Why the Transfiguration Matters—and Why The Chosen Omitting It Is a Big Deal
Millions have been inspired by The Chosen—a creative and emotional retelling of Jesus’ earthly ministry. It’s helped viewers connect with the humanity of Christ and the personal struggles of the disciples. But for all it gets right, there’s one moment it leaves out entirely:
The Transfiguration of Jesus.
And this isn’t a minor creative choice—it’s a theologically massive omission.
What Is the Transfiguration?
According to John MacArthur, the Transfiguration is:
“A glimpse of the unveiled glory of the Son of God… a preview of His second coming in power and glory, and a confirmation of everything He had claimed.”
(The MacArthur New Testament Commentary: Matthew 17)
This wasn’t a vision or illusion—it was a real, historical, supernatural event in which Jesus temporarily allowed His divine glory to shine through His humanity. He didn’t become something new—He revealed what He had always been.
The biblical accounts (Matthew 17, Mark 9, Luke 9) tell us that Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a high mountain—traditionally Mount Tabor, though many scholars believe it was Mount Hermon, near Caesarea Philippi. There, He was transfigured before them:
“His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.” (Matthew 17:2, NKJV)
Moses and Elijah appeared beside Him, representing the Law and the Prophets, both deferring to Christ. Then a bright cloud overshadowed them, and God the Father declared:
“This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” (Matthew 17:5, NKJV)
MacArthur emphasizes that this was the Father’s divine affirmation of the Son—a public declaration of His authority, deity, and mission, given to the three key disciples who would later lead the early Church.
When Did It Happen?
The Transfiguration occurred shortly after Peter’s confession that Jesus was the Christ (Matthew 16:16). Matthew and Mark say it happened six days later; Luke says “about eight days.” This places the event in the fall of AD 29, roughly six months before Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, and months before the Upper Room Discourse (John 13–17).
This was a decisive shift. From this moment forward, Jesus turned away from public ministry and began preparing His disciples for His death, burial, and resurrection (see Matthew 16:21; Luke 9:51).
Why the Transfiguration Matters
- It Reveals Jesus’ True Glory
MacArthur teaches that Jesus’ glory was not given to Him here—it was unveiled. The Transfiguration confirms that Christ is not merely a prophet or teacher but the eternal Son of God. - It Validates the Fulfillment of Scripture
Moses and Elijah symbolize the Law and the Prophets. Their presence confirms that Jesus is the fulfillment of all Scripture—not an addition to it. - It Affirms the Father’s Approval
God’s voice affirms Jesus’ authority and identity: “This is My beloved Son.” As MacArthur notes, this declaration solidifies Jesus as the divine Messiah and final revelation of God to man. - It Foreshadows the Second Coming
The Transfiguration offers a foretaste of Jesus’ return “in power and great glory” (Matthew 24:30). What the disciples saw was a preview of the glorified Christ who will come again to reign.
Peter never forgot it:
“We were eyewitnesses of His majesty… and we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.”
—2 Peter 1:16–18 (NKJV)
Why The Chosen Skipping This Is a Big Deal
The Transfiguration isn’t just a dramatic highlight—it’s a theological anchor. And yet, The Chosen has skipped it.
Many viewers believe this wasn’t accidental. The omission may reflect an effort to avoid theological controversy—especially with Latter-day Saints (Mormons), who are heavily involved in supporting and promoting the series. While the creators claim the show isn’t Mormon, there’s clearly a desire to make the show palatable across denominational lines.
That inclusivity comes with a cost.
Mormon doctrine does not teach the Transfiguration as a literal, divine revelation of Jesus’ eternal glory. Rather than affirming Christ’s eternal deity, LDS theology often reinterprets this event as a symbolic or spiritual manifestation—viewing Jesus as the first spirit child of Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother, not as the co-eternal Son.
- In Mormonism, God the Father is a glorified man with a physical body, distinct from Jesus.
- Jesus is considered to have earned His divine status, rather than possessing it eternally.
- The Transfiguration is not typically understood as a confirmation of preexistent divine glory, but a momentary elevation.
This stands in direct contrast to the biblical record and to MacArthur’s interpretation, which presents the Transfiguration as a visible, divine affirmation of Jesus’ unchanging identity as God the Son.
By omitting this moment, The Chosen risks presenting a Jesus who is relatable, but not radiant. Inspiring—but not glorified. Wise—but not worshiped.
And that’s not just a small omission.
That’s a distortion of the gospel.
Final Thought
Jesus didn’t need to be transfigured for Himself.
He did it for us—to confirm His deity, fulfill Scripture, and strengthen the faith of His disciples.
“This is My beloved Son. Hear Him.”
—Matthew 17:5 (NKJV)
If your version of Jesus never shines in glory,
you’ll misunderstand the One who went to the cross—and the One who is coming again.
Let’s not settle for a partial Jesus.
Let’s proclaim the full Christ—divine and human, crucified and risen, glorified and returning.
Because He is.