Ep. 177 - The Transfiguration: Sinai, the Tabernacle, and the Cross
Mass Readings for March 1, 2026
Jesus leads Peter, James, and John up the heights of Mount Tabor, and what unfolds is nothing short of breathtaking—his face blazing like the sun, a cloud of glory descending, and the sudden appearance of Moses and Elijah. In this episode, we peel back the layers of the Transfiguration, tracing its thick roots in Old Testament history and exploring the stunning parallels with Mount Sinai. We’ll unpack why Peter offers to build tents, how the story subtly hints at the hope of resurrection, and discover the hidden connections between this mountaintop moment and Christ’s coming crucifixion. Dive in for a Gospel scene that’s richer, deeper, and more electrifying than you ever imagined.
Diving deep into our Gospel we'll spend our episode looking closer at:
How Mount Tabor's location and the unforgettable journey to its summit help unlock the experience of the Transfiguration (01:04)
The subtle "after six days" cue Matthew uses to link the Transfiguration with Peter’s powerful declaration at Caesarea Philippi and the origins of papal authority (08:30)
The striking parallels between Jesus' Transfiguration on Mount Tabor and Moses' ascent of Mount Sinai with Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu—right down to the bright cloud and the glowing faces (15:21)
How Moses and Elijah’s presence with Jesus signals both the fulfillment of Law and Prophets and a hidden nod to the hope of resurrection according to ancient Jewish tradition and extra-biblical texts (27:35)
The deliberate link between the Transfiguration and the crucifixion, showing how Jesus reveals his true identity in both glory and in humility (35:34)
The connections between Peter’s proposal to build three tents and the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles, including the surprising significance of the Greek word "skēnē" and how feasts shaped Israelite identity (40:04)
References
“And he said to Moses, “Come up to the LORD, you and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu.” (Exodus 24:1)
“The glory of the Lord settled on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days; and on the seventh day he called to Moses out of the midst of the cloud. Now the appearance of the glory of the Lord was like a devouring fire on the top of the mountain in the sight of the sons of Israel. And Moses entered the cloud, and went up on the mountain.” (Exodus 24:16-18)
“When Moses came down from Mount Sinai, with the two tables of the covenant in his hand as he came down from the mountain, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God.” (Exodus 24:39)
“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17)
“And as they still went on and talked, behold, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.” (2 Kings 2:11)
“So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab.” (Deuteronomy 34:5)
“The archangel Michael, contending with the devil, disputed about the body of Moses.” (Jude 1:9)
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt ("skēnē") among us.” (John 1:14)
“And behold, two men talked with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus.” (Luke 9:30-31)
Bibliography
Keener, Craig S. The Gospel of Matthew: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI; Cambridge, U.K.: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2009.
Mitch, Curtis, and Edward Sri. The Gospel of Matthew. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2010.
Discussion Questions
Katie describes the Transfiguration as an “onion,” with multiple layers to peel back. What are some layers or dimensions of the Transfiguration story that stood out most to you from the episode?
How does the connection between the Transfiguration and the episode at Caesarea Philippi help explain why Jesus chose to show his glory to Peter, James, and John at this particular time?
The episode highlights several parallels between the Transfiguration and the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai (Exodus 24). What are the most striking similarities and differences mentioned, and why might they be significant?
The presence of Moses and Elijah in the Transfiguration has been traditionally interpreted as representing the Law and the Prophets. Katie offers an additional viewpoint centered on resurrection and bodily assumption. Do you find the newer interpretation compelling? Why or why not?
What is the importance of Peter’s suggestion to build “three tents” or “tabernacles,” and how does it connect to the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles as discussed in the episode?
According to the episode, why is Jesus’s identity on the cross considered “in some ways more important” than the glory revealed on Mount Tabor? Do you agree with this perspective?
How does the detail about the “cloud” function to link the Transfiguration and Old Testament accounts of God’s presence?
The episode discusses how suffering is an important theme of Lent, connected to the hope and foretaste of glory given in the Transfiguration. How might this insight shape your own approach to seasons of struggle or suffering?
What role do liturgical feasts—particularly the Feast of Tabernacles—play in deepening the meaning of Gospel events like the Transfiguration?
How does the idea of the “new exodus” and “dwelling in tents” relate to the vocation of Christians today, especially in living faith as part of the wider world?