Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white. And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, but when they became fully awake they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said. As he was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!” And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen.
Comment: Yesterday I was saying that I hoped that we’d get an explanation about Jesus saying that some who were listening to him would see the ‘the kingdom of God before they died. And then we have this scene.
If we actually believe that God is; that there are angels and demons, that there is a place ‘heaven’; we have to believe that there is a world coexistant with this one in which we live and which is real. A world which is not seen but is as real as ours! If there is not then the concepts of prayer and of God guiding us in some way or the other are straight gobble-de-goop. Many have come to this conclusion but with their glances upwards, their hopes of seeing their deceased parents or loved ones when they die and their cries to God when in distress make me wonder if they are totally convinced that it is all not true.
Peter, James and John never had cause to doubt the two worlds’ story after this experience.
- with Jesus on a high mountain his Appearance was totally changed – the man’s face changed and he was radiant in appearance and clothing.
- They saw Moses and Elijah, both long dead, talking to Jesus about his soon to be death.
- God spoke affirming Jesus as His own son, the Messiah.
- Although admittedly they were confused and didn’t understand it all, they fell back into our everyday world.
Before death they had had a glimpse into the kingdom of God, co-existent, unseen, but real!
Prayer: Why am I always facing the issue of whether this is ‘True-Truth’ and life changing or made up?
As I read it! 
The idea of ‘two worlds’ is so clear here. Thank you for that.
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Thank you Barry for clarifying the statement Jesus made about some who are standing here who will not taste death before they see the Kingdom of God coming. Your explanation cleared that up for me, as I had never thought about the “Transfiguration” being that experience of seeing the Kingdom of God. Sometimes my brain does not “compute” and I need someone else to throw the light bulb on! So thank you.
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