The Transfiguration of Jesus Christ, as recorded in Matthew 17, reveals His divine glory on a high mountain before Peter, James, and John. Transformed in appearance, Jesus stood with Moses and Elijah, representing the Law and Prophets, yet surpassing them. Peter, confused, suggested building tabernacles for each, but God's voice from a cloud declared Jesus as His beloved Son, commanding the disciples to hear Him alone. The vision vanished, leaving only Christ, emphasizing His supreme authority over all others. This event affirmed His divine nature, moral perfection, and central role in God's Kingdom, urging disciples to follow His teachings above traditional beliefs, highlighting His unparalleled glory and command.

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Jesus Christ: First Savior, Second High Priest, Third King

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

In the account of Jesus Christ's Transfiguration, as recorded in Matthew 17, Peter was overwhelmed by the sight of Christ alongside Moses and Elijah, desiring to build a booth for each of these great figures who taught God's Word. Suddenly, God intervened, enveloping them in a cloud, and the three figures, including Jesus, vanished from sight. A voice then declared, "This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!" When the disciples regained their senses, the cloud had lifted, and only Christ remained visible. The divine message was unmistakable: all the glory and honor associated with Moses and Elijah, or any other figure, were utterly overshadowed by the infinitely greater glory of Jesus Christ, causing them to fade from view. Thus, Christ stands as the church's Commander in Chief, and a disciple must exercise faith to follow Him alone, recognizing that no other personality, however great, should take precedence when He leads.

Jesus Christ's Trial (Part Four)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

On the mount of Transfiguration, after Jesus Christ appeared in His glory, the Father's voice was heard, affirming His divine nature and innocence. This event marked a significant moment where His true identity and moral perfection were revealed, reinforcing the testimony of His blamelessness. His disciples, present at this extraordinary occurrence, witnessed His transfigured state, further solidifying their belief in His unmatched moral excellence, despite not fully grasping the complete purpose of His ministry at that time.

The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Exorcising a Young Boy (Part One)

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

Six to eight days after walking with His disciples from Bethsaida to the neighborhood of Caesarea Philippi, Jesus went up into a high mountain to pray, accompanied by Peter, James, and John, while leaving His other nine disciples behind. There, before the three, He was transfigured, an event of profound honor, power, and glory. Descending the following day, He encountered a stark contrast in the valley below, marked by dispute, chaos, and darkness, as the nine disciples had failed to cast out a demon from a young boy. His arrival and subsequent healing of the demoniac boy stood in sharp relief to the transcendent experience of the Transfiguration on the mountain, highlighting the challenges of returning to a sinful world.

Why the Transfiguration?

'Ready Answer' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The transfiguration of Jesus Christ, as recounted in Matthew 17, reveals a profound vision granted to three disciples, offering them a glimpse of His future glory in God's Kingdom. In this vision, Jesus was transformed, His form changed, as described by the Greek term "metamorphoo," meaning to be changed in form. Luke notes that He became different, His appearance altered during this extraordinary event. During the transfiguration, Moses and Elijah appeared alongside Jesus, representing the Law and the Prophets, respectively. They were depicted in a servant-Master relationship with Him, though the disciples initially failed to grasp this distinction. Peter, in his confusion, suggested making three tabernacles, one for each, not fully understanding the significance of what he witnessed. God intervened immediately to clarify the vision's purpose, declaring Jesus as His beloved Son, worthy of the highest approval. The divine command was clear: the disciples were to listen to Him above all others, placing His teachings above the traditional beliefs of Judaism, even above the revered teachings of Moses and Elijah. The transfiguration served to emphasize that God's way of life is centered on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, establishing His words as paramount for salvation. This event was a necessary shock to the disciples, intended to elevate their understanding of Jesus' authority and the spiritual depth of His teachings, often surpassing the Old Testament law with higher, spiritual meanings. The vision underscored that Jesus, as the Son of God, holds a greater position than any servant or prophet, a truth later reinforced in Hebrews 3, where His glory is affirmed as surpassing that of Moses.

Hebrews (Part Five): Who Was Jesus?

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

In Hebrews, we learn that Jesus is the only- begotten Son, creator and heir of all things, the express image of God's person, and has purged our sins.

Hebrews (Part Two): Who Was Jesus?

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

If we understand the function of the Old Covenant as explained in Leviticus, we will better understand the New Covenant and not reject the law of the Savior.

The Glory of God (Part 2): In Christ

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

When we (following Jesus' example) display the way of God in our lives, bearing His name, and keeping His commandments, God's glory radiates in our lives.

Why the Transfiguration?

Sermonette by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Peter, James, and John heard the Father's praise of Jesus, declaring Him to be more important than the law (Moses) and the prophets (Elijah).

Jesus on His Second Coming

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Only the Father knows the precise time of Christ's return, but the message to all Christians is to be vigilant and busy overcoming that we may see Him in glory.

The Teaching of Jesus and Prophecy

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The teaching of Jesus is the key to Revelation. The Olivet Prophecy (the testimony of Jesus) in Matthew 24 unlocks the meaning of the seals in Revelation.

Listen Carefully (Part One)

CGG Weekly by Clyde Finklea

For effective communication to occur, both parties need to be effective listeners. This is one reason we must take the study of the Bible very seriously.

Fully Man and Fully God? (1994)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Jesus Christ is often misunderstood. The phrase 'fully man and fully God' does not have biblical support; Christ's real nature is much more meaningful.

Fully Man and Fully God?

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Jesus Christ is called both 'Son of Man' and 'Son of God,' raising weighty questions about His nature. Could He have both full humanity and full divinity?

Armor of Light

Sermonette by Bill Onisick

God commands His people to walk in the light, radiating the unfathomable brilliance of the Father and Son Who are within them.

Those Best Prepared to Suffer with Him

Sermon by Mark Schindler

We must learn to seek God's will and purpose for us, avoiding the temptation of Hezekiah who feared death more than trusting God to decide his expiration date.

Deuteronomy: Hearing

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

By listening, taking heed, and drinking in of God's Word daily, we take on the wisdom of God, upending and making foolish the wisdom of man.

Ensuring Our Calling

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Because judgment is now on the house of God, we must be diligent, making sure of our calling because it is not yet a sure thing without effort on our part.