Matthew Henry Commentary Luke 9:28-36

"And it came to pass about eight days after these sayings, that he took with him Peter and John and James, and went up into the mountain to pray. And as he was praying, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment [became] white [and] dazzling. And behold, there talked with him two men, who were Moses and Elijah; who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: but when they were fully awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him. And it came to pass, as they were parting from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah: not knowing what he said. And while he said these things, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud. And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my Son, my chosen: hear ye him. And when the voice came, Jesus was found alone. And they held their peace, and told no man in those days any of the things which they had seen." — Luke 9:28-36 (ASV)

Christ's transfiguration was a glimpse of that glory in which He will come to judge the world and was an encouragement to His disciples to suffer for Him. Prayer is a transfiguring, transforming duty, which makes the face shine.

Our Lord Jesus, even in His transfiguration, was willing to speak about His death and sufferings. In our greatest glories on earth, let us remember that in this world we have no continuing city.

How much we need to pray to God for reviving grace, to enliven us! Yet, so that the disciples might be witnesses of this sign from heaven, after a while they awoke, so that they were able to give a full account of what happened. But those who talk about making tabernacles on earth for glorified saints in heaven do not know what they are saying.