Matthew 17:3

"He was changed before them. His face shone like the sun, and his garments became as white as the light."

Key Reflection

In Matthew 17:3, Jesus undergoes a dramatic transformation that leaves His disciples awestruck. His appearance is strikingly radiant; his face glows like the sun and his clothes become dazzling white, symbolizing divine glory and purity. This event echoes themes of divine presence and holiness, drawing parallels to encounters with God in the Old Testament, such as Moses' face shining after speaking with Yahweh on Mount Sinai (Exodus 34:29-35).

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 3. And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias. Moses, a distinguished servant of God, by whom the law was given, and whose institutions typified the Messiah. It was particularly proper that he should appear, when his prophecies and types were about to be fulfilled, and his rites to be done away. Elias, or Elijah, a distinguished prophet, taken to heaven without seeing death. See 2 Ki 2:11. Elijah had been honoured eminently by being thus translated, and still more by being made the model of the forerunner of the Messiah, Mt 11:14; Lu 1:17. They appeared "in glory," Lu 9:31 i.e., as they are in heaven---- with the glory which the redeemed have there. Talking with him.

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