The Mount of Transfiguration

Matthew 17: 1-8

After six days, Jesus took Peter, James, and John apart on to a high mountain. It is interesting that Jesus took the three apostles that were recognized as the First Presidency of the Church in the Meridian of Time and took them up on a mountain. He did not bring the other apostles. He only brought them. Taking them up on a high mountain represents the temple. The mountains are repeatedly used in the scriptures as a symbol of the temple. The events of this experience were also experienced in this dispensation in the Kirtland Temple in April, 1836.

The Savior was first transfigured before Peter, James, and John. To be transfigured is: “to change in outward form or appearance; transform; or to change so as to glorify or exalt.” Quoting from Matthew: “his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.” This is a very powerful witness that Jesus is the Son of God. Moses' face also did shine as the sun, after he came down off of Mount Sinai with the tablets containing the Ten Commandments (Exodus 34:29), after being in the presence of the Lord for forty days and nights. This is a manifestation of the power of the glory of the Lord and the righteous of the Savior.

In verse 3, it mentions that Moses and Elias, and the footnote says Elijah, came. It says no more than that. Referring to section 110 we gain more insight as to why Moses and Elijah were there. I also believe that all three prophets came. Moses committed the keys of the gathering of Israel; Elias committed the dispensation of the Gospel of Abraham; and Elijah commits the keys of the sealing power to Peter, James, and John.

In Verse 4, Peter asks, “if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.” James E. Talmage in Jesus the Christ, gives a marvelous explanation. “Undoubtedly Peter and his fellow apostles were bewildered, "sore afraid" indeed; and this condition may explain the suggestion respecting the three tabernacles. 'He wist not what to say'; yet, though his remark appears confused and obscure, it becomes somewhat plainer when we remember that, at the annual feast of Tabernacles, it was customary to erect a little bower, or booth of wattled boughs, foreach individual worshiper, into which he might retire for devotion. So far as there was a purpose in Peter's proposition, it seems to have been that of delaying the departure of the visitants.”

In verse 5, the ultimate testimony of the Father and the Son are given. Peter, James and John hear the voice of God the Father testifying that Jesus is His beloved Son; that He is pleased with Him; and that they are hear His words and to obey them. This is one of four times in the history of the world that the voice of the Father is heard bearing record of His Beloved Son. What a special experience!

About verses 6-8, Elder Talmage wrote: “At the sound of that voice of supreme Majesty, the apostles fell prostrate. Jesus came and touched them, say, ' Arise, and be not afraid.' When they looked they saw that they were alone with him.” This was an event that would ever be remembered by Peter, James, and John. It truly was an amazing witness of the divinity of the Father and the Son.

Mark 9:2–8

The text of this version of the transfiguration matches the Matthew version almost exactly. I have not additional comments. See above.

Luke 9:28-36

Verses 28-30 are very similar to the accounts in Matthew and Mark. There is one exception. In verse 29, it starts out, “And as he prayed” The Savior prayed that the transfiguration and the accompanying events would happen. That is how it started, with a prayer. Prayer is so powerful.

In verse 31, we gain some additional insights into what happened on the Mount of Transfiguration. Moses and Elias (Elijah) “appeared in glory and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.” Here these two great prophets were encouraging Him and strengthening Him in preparation for His accomplishing the Atonement, the one of three most important events in the history of the world. For the atonement to be performed, the Fall of Adam must precede it, and the creation of the world precede the Fall. The creation, fall of Adam, and the atonement are the three pillars of eternity.

Verses 32-36 are very similar to the accounts of Matthew and Mark.