Scholarly discussions of the Transfiguration event whether examined in Matthew, Mark or Luke nearly all begin by admitting that no one is still very sure what this story is all about.

Is it trying to tell early Christians about Jesus' unique, exalted position as Messiah? Or should we focus our attention more closely on the disciples and their experience on the mountain- top? Even if we resolve the issue of focus, the event itself remains strange. Elijah and Moses carry such heavy symbolic cargo in Jewish tradition and culture that the purpose of their appearance on the mountaintop with Jesus is far from clear. And then, of course, there are those "booths" Peter blathers on about what does their mention add to the point of this remarkable incident?

First, we must look at the Trans-figuratio…