Transfiguration and Gender

Some of my female colleagues have confessed some apathy about the Transfiguration because it is rather male-centric (Jesus, Peter, James and John go up the mountain and meet Elijah and Moses).  They say that while the men are away having a mountain-top experience, the women are in the valleys doing the real work.

I think this is a dreadful over-simplification and dismissal of this dramatic and awesome event.  It is a great example of where our postmodern sensibilities (and sensitiveness) can do more harm than good, when we lose sight of the big picture –  which Jesus never does!

We cannot deny that most of the Bible was written by men from a male perspective in a patriarchal society.  It is easier to accept that fact than get upset about it because there is nothing we can do to change it.  Yes, we believe that the Bible is the Word of God and it speaks to us millennia after it was written in a completely different context.  Yes, there is cultural bias inherent in that written Word, but that does not negate the importance of what was written, but should inspire us to yearn for Truth beyond those biases. 

If we dismiss the story of the Transfiguration simply because no women are present in the report, we deny the awesome revelation of the Christ before the Passion and Resurrection.  I think what is more profound is that Peter, James and John do not recognize or understand what they are witnessing.  Jesus’ transfiguration is such an awesome event they cannot even comprehend what is happening.  In their defense, they had no reference to make sense of the events as they were not present at Jesus’ baptism. 

However, in my opinion, the purpose and intent of the Transfiguration is to foreshadow what the risen Christ will look like so that when these men encounter Christ after the Resurrection, there would be some recognition.  Even though Jesus tells them again and again, the apostles are ill prepared for what is about to happen when Jesus is persecuted.  They see Jesus as a victorious savior crowned with earthly glory.  Instead, the Transfiguration reveals the Christ’s heavenly glory, which is more profound and startling then any earthly laurels.  These events show the apostles that, ultimately, God wins.  Unfortunately, they cannot integrate that knowledge into their day-to-day lives and the narrative that follows these events show the deep spiritual struggle they had (especially Peter) with Jesus’ mission.  

I also believe that Moses and Elijah are present for Jesus, not the apostles.  Oh, to be a fly on the wall for that conversation!  “It’s OK, buddy.  We’re here for you.  What is about to happen is going to be intense, and you will be persecuted because you are proclaiming God.  We’ve been there, done that, and died.  It’s not the end.  In fact, because of you, it is just the beginning.  Remember that, especially when these guys let you down over and over again!”

Yes, those guys will deny and abandon Jesus, even though they had the incredible opportunity to be present at the Transfiguration. To be witness to theophany and not be changed is a travesty, regardless of what gender you are.