On the Mountaintop

The transfiguration of Jesus was a significant event. It was the halfway point on a very difficult journey. From here, Jesus went backward from the cradle and forward to the cross. Jesus apparently believed the time was right for the disciples, specifically Peter, James, and John, to have a greater glimpse of His glory.

Jesus singled these three out on a number of occasions. When Jesus raised a child from the dead, He took Peter, James, and John. Later, at the Garden of Gethsemane, there were Peter, James, and John. Perhaps they were the super-spiritual disciples, the spiritual elite. Or maybe they just needed special attention. Whatever the reason, Jesus took these three with Him, and He was transfigured before their eyes. His garments became as white as light. His face shone like the sun. Moses and Elijah’s presence there with Him only added to the drama of this wonderful day.

Peter couldn’t contain Himself any longer and exclaimed, “Master, this is wonderful! We will make three shrines—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” Essentially he was saying, “Let’s stay here. This is the right idea. You glorified. You shining. Let’s just camp out here.”

Believers today have a tendency to do this as well. As this world grows darker, we are inclined to withdraw into a Christian subculture instead of realizing there is a world in need around us. God wants us to reach the world with the gospel. But to do so, we need to come down from our mountaintops and live this Christian life in the real world.