Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 17

And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, and was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.

Were these "six days" a week's quiet interval, in which our Lord prepared himself for the singular transaction upon the "mountain apart"? Did the little company of three know from one Sabbath to another that such an amazing joy awaited them? The three were elect out of the elect, and favored to see what no one else in all the world might behold. Doubtless our Lord had reasons for his choice, as he has for every choice he makes; but he does not unveil them to us. The same three beheld the agony in the garden; perhaps the first sight was necessary to sustain their faith under the second.

The name of the "high mountain" can never be known; for those who knew the locality have left no information. Tabor, if you please; Hermon, if you prefer it. No one can decide. It was a lone and lofty hill. While in prayer, the splendor of the Lord shone out.

His face, lit up with its own inner glory, became a sun; and all his clothing, like clouds irradiated by that sun, became white as the light itself. He was transfigured before them; he alone was the center of what they saw. It was a marvellous unveiling of the hidden nature of the Lord Jesus.

Then, in one way, the word of John was fulfilled: The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory. The transfiguration occurred but once: special views of the glory of Christ are not enjoyed every day.

Our highest joy on earth is to see Jesus. There can be no greater bliss in heaven; but we shall be better able to endure the exceeding bliss when we have laid aside the burden of this flesh.

And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.

Thus the Law and the Prophets, "Moses and Elias," communed with our Lord, "talking with him," and entering into familiar conversation with their Lord. Saints long departed still live; live in their personality; are known by their names; and enjoy near access to Christ. It is a great joy to holy ones to be with Jesus: they find it heaven to be where they can talk with him.

The heads of former dispensations conversed with the Lord concerning his decease, by which a new economy would be ushered in. After condescending so long to his ignorant followers, it must have been a great relief to the human soul of Jesus to talk with two master-minds like those of Moses and Elijah. What a sight for the apostles, this glorious trio! They "appeared unto them," but they "talked with him;" the object of the two holy ones was not to converse with apostles, but with their Master.

Although saints are seen by men, their fellowship is with Jesus.

And after six days –

Luke says, about an eight days after these sayings; but I suppose he counted the day before and the day after. After six days, – and the first day was, probably, the first day of the week, so he was now coming to another Lord's Day. One of the high Christian festivals of the life of Christ was about to be celebrated.

Jesus was not yet dead; therefore, it was not the resurrection that was celebrated on that day, but the transfiguration. After six days, – six days' teaching concerning the cross before he revealed his glory.

Dear friends, there are many in these days who delight to speak almost exclusively about the glory of the second advent. Now, God forbid that we should be silent concerning that great theme! But I think our teaching concerning it must be given after six days' consideration of the sufferings of Christ.

Let those who will say, "We preach Christ glorified;" I still mean to say, with Paul, But we preach Christ crucified. When I have had my six days for that topic, then I am truly glad to have another day to speak concerning Christ's glory.

We must never forget his death; all our immortal hopes are centered in the death of our great Substitute. After six days –

Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up unto an high mountain apart, and was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.

White and glistering, says Luke; exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them, says Mark.

Were these “six days” a week’s quiet interval, in which our Lord prepared Himself for the singular event on the “mountain apart”? Did the little company of three know from one Sabbath to another that such an amazing joy awaited them? The three were elect out of the elect and favored to see what no one else in all the world could behold. Doubtless our Lord had reasons for His choice, as He has for every choice He makes, but He does not reveal them to us. The same three witnessed the agony in the garden; perhaps the first sight was necessary to sustain their faith during the second.

The name of the “high mountain” can never be known, for those who knew the location have left no information. Tabor, if you please; Hermon, if you prefer. No one can decide. It was a lone and lofty hill.

While He was praying, the splendor of the Lord shone out. His face, lit up with its own inner glory, became a sun. All His garments, like clouds illuminated by that sun, became as white as the light itself. He was transfigured before them. He alone was the center of what they saw. It was a marvelous unveiling of the hidden nature of the Lord Jesus. Then, in one way, the word of John was fulfilled: The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory.

The transfiguration occurred only once. Special views of the glory of Christ are not enjoyed every day. Our highest joy on earth is to see Jesus. There can be no greater bliss in heaven, but we will be better able to endure the exceeding bliss when we have laid aside the burden of this flesh.