The transfiguration of Jesus Christ, as recounted in Matthew 17, was a profound vision granted to three disciples, revealing a glimpse of His future glory in God's Kingdom. In this vision, Jesus was transfigured, His form changed and transformed, becoming different as described by the Greek terms metamorphoo and egeneto heteron. This transformation echoed His prior allusion in Matthew 16:28 to His forthcoming glory. During the vision, 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 building three tabernacles, one each for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah, missing the significance of the moment. Immediately, while Peter was still speaking, God intervened to clarify the hierarchy, declaring Jesus as His beloved Son with the highest approval, far surpassing Moses and Elijah. God's command was clear: listen to Jesus, for His teachings hold greater importance for salvation than the traditional beliefs of Judaism or the specifics of the Law and the Prophets. The purpose of the transfiguration was to impress upon the disciples the preeminence of Jesus and His teachings. God sought to elevate their understanding, emphasizing that the way of life is based on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, urging them to prioritize His words above all else.

Listening is a vital spiritual skill, essential for enhancing our relationship with God. In the account of the Transfiguration in Matthew 17, God directly commands Peter, James, and John to focus their attention on His Son. During this event, Peter, caught up in his own thoughts, suggests building tabernacles for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah, equating them in importance. God interrupts with a powerful directive, declaring Jesus as His Son and instructing them to listen to Him above all others. This moment was orchestrated to impress upon the disciples the unparalleled authority of Jesus, emphasizing that He holds the highest credentials and the words of life. God urges them to shake off distractions and lethargy, to truly listen, recognizing Jesus as their life, hope, Savior, King, and God, demanding their utmost attention.

During the Transfiguration, Jesus Christ spoke of His impending death, referring to it as His exodus. This term, used in the account, highlights the significance of His departure and the fulfillment of His mission. Peter, as an eyewitness to this event, emphasized the authority of such experiences, reinforcing the trustworthiness of the accounts of Jesus Christ's life. These firsthand encounters with Him provided a foundation for the truth that Peter urged believers to hold fast to, ensuring that they could rely on these testimonies amidst challenges and false teachings.