1 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, 2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. (Matthew 17:1-2 KJV)
William Burkitt’s Commentary
The former part of this chapter gives us an account of our Saviour’s glorious transfiguration, he laid as it were the garments of frail humanity and mortality aside for a little time, and assuming to himself the robes of majesty and glory, the rays of his divinity darted forth, his face shined with a pleasing brightness, and his raiment with such a glorious lustre, as did at once both dazzle and delight the eyes of the beholders.
Here observe, 1. The reasons of our Lord’s transfiguration,
- To demonstrate and testify the truth of his divinity; that he was Christ the Son of the living God; according to St. Peter’s confession just before. This divine glory was an evidence of his divine nature.
- Christ was thus transfigured, to prefigure the glory of his second coming to judgment, when he shall be admired of his saints, as here he was admired by his disciples.
Observe, 2. The choice which our Saviour makes of the witnesses of his transfiguration, his three disciples, Peter, James and John. But why disciples? Why three disciples? Why these three?
- This transfiguration was a type and shadow of the glory of heaven: Christ therefore vouchsafes the earnest and first fruits of that glory only to saints; upon whom he intended to bestow the full harvest.
- Three disciples were witnesses sufficient to testify this miracle. Judas was unworthy of this favour, yet lest he should murmur or be discontented at his being left out, others are also left out besides him.
3. These three, rather than others; because,
- These disciples are more eminent for grace, zeal, and love to Christ; and, consequently, are most highly dignified and honoured by him. The most eminent manifestations of glory, are made by God to those that are most eminent in grace.
- These three were witnesses of Christ’s agony and passion, to prepare them for which, they are here made witnesses of his transfiguration. This glorious vision from Mount Tabor fitted them to abide the terrors of mount Calvary.
Learn, that those whom God singles out for the greatest trials, he will sit beforehand with the best enablements.