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Observe here, 1. A cloud was put before the disciples' eyes, for two reasons.
1. To allay the lustre and resplendency of that glory which they were swallowed up with. As we cannot look upon the sun in its full brightness, but under a cloud by reflection; so the glory of heaven is insupportable, till God veils it and shelters us from the surcharge of it.
2. A cloud overshadows them, to hinder their farther prying and looking into the glory. We must be content to behold God here through a cloud darkly, ere long we shall see him face to face.
Observe, 2. The testimony given by God the Father out of the cloud concerning Jesus Christ his son: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Here note, 1. The dignity of his person, he is a son, therefore, for nature coessential, for dignity coequal, for duration coeternal, with the Father; and a beloved son, because of his likeness and conformity to him. A father's likeness is the cause of love; a unison of wills causes a mutual endearing of affections.
Note, 2. The excellency of his mediation, In whom I am well pleased. Christ in himself was most pleasing to God the Father, and in and through him he is wll pleased with all believers. Christ's mediation for us makes God appeasable to us. .
Note, 3. The authority of his doctrine: Hear him, not Moses and Elias, who were servants, but Christ my Son, whom I have commissioned to be the great Prophet and Teacher of my church: therefore adore him as my Son, believe in him as your Saviour, and hear him as your lawgiver. He honours Christ most, that obeys him the best. The obedient ear honours Christ more than either the gazing eye, the adoring knee, or the applauding tongue. This is my beloved Son, hear him.