stephen R Harrison

“On the Mountain”

“As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them,

‘Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man

has been raised from the dead.’”

-Matthew 17:9

Have you ever had a close encounter with a celebrity? I once met Muhammad Ali at a college homecoming parade. I still have the picture of him with his fist on my chin and his autograph on a bank deposit slip I found on the ground. I was at a loss for words but thankful for that close encounter. When we meet someone famous, we can have various reactions. On one occasion in Scripture, some of the disciples encountered God, Jesus, Moses, and Elijah simultaneously in a glorious way! 

Jesus’ disciples walked with him for approximately three years before he ascended back to heaven. What an experience this must have been to be with Jesus, the Son of God! On one occasion, Jesus took three of his closest disciples up on a mountain for a glorious encounter. Peter, James, and John had been with Jesus in the healing of Jarius’ daughter (Mark 5:35-43) and would again go a little further with him in the Garden of Gethsemane time of prayer just before the crucifixion (Matthew 26:36-46). On the Mount of Transfiguration, Jesus was transformed before them as his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light (Matthew 17:1-2). What a glorious sight this must have been! A nearly blinding one! The Greek word for “transfigured” is the same as “transformed” in Romans 12:2. Not only was Jesus bright as the sun, but something else remarkable happened. Moses and Elijah showed up and talked with Jesus. As if that wasn’t enough, God showed up in a bright cloud and said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him, I am well pleased. Listen to Him!” Talk about an encounter of a lifetime!

This was such an event that Peter said he would make three houses for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah to live in as if to say, “I don’t want this moment ever to end. Let’s just live here forever”. Would you blame him? Matthew tells us the three disciples fell to their feet in fear. Like Jesus always did in those moments, he comforted them, saying, “Get up. Don’t be afraid” (Matthew 17:7). When they stood up, only Jesus was present. He put this encounter in perspective and instructed them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead” (v. 9). How could they keep that quiet? How could they not tell the other disciples or anyone else they met? They would at the appointed time. Peter would speak about this incredible encounter (2 Peter 1:16-21).

Moses and Elijah’s presence on the mountain with Jesus did not symbolize equality with Jesus. When the disciples looked up, only Jesus remained in front of them. He was “counted worthy of more glory than Moses” (Hebrews 3:3) and brought the fulfillment of Moses’ words, “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers – it is to him you shall listen” (Deuteronomy 18:15).  He was greater than the prophet Elijah as well. Jesus was the only one who could pay for our sins on the cross. The Transfiguration was a glorious encounter but a preview of the future glory and exaltation of Jesus. A greater transformation happened – Jesus died and rose again!

Questions: 

What do you think Peter, James, and John thought and felt at the Mount of Transfiguration?

How has the resurrection of Jesus transformed your life?

Prayer:

Jesus, you are glorious in every way. Your transfiguration must have been an amazing encounter as a preview of your future glory in the resurrection and ascension. Thank you for our encounter through salvation and the indwelling and filling of your Spirit. May we keep our eyes on you! In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Read: 

Matthew 17:1-13

Action Step:

Write a few sentences on why you think Jesus took three disciples further in ministry than others.