The Transformations of Christ

The following thoughts are based upon three foundations:
1. Faith in the Word as truth
2. Reason derived from experience, science and logic
3. Holy Ghost interpretation of scripture detail down to a word or phrase

Without knowledge of these things understanding would become impossible.

At Conception

Remembering that, in the beginning, Christ came out of God the Father, who was spirit, Jesus began in spirit form. (Study the lesson on the Trinity.) (In nature, that which is conceived always follows the pattern of the parent.) (The words “became flesh” describing Christ, indicate that He was changed from something else into physical flesh. His original form was Spirit as is God The Father. This would also allow how He could be passed into Mary’s body by the Holy Spirit.)
Joh_1:14 And the Word became flesh, and tabernacled among us. And we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and of truth.

Christ remained in this adult nature while He created all things, speaking them into existence. It is interesting how spirit can control the formation of physical things. Consider these things:
Eph_3:9 and to bring to light what is the fellowship of the mystery which from eternity has been hidden in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ;
2Pe_3:5 For this is hidden from them by their willing it, that the heavens were of old, and the earth out of the water, and through water, being held together by the Word of God,
With the study of atomic size particles, we have learned that matter is held together by cross-shaped bonds called Laminin. By definition:
Laminins are high-molecular weight proteins of the extracellular matrix. They are a major component of the basal lamina, a protein network foundation for most cells and organs. The laminins are an important and biologically active part of the basal lamina, influencing cell differentiation, migration, and adhesion.

Now, back to the main thought pattern.
However, when the Holy Spirit came upon Mary and entered her womb to impart the seed of God, Jesus became miraculously changed into the seed of an infant human. He grew as a normal boy as part of Joseph and Mary’s family, and was guided and empowered through the Holy Spirit during development.

Luk 1:30 And the angel said to her, Do not fear, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
Luk 1:31 And behold! You shall conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call His name JESUS.
Luk 1:32 He shall be great and shall be called the Son of the Highest. And the Lord God shall give Him the throne of His father David.
Luk 1:33 And He shall reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there shall be no end.
Luk 1:34 Then Mary said to the angel, How shall this be, since I do not know a man?
Luk 1:35 And the angel answered and said to her, The Holy Spirit shall come on you, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow you. Therefore also that Holy One which will be born of you shall be called Son of God.

On the mountain of transfiguration

Before entering Jerusalem for His trial and crucifixion, Jesus went to a mountain where Moses and Elijah were sent to tell Him (Luke 9:31) what lay ahead. There, God’s spirit fell upon Him and the glory of God radiated from Him. It is this same glory that will light a spiritual Heaven that has no need for a sun to provide visible light as we know it today. During this encounter God the Father also was present and spoke of His pride in His Son. This had also happened during His baptism by John when the Father and the Holy Spirit were present.

Mat 17:1 And after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain apart.
Mat 17:2 And He was transfigured before them. And His face shone as the sun, and His clothing was white as the light.
Mat 17:3 And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah talking with Him.
Mat 17:4 And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here. If You will, let us make here three tabernacles; one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.
Mat 17:5 While he yet spoke, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them. And behold a voice out of the cloud which said, This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased, hear Him.

Mar 9:2 And after six days Jesus took Peter and James and John and led them up into a high mountain, apart by themselves. And He was transfigured before them.
Mar 9:3 And His clothing became shining, exceedingly white as snow such as no fuller on earth could whiten them.
Mar 9:4 And Elijah with Moses was seen by them, and they were talking with Jesus.
Mar 9:5 And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. And let us make three tabernacles, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.
Mar 9:6 For he did not know what to say, for they were very much afraid.
Mar 9:7 And there was a cloud that overshadowed them. And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is My beloved Son. Hear Him.
Mar 9:8 And suddenly, looking around, they did not see anyone any more, except Jesus alone with themselves.
Mar 9:9 And as they came down from the mountain, He commanded them that they should tell no one the things that they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead.

Luk 9:28 And about eight days after these sayings, He took Peter and John and James and went up into a mountain to pray.
Luk 9:29 And as He prayed, the appearance of His countenance was altered, and His clothing was dazzling white.
Luk 9:30 And behold, two men talked with Him, who were Moses and Elijah,
Luk 9:31 who appeared in glory and spoke of His exodus, which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.
Luk 9:32 But Peter and those with him were heavy with sleep. But fully awakening, they saw His glory, and the two men who stood with Him.
Luk 9:33 And in their parting from Him, it happened that Peter said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here. And let us make three tabernacles, one for You and one for Moses and one for Elijah; not knowing what he said.
Luk 9:34 And as he was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them. And they feared as they entered into the cloud.
Luk 9:35 And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is My Son, the Beloved, hear Him.
Luk 9:36 And when the voice occurred, Jesus was found alone. And they were silent, and told no one in those days anything which they had seen.

On rising in the tomb

When the body of Jesus was washed and prepared for burial by wrapping with linens a great deal of myrrh and aloes was used. This sticky mixture would harden and form an encasement about the body. It is unlikely that the hardening would be complete during the three days that Jesus was buried, but the adhesive quality of the ointments on the linen bandages would have made it impossible, under ordinary circumstances, for Jesus to escape unless He passed through the linens. When the disciples saw the wrappings lying empty (and in place) they knew that Jesus had indeed risen from the dead. The fact that He had passed through the encasement while in spiritual form would be repeated again later when He entered a locked room and changed back into human form to eat and for Thomas to touch. All this was evidence of a supernatural occurrence happening. It was with great wonder, amazement and joy that Peter saw the empty tomb, the empty linens and believed that Jesus had risen as He had predicted.

Luk 24:12 And Peter arose and ran to the tomb, and stooping down he saw the linens lying alone. And he went away wondering to himself at what had happened.

Joh 19:39 And Nicodemus also came, who at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds.
Joh 19:40 Then they took the body of Jesus and wound it with linens with the spices, as is the custom of the Jews to bury.

Joh 20:1 The first of the sabbaths Mary Magdalene came early to the tomb, darkness still being on it, and she saw the stone taken away from the tomb.
Joh 20:2 Then she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and said to them, They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.
Joh 20:3 Therefore Peter and that other disciple went forth and came to the tomb.
Joh 20:4 So they both ran together. And the other disciple outran Peter and came first to the tomb.
Joh 20:5 And stooping down he saw the linens lying, yet he did not go in.
Joh 20:6 Then Simon Peter came following him and went into the tomb. And he saw the linens lying there.
Joh 20:7 And the grave-cloth that was on His head was not lying with the linens, but was wrapped up in one place by itself.
Joh 20:8 Therefore, then, that other disciple also went in, the one who came first to the tomb. And he saw and believed.

Appearing to Mary Magdalene at the tomb

Mary Magdalene loved Jesus. He had saved her from 7 demons and had forgiven her of her sins. He had given her hope, self respect and a new life of value to be lived for god. Sadly, she had watched Him crucified with His mother and had helped anoint his body for burial. Now, she and another had come again to the tomb to honor him and reflect in mourning. Instead of finding the tomb sealed, as she expected, it was open and vacant. How much more could she endure? She wondered who had done this and where was her lord’s body now. She was broken and wept openly. Then, two angels spoke to her from the tomb interior. As she turned she saw a man standing behind her. Jesus appeared different though and she did not recognize Him. Oh, you think it was because her eyes were full of tears that she could not see clearly. But, consider also that she knew Jesus well and would have known His voice as well as her own. Jesus had changed. Then, when Jesus spoke her name, her eyes were opened in amazement. Her master was alive and standing before her. Her heart leapt with joy and she would have embraced Him, but for his caution not to touch Him. He had not yet risen to Heaven and the presence of His holy Father for another eternal transformation. He knew that there would be other opportunities in a little while for embraces, some questions and rejoicing.

Joh 20:11 But Mary stood outside of the tomb, weeping. And as she wept, she stooped down into the tomb.
Joh 20:12 And she saw two angels in white sitting there, the one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.
Joh 20:13 And they said to her, Woman, why do you weep? She said to them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.
Joh 20:14 And when she had said this, she turned backward and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus.
Joh 20:15 Jesus said to her, Woman, why do you weep? Whom do you seek? Supposing Him to be the gardener, she said to Him, Sir, if you have carried Him away from here, tell me where you have laid Him and I will take Him away.
Joh 20:16 Jesus said to her, Mary! She turned herself and said to Him, Rabboni! (which is to say, Master!)
Joh 20:17 Jesus said to her, Do not touch Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father. But go to My brothers and say to them, I ascend to My Father and Your Father, and to My God and your God.
Joh 20:18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord and that He had spoken these things to her.

On the road to Emmaus

Jesus was to appear to many in the next few days, but now He wanted a questioning conversation with strangers who had enough faith to have come to Jerusalem to learn about a man called Messiah to the Jews. As they returned home He joined them and spoke of recent events and the man they desired to understand. When they had heard the the body of Christ had disappeared or risen from death, they had even gone to the tomb, but had found nothing. So, they were sadly returning home less hopeful and with unanswered questions. All this time while walking their eyes had been unable to recognize Jesus for He appeared different. Even, when He spoke in detail about this man and prophecy, they did not make a connection to realize how this man could know so much. They were content to reason with Him and learn. But, when Jesus broke the loaf to eat and blessed it, their eyes were opened and they knew Him. Then, He became invisible, leaving them in a state of wonder which they would speak of at length to all they met.

Mar 16:12 After that He appeared in another form to two of them, walking and going into the country.

Luk 24:13 And behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, it being about sixty stadia from Jerusalem.
Luk 24:14 And they talked to each other of all these things which had happened.
Luk 24:15 And while they talked and reasoned, it happened that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them.
Luk 24:16 But their eyes were held so that they could not know Him.
Luk 24:30 And it happened as He reclined with them, taking the loaf, He blessed it, and breaking it, He gave to them.
Luk 24:31 And their eyes were opened, and they knew Him. And He became invisible to them.

In the room with the disciples after rising from death

Physical people do not pass through solid walls and doors, but spirits can. Humans do not see the spiritual world unless their eyes are allowed to by god. Stephen also showed us this when he was allowed to see Christ in Heaven just prior to his being stoned.
Act 7:55 But being full of the Holy Spirit, looking up intently into Heaven, he saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
Act 7:56 And he said, Behold, I see Heaven opened and the Son of Man standing on the right hand of God.

Knowing these things, we have a greater appreciation of Jesus appearing to the disciples in a locked room. The disciples were fearful of being found and killed after Jesus was crucified. Imagine their wonder when they heard that Christ had risen. Then, He appeared in their midst. Could they no longer trust their senses? Christ needed to reassure them, calm their fears, give them a mission and prepare them to receive the Holy Spirit for power to accomplish the mission. He proved to them three times that He was real by allowing them to touch Him and by eating with them. During the last encounter, at the beach, they did not recognize Him until God allowed it. He had appeared different as spirits and angels can do.

Heb_13:2 Do not be forgetful of hospitality, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.

Mar 16:14 Afterward He appeared to the Eleven as they reclined. And He reproached their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen.
Joh 20:19 Then the same day at evening, being the first of the sabbaths, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, Peace to you!
Joh 20:20 And when He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.
Joh 20:21 Then Jesus said to them again, Peace to you. As My Father has sent Me, even so I send you.
Joh 20:22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, Receive the Holy Spirit.
Joh 20:23 Of whomever sins you remit, they are remitted to them. Of whomever sins you retain, they are retained.
Joh 20:24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came.
Joh 20:25 The other disciples therefore said to him, We have seen the Lord. But he said to them, Unless I shall see the print of the nails in His hands, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into His side, I will not believe.
Joh 20:26 And after eight days the disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst and said, Peace to you!
Joh 20:27 Then He said to Thomas, Reach your finger here and behold My hands; and reach your hand here and thrust it into My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing.
Joh 20:28 And Thomas answered and said to Him, My Lord and my God!
Joh 20:29 Jesus said to him, Thomas, because you have seen Me you have believed. Blessed are they who have not seen and have believed.
Joh 20:30 And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book.

Jesus appearing to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias

Joh 21:1 After these things Jesus revealed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. And He revealed Himself this way:
Joh 21:2 Simon Peter, and Thomas called the Twin, and Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together.
Joh 21:3 Simon Peter said to them, I am going out to fish. They said to him, We will go with you also. They went out and entered into a boat immediately. And that night they caught nothing.
Joh 21:4 But when the morning had come, Jesus stood on the shore. But the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.
Joh 21:5 Then Jesus said to them, Children, do you have anything to eat? They answered Him, No.
Joh 21:6 And He said to them, Cast the net on the right side of the boat and you will find. Therefore they cast, and now they no longer had the strength to draw, from the multitude of fish.
Joh 21:7 Then that disciple whom Jesus loves said to Peter, It is the Lord! Then hearing that it is the Lord, Simon Peter girded on his coat (for he was naked), and cast himself into the sea.
Joh 21:8 And the other disciples came in a little boat (for they were not far from land, only about two hundred cubits), dragging the net of fish.
Joh 21:9 Then when they went up on the land, they saw a fire of coals there, and a fish lying on it, and bread.
Joh 21:10 And Jesus said to them, Bring from the fish which you have now caught.
Joh 21:11 Simon Peter went up and drew the net to land, full of big fish, a hundred and fifty-three. And though there were so many, the net was not torn.
Joh 21:12 Jesus said to them, Come, break fast. And none of the disciples dared to ask Him, Who are You? knowing that it was the Lord.
Joh 21:13 Then Jesus came and took the bread and gave to them, and in the same way the little fish.
Joh 21:14 This is now the three times Jesus was revealed to His disciples, He being risen from the dead.

Jesus appeared to many more

1Co 15:4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures;
1Co 15:5 and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the Twelve.
1Co 15:6 Afterward He was seen by over five hundred brothers at once, of whom the greater part remain until this present day, but also some fell asleep.
1Co 15:7 Afterward He was seen by James, then by all the apostles.
1Co 15:8 And last of all He was seen by me also, as one born out of time.

Summary:

In all these instances of people seeing Jesus after death we have to assume that either:

1. The Holy Spirit allowed each person to see and feel a spiritual Jesus or

2. Jesus actually changed form to again be as a human that could be touched and that could eat food.
Since, scripture informs me that He rose from the dead, I accept that He rose into a human form. I can readily accept that everyone that dies will continue in a spiritual form with the spirit that we already have. That would be nothing special. But, to rise again to a physical life with the same body that we had in life. That would be special and amazing! I would also accept that the bodies could be changed into a different eternal body as when Jesus explained to Mary not to touch Him for He had not yet risen to the Father.

3. There is another possibility, that Jesus could change from Spirit to Physical form at will. This is the most likely since Christ passed through solid things and yet could be touched and eat as a human. Such transformations also would account for changes in appearance that Jesus had. Also, for the changes that created angels can have when they visited earth as described in the old testament. One was invisible to Balaam, but could be seen by his donkey. Another angel or Christ later wrestled with Jacob and could certainly be touched. Angels (or the saved in Heaven) as sons of god were also described as having come to earth and mating with earthly women. All these descriptions require transforming from one form to another. How amazing God is that He planned all of this. We see darkly now, but shall know all when we reach Heaven. Be ready by repenting of sin and accepting Christ as Lord now.

References:
Gen_6:2 the sons of God saw the daughters of men, that they were good. And they took wives for themselves from all whom they chose.
Gen_6:4 There were giants in the earth in those days. And also after that, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men, and they bore to them, they were mighty men who existed of old, men of renown.
Job_1:6 And a day came when the sons of God came to present themselves before Jehovah. And Satan also came among them.
Job_38:7 when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
Mat_5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers! For they shall be called the sons of God.
Luk_20:36 Nor can they die any more, for they are equal to the angels, and are the sons of God, being the sons of the resurrection.
Rom_8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
Rom_8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creation waits for the manifestation of the sons of God.
Rom_9:26 And it shall be, in the place where it was said to them. “You are not My people; there they shall be called sons of the living God.”
Gal_3:26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
Php_2:15 so that you may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation. Among these you shine as lights in the world,

Num 22:22 And God’s anger was kindled because he went. And the Angel of Jehovah stood in the way as an enemy against him. And he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants with him.
Num 22:23 And the ass saw the Angel of Jehovah standing in the way, and His sword drawn in His hand. And the ass turned aside out of the way and went into the field. And Balaam struck the ass, to turn her into the way.
Num 22:31 Then Jehovah opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the Angel of Jehovah standing in the way, and His sword drawn in His hand. And he bowed down his head, and fell on his face.

Gen 32:24 And Jacob was left alone. And a Man wrestled there with him until the breaking of the day.
Gen 32:25 And when He saw that He did not prevail against him, He touched the hollow of his thigh. And the hollow of Jacob’s thigh was out of joint as he wrestled with Him.