The Feast of the Transfiguration commemorates the occasion when Jesus Christ took three of his disciples, Peter, James, and John, up on Mount Tabor where Moses and Elijah appeared.
"As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning." (Luke 9:29).
According to the Encyclopaedia Britannica, the Feast of the Transfiguration “celebrates the revelation of the eternal glory of the Second Person of the Trinity, which was normally veiled during Christ's life on earth.”.
The city of Nazareth, the hometown of Jesus, is located 9 kilometers or approximately 5-1/2 miles west of Mount Tabor. Thus, on a clear day, you will be able to see Nazareth from atop Mount Tabor.
Here's a video from one of our pilgrimages in the Holy Land.
The account of the Transfiguration of Jesus can be found in the Matthew 17:1-8. (See also Mark 9 and Luke 9). Jesus takes Peter, James and John with him “up on a high mountain.”
Although the biblical text does not name the mountain which Jesus and his disciples ascended, Origen in the 3rd century A.D. identified Mount Tabor as the location. While they are on the mountain, Jesus is “transfigured before them: His face [shines] like the sun, and His garments [become] as white as light.”
In his transfigured state, Jesus speaks with Moses and Elijah. Can you imagine the disciples at this point? Of course Peter is the only one who speaks, and what is his thought? To build tents for each one of them—one for Jesus, one for Moses and one for Elijah! Then the disciples hear the voice of God the Father from the clouds declaring: “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!”
At this point no one speaks, but rather the disciples fall on their faces terrified. How will you feel when you stand at the place this happened? Choose an upcoming tour and find out for yourself!
