
B. Jesus could do what Law and Prophets could not do, make us forever right with God by atoning forever for our sin.

IV. A FINAL ASK AND ANSWER (9-13)
A. Jesus ask them to keep quiet about what they had seen. It will not make sense until after His resurrection.
B. They ask about the promise to send Elijah (Malachi 4:5-6). Elijah was used symbolically, not literally. JTB fulfilled that promise.

APPLICATION
1. Jesus transformed & promises the same transformation to all who believe and trust fully on and in Him. (2 Cor 3:12-18)
2. Jesus came to suffer as a servant. He will return again but this time to reign as King. He has not forgotten you. His past tells us we can trust Him for our future.