The Son of God is the SUN

 The Bible is filled with poetic allegory, symbolism, and deep metaphorical meanings. One of the most intriguing interpretations of scripture is the parallel between Jesus and the sun. This perspective suggests that biblical stories, particularly in the New Testament, use the movements of the sun to illustrate the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

The Baptism of Jesus and the Rising Sun

In Matthew 3:16-17, Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. The scripture states that as Jesus emerged from the water, the heavens opened, and the Spirit of God descended like a dove. A voice from heaven then proclaimed, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

This imagery can be understood allegorically. The sun, like Jesus, rises each morning on the eastern horizon, emerging from the sea (or appearing to rise from the ocean in many locations). The act of baptism—going under and then emerging from water—mirrors the cycle of the sun as it sets and rises again. When Jesus “went up straightway out of the water,” it can be seen as a symbolic representation of sunrise. The Spirit of God descending like a dove can also be interpreted as the sun’s radiant beams spreading light across the sky. The dove, traditionally associated with peace and purity, represents the soft, warm light of dawn, signifying a new beginning.

Dove and Raven: The Cycle of the Sun

The connection between the dove and the sun continues with Noah’s story in Genesis. After 40 days and nights of rain, Noah released two birds—a raven and a dove. These two birds can symbolize the perpetual cycle of night and day, sunset and sunrise. The raven, dark and ominous, represents the setting sun, leading to darkness, while the dove, bright and gentle, represents the rising sun, bringing light to the world.

This duality echoes the daily pattern of the sun’s journey. At dusk, the world is plunged into darkness (the raven, the absence of light). At dawn, light returns (the dove, the presence of light). In the same way, Jesus’ resurrection after three days in the tomb symbolizes the return of the sun after a long night.

Matthew 17 and the Revelation of the Sun/Son

In Matthew 17, the Transfiguration of Jesus takes place. Jesus ascends a high mountain with Peter, James, and John. There, his appearance is transformed: “His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light” (Matthew 17:2).

This moment serves as a clear revelation of Jesus’ divine nature, but it also reinforces the connection between the Son of God and the sun in the sky. The description of Jesus shining like the sun directly associates him with celestial light, which sustains life and brings warmth and guidance. The voice from heaven, once again declaring Jesus as God’s beloved Son, can be seen as an affirmation that the Son (Jesus) and the Sun (the celestial body) share symbolic significance.

The Sun as the Eternal Risen Son

Throughout history, many cultures have worshipped the sun as a life-giving force. In Christianity, Jesus is described as the “Light of the World” (John 8:12), a title that further solidifies this connection. The sun rises each day, bringing light to the world, just as Jesus’ teachings bring spiritual enlightenment. The resurrection of Jesus on the third day mirrors the sun’s daily rebirth at dawn after the darkness of night.

The Bible’s poetic language allows for multiple layers of interpretation, and the allegory of the sun and Son is one of its most profound. The beautiful symmetry between celestial movements and biblical narratives suggests that the story of Jesus is not only a historical or theological account but also a cosmic metaphor reflecting the rhythms of the natural world.

In Matthew 17, God reveals His Son is the Sun—both the literal light of the sky and the spiritual light of the world.