On the Mountain of Transformation

Matthew 17:1–9 recounts one of the most theologically charged moments in the Gospels: the Transfiguration. Jesus leads Peter, James, and John up a mountain where his appearance is dramatically altered—his face shines, his clothes become dazzling, and Moses and Elijah appear beside him. A voice from the cloud declares, “This is my Son…listen to him.” This passage is not merely a display of divine glory; it is a revelation that calls disciples toward transformation.

Within the United Methodist tradition, this text is often proclaimed on Transfiguration Sunday, the final Sunday after Epiphany. Liturgically, it serves as a hinge moment—bridging Jesus’ public ministry with his journey toward Jerusalem and the cross.

The Biblical Meaning of the Transfiguration

The Transfiguration reveals both the identity and mission of Christ. The appearance of Moses and Elijah symbolizes continuity with the Law and the Prophets, while the divine voice confirms Jesus’ authority. From this moment forward in the Gospel narrative, Jesus turns decisively toward his passion.

This event also anticipates Easter. The glory glimpsed on the mountain foreshadows the fullness of Christ’s resurrection, inviting believers to renew their commitment to the gospel.

For the disciples, the experience is both awe-inspiring and disorienting—so much so that Jesus instructs them not to speak of it until after the resurrection. Theologically, the Transfiguration reminds the Church that revelation often precedes suffering; glory is inseparable from the path of obedience.

Transfiguration Sunday in United Methodist Worship

The United Methodist Church orders its worship life through resources such as The United Methodist Book of Worship, the denomination’s official liturgical guide containing Scripture readings, prayers, and services for the Christian year.

Although practices vary by congregation, Transfiguration Sunday functions as a climactic conclusion to the Epiphany season—a time focused on the manifestation of Christ to the world. By placing this radiant moment immediately before Lent, the Church prepares believers to move from revelation to repentance, from illumination to sacrificial discipleship.

In many Methodist contexts, the day is sometimes described as a “Transformation Sunday,” emphasizing not only what happened to Jesus but what God continues to do in believers.

Transformation and Wesleyan Doctrine

Transformation lies at the heart of Methodist theology. The Wesleyan tradition teaches that salvation is not static; believers are called to grow continually in holiness through the process of sanctification.

John Wesley described this as a cooperative work of God and the believer—God empowers transformation while the disciple actively responds in faithful living.

A related Methodist concept is imparted righteousness, understood as the gracious work of the Holy Spirit after justification that enables Christians to pursue holiness and Christian perfection.

Even more vividly, Methodist teaching on entire sanctification speaks of a “radical and often surprising transformation,” characterized by wholehearted love of God and neighbor.

When read through this doctrinal framework, the Transfiguration becomes more than a historical miracle—it is a theological preview of what God desires for humanity: lives increasingly conformed to the likeness of Christ.

The Wesleyan Way of Interpreting the Mountain

Methodists traditionally engage Scripture through the Wesleyan Quadrilateral, drawing on Scripture, tradition, reason, and Christian experience as sources for theological reflection.

Applied to Matthew 17:

• Scripture reveals Christ’s glory.

• Tradition situates the event within the Church calendar.

• Reason helps us see its implications for discipleship.

• Experience invites believers to encounter transforming grace personally.

Thus, the Transfiguration is not distant history—it becomes a lived reality as Christians are “transformed…from one degree of glory to another” through the Spirit (cf. 2 Cor. 3:18, cited in Methodist discussions of imparted righteousness).

Why Transfiguration Sunday Matters Today

For United Methodists, this day carries at least three enduring implications:

1. It centers Christ.

The heavenly voice commands the disciples—and the Church—to “listen to him.” Discipleship begins with attention to Christ’s authority.

2. It frames the journey toward the cross.

The brilliance of the mountain prepares believers for the solemnity of Lent, reminding us that suffering never has the final word.

3. It calls the Church to transformation.

Methodism has always emphasized growth in grace. The shining Christ reveals not only who Jesus is but who we are becoming through the Spirit.

In an age often tempted toward spiritual complacency, Transfiguration Sunday stands as a theological corrective: faith is meant to change us. The mountain experience equips the Church to descend into the valleys of everyday ministry with renewed clarity and courage.

Conclusion

Matthew 17:1–9 invites the Church to behold the glory of Christ—but not to remain on the mountain. Like Peter, we may wish to build dwellings and linger in sacred moments. Yet Jesus leads his disciples back down, into the work of healing, teaching, and ultimately redemption.

Transfiguration Sunday reminds United Methodists that revelation demands response. The same God who revealed divine glory in Christ continues the work of sanctifying believers today. To follow Jesus is to enter an ongoing process of transformation—until, by grace, the light glimpsed on the mountain is reflected in the life of the Church.

Bibliography

• “Entire Sanctification: A Guest Blog.” Central Texas Conference, United Methodist Church.

• “Imparted Righteousness.” Wikipedia. 

• “Transfiguration Sunday.” Pender United Methodist Church Blog.

• “Wesleyan & Keswick Models of Sanctification.” Bible.org.

• “Wesleyan Quadrilateral.” Wikipedia. 

• “What We Believe.” First Methodist Church Henderson.

• The United Methodist Book of Worship (1992). United Methodist Publishing House.