Jesus was transfigured. What does that mean and how do we follow Him into our transfiguration?
2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2
Since, then, we have such a hope, we act with great boldness, not like Moses, who put a veil over his face to keep the people of Israel from gazing at the end of the glory that was being set aside. But their minds were hardened. Indeed, to this very day, when they hear the reading of the old covenant, that same veil is still there, since only in Christ is it set aside.
Indeed, to this very day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their minds; but when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit.
Therefore, since it is by God’s mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart. We have renounced the shameful things that one hides; we refuse to practice cunning or to falsify God’s word; but by the open statement of the truth we commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God.
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Transfiguration: Accepting or Rejecting Change
This passage, set in the context of Transfiguration Sunday, invites us to accept or reject our own transfiguration. It is only by turning to Jesus that we may experience the scriptures in a way that transforms us. Often, when we read the Bible, it’s challenging to reconcile the God of the Old Testament with the God of the New Testament. But Jesus came to show us who God truly is. When we read the Old Testament, we must let go of old misconceptions and see God with fresh eyes. If the God we see doesn’t look like Jesus, then we aren’t seeing God correctly.
Seeing Scripture Through the Lens of Christ
Paul encourages his readers to understand scripture through the image of Christ. He argues that not reading the law through this lens is like allowing a veil to remain over our minds. Removing this veil grants us freedom from the law—a freedom that transforms us into the image of God. Paul emphasizes that this liberation is essential for our transfiguration into Christ’s image.
Living with Openness and Honesty
Paul describes a posture the church should embody: openness, honesty, and transparency. He writes about acting “with great boldness,” renouncing “shameful things,” refusing “to practice cunning or to falsify God’s word,” and commending themselves “to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God.”
But here’s the beautiful twist: Christ is the one who sets us free from the need to hide. We hide because of fear. Jesus removes that fear. He sets us free.
“…but when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed.”
What Does It Mean to Turn to the Lord?
What does it mean to “turn to the Lord,” and what is this veil that gets removed?
It’s easy to interpret this as an instant transformation. However, Paul also says:
“And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit.”
Transformation Takes Time and Community
Three phrases stand out: “all of us,” “reflected in a mirror,” and “from one degree of glory to another.” This transformation isn’t just personal; it’s communal. Our culture often celebrates individual achievement, but Paul is speaking to the church as a whole. Change happens slowly. The church has been transforming for 2,000 years, as the Spirit guides us.
As we learn to see Christ throughout scripture, we better reflect Him in ourselves. On the road to Emmaus, Jesus “opened their eyes” to the scriptures. He lifted the veil, showing the disciples how all of scripture reflects Him just as He reflected God’s love through His humanity.
Becoming a Reflection of Christ
We, as the church, are transformed into Christ’s reflection as we imitate Him. Perhaps the church’s ongoing transformation—our transfiguration “from one degree of glory to another”—is part of His second coming. While we await His return, we must also recognize that Christ is already among us:
“Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who will receive good things from my Father. Inherit the kingdom that was prepared for you before the world began. I was hungry and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me. I was naked and you gave me clothes to wear. I was sick and you took care of me. I was in prison and you visited me.’” (Matthew 25:34-36)
Christ Among Us: A Profound Mystery
We often think of Christ’s return as a future event, like in 1 Thessalonians 4:16 where He appears in the clouds. Many have tried to predict when this will happen. Yet, He also assures us that He is already among us. This mystery is profound, and none of us fully understand it.
For me, the balance between these two truths is not to wait passively for Christ’s return or obsess over it. Instead, I am called to seek Christ in my neighbor—the one I am called to love. As I love my neighbor, I am transfigured “from one degree of glory to another,” becoming a clearer reflection of Christ’s image to the world.
