CHRIST'S GLORY ON THE MOUNT

The faith of the disciples was greatly strengthened by an experience we call Jesus' transfiguration. The disciples were permitted to see Jesus in His glory on the mountain. The disciples also were permitted to hear God's voice from heaven tell of Jesus' divine character. God chose to give the disciples strong proof that Jesus was the promised Messiah. Seeing Jesus in His glory would help the disciples keep their faith during the time of terrible sadness and disappointment when Jesus would be crucified.SRme 1.902

God did not choose angels to talk with His Son on the mountain. Instead, He chose men who had experienced the trials of earth. God sent Moses and Elijah from heaven to talk with Jesus about His sufferings, and death.SRme 1.903

Elijah had walked with God. Elijah's work had been painful and difficult because God used him to rebuke the sins of Israel. Elijah was a prophet of God. His own nation hunted him the same way they hunted wild animals. Elijah had to run from place to place to save his life. But God took Elijah to heaven without letting him die. Angels carried Elijah in glory and triumph to heaven.SRme 1.904

Moses was greater than any man who ever lived before him. God used Moses to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian slavery. Moses was highly honored of God. He talked with the Lord face to face as a person talks with a friend. Moses was permitted to see the bright light and excellent glory that surrounds the Father.SRme 1.905

Moses often pleaded for his people, standing between them and God. The Lord's anger was great against Israel for their continual unbelief, complaining, and sins. Moses' love for Israel was tested when God suggested destroying Israel and making Moses a great nation. Moses showed his love for Israel by his earnest pleading for them. Moses prayed that God would forgive Israel or remove Moses' name from God's book.SRme 1.906

Moses died, but Jesus came down and gave Moses life again before his body decayed. Satan tried to hold Moses' body in the grave. Satan said Moses' body belonged to him [Satan]. But Jesus gave Moses life and took him to heaven. Satan spoke terrible, hateful words against God. Satan said thatSRme 1.907

God was not fair for taking Moses from the grave. Jesus did not argue with Satan. Satan was the one who had caused Moses to sin. Jesus referred Satan to God the Father, saying, "The Lord rebuke you."SRme 1.908

Jesus told His disciples that some of the disciples standing with Him would not die until they saw the kingdom of God come with power. This promise was fulfilled on the mountain when three of the disciples saw Jesus in His glory. Jesus' face was bright as the sun. His clothing was shining white.SRme 1.909

Moses was present at that time to represent the people who will be raised from the dead at the second coming of Jesus. Elijah represented the people who will never die. At Jesus' second coming the righteous people who are alive will be made immortal. They will be taken to heaven without dying.SRme 1.910

The disciples watched with wonder and fear as they saw the great glory of Jesus and the cloud that surrounded them. They heard the voice of God in a solemn tone say, "This is My beloved Son: hear [Listen to] Him."SRme 1.911