The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 186

HOMILIES BY VARIOUS AUTHORS. Vere, 1-8.-The Transfigwrati<>n. Raphael's famous picture at the Vatican give& us an external representation of this wonderful event. But we want to get behind the canvas and discover the meaning of it, if it is to be something more to WI than! a theatrical transformation scene, something better than a spectacular display. I. 'l'HE aLOBY -OF CHRIST, The external splendour had a meaning. If it was noi a purely artificial radiance created in order to dazzle the eyes of the disciples, it mnsi have corresponded to a wonderful illumination and glory in the soul of Jesus. Moses' face shone after he had been communing with God on Sinai (Exod. xxxiv. 29). Th& face of Stephen took on an angelic lustre in view of martyrdom (Acts vi. 15). Jesus had been speaking of his approaching death quite recently (eh. xvi. 21), and of the victory of self-sacrifice (eh. xvi. 25). During the Transfiguration his death was the topic of his conversation (Luke ix. 31). Then we may justly infer that the splendour that shone out from him corresponded to his exaltation of spirit in devoting himself to death. It was the glory of sacrifice, Jesus is most glorious in freely giving himself up for the salvation of the world. IL THE HEAVENLY VIBITOBB. It is commonly assumed that Moses and Elijah had come to complete the picture that was displayed before the wondering eyes of the chosen three. But would they have been sent for so slight an object? It le more probable that, like the angels who ministered to him on other occasions, they were sent to cheer Jesus himself. He had looked for sympathy from his disciples when he had confided in them the dark secret of his doom, but he had failed to receive it, and instead he had heard the voice of the tempter in the impatient reply of one of his most intimate friends (eh. xvi. 22, 23). Thus he was left alone in his meditations of death. But the sympathy which failed him on earth was afforded by the founder of Judaism and the leader of the prophets-both men whose end on earth was mysterious--returning from the heavenly world. III. THE PERPLEXED DISCIPLES. The splendour overwhelmed the three. Two were speechless. 'l'he third had not the gift of silence; and wisbiug to say something when he had nothing to say, he made a foolish remark. This showed, again, how far the Master was above his disciples, how little they could enter into his life. But it also showed a measure of right feeling in St. Peter. It was good to Lo on the mount with Christ. We cannot retain the ravishing moments of heavenly rapture. But we can cherish them if ever we are visited with them. At least we can learn that it is good to be anywhere with Jesus, good to meditate on his Passion, good to behold hit glory. IV. THE DIVINE voroE, The voice which had been heard before at the baptism (eh. iii. 17) is heard again on the mount, but with an ad lition to its message. 1. God owns hi, Son with delight. Was this voice for the cheering of Jesus as well as for the guidance of the disciples? Under the circumstanres tb.is seems probable. God was not only pleased with Jes111 because h,, was his Son, but r.lao because hb Son  l90 THE GOSrEL ACCORDING TO ST. MATTHEW. [ou. xvu.1-27.