Events on the Mount

Matthew 17:1–9. The Mount of Transfiguration

1.    Study the following references and compile a list of important events that happened on the Mount of Transfiguration:

a)      Matthew 17:1–9

b)      Luke 9:31 (see footnote a)

c)       2 Peter 1:16–18

d)      Doctrine and Covenants 63:21

e)      Institute student manual commentary for Matthew 17:3–4, “What Was Important About the Appearance of Moses and Elijah?” (pg. 103)

f)       Bible Dictionary, “Transfiguration, Mount of” (pg. 786)

2.    In what ways would this experience have prepared the three Apostles for the responsibilities they would soon have as leaders of the Church?

Important events on the Mount:

1.       I think the event happened on the seventh day of the week

2.       Peter, James and John were apart from the others

3.       Christ was transfigured

4.       Moses and Elias (Elijah) appeared to them

5.       Heavenly Father declared Christ to be his son from a cloud and instructed the apostles to hear him (Christ)

6.       The Apostles showed humility and respect for the event by offering to build tabernacles

7.       The Apostles were told to keep the event sacred.

8.       Moses and Elias spoke to Christ of his death and resurrection. 

9.       All these things were the apostles witnesses

10.    The apostles must have been shown many other things, one of those was the transfiguration of the earth

11.   On the mount is where Peter, James and John received the keys to the priesthood

12.   The relationship between Christ and his prophets was demonstrated.

It was important for Moses and Elijah to appear because they each held important keys pertaining to the priesthood that would be necessary to confer upon the apostles.  Moses held the keys to the gathering of Israel and Elijah the keys to the sealing power.  Another important aspect of their appearance we learn, is that they came as translated beings, not resurrected beings.  They did not taste of death, but were translated.  This was important as they would need bodies to confer these keys by the laying on of hands, but could not be resurrected as Christ was to be the first to resurrect.

This is a grand moment in the scriptures.  One that I think I take for granted.  I think the difficult part is that much of the doctrine about the event is spread out through ancient and modern revelation.  I think in order for Peter, James and John to take over the affairs of the church, this event was necessary.  This event would have made them even more of a “Special” witness of Christ.  The event opened their understanding to many future event, which no doubt strengthened their faith and resolve.  Hearing the voice of our Father in Heaven would have given them a testimony on how the god head works.  Most importantly they had the keys of the priesthood conferred upon them.  This was necessary to continue the work of salvation among men.  I think this would have been a mind blowing event for me.  I’m sure their physical states had to be altered to endure such an event.  I would have marveled for a long time on what transpired.