Why did Jesus shine like the sun? In Matthew 17:1-9, Jesus is transfigured before three disciples, His face shining with glory. Dr. Toby Holt explains what this glimpse of Christ's majesty reveals. On a high mountain, Jesus' appearance changed: light shone from within Him, and Moses and Elijah appeared, speaking with Him. Peter, overwhelmed, offered to build three shelters — putting Jesus on the level of Moses and Elijah. But the Father's voice cut in: "This is My beloved Son… Hear Him!" The law (Moses) and the prophets (Elijah) both point to Christ, who stands above them. When the terrified disciples fell, Jesus touched them: "Arise, do not be afraid."

Questions this study answers:

1. What was the transfiguration? A moment when Jesus' divine glory shone through His human body, letting three disciples see His majesty and become eyewitnesses of who He is.

2. Why did Moses and Elijah appear? Moses represents the law and Elijah the prophets; both point forward to Jesus. They spoke with Him about the death He would accomplish.

3. What was Peter's mistake? He tried to honor Moses and Elijah as Jesus' equals. The Father corrected him, making clear the Son stands above all and must be heard.

"This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!" — Matthew 17:5 (NKJV)

Dr. Toby Holt is President of New Geneva Theological Seminary, and his sermons have been downloaded more than 1.9 million times on SermonAudio. Find more verse-by-verse Bible teaching at newgeneva.org; support this ministry at newgeneva.org/give.