“Six days later Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John the brother of James, and led them privately up a high mountain. And he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. Then Moses and Elijah also appeared before them, talking with him. So Peter said to Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you want, I will make three shelters—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my one dear Son, in whom I take great delight. Listen to him!’ When the disciples heard this, they were overwhelmed with fear and threw themselves down with their faces to the ground. But Jesus came and touched them. ‘Get up,’ he said. ‘Do not be afraid.’ When they looked up, all they saw was Jesus alone.” —Matthew 17:1–8
I think if Peter were with us today, he would tell us it is sometimes better to simply not say anything!
During this particular moment with Jesus, Peter didn’t know what he was saying—of course he didn’t!
I am kind of with Peter. I can certainly see why he wanted to stay up on that mountain top. It was so much more peaceful and pleasant up there than dealing with all those frustratingly annoying sheep below. It’s pure peace at the feet of the Master.
But it was not God’s plan for Peter, James, and John to set up residence on the mountaintop. And it isn’t His plan for us either. Earth is not our home, heaven is. Peter was permitted that glorious encounter for the benefit of me and for you. He was given a special moment with Jesus that revealed His very nature. Our encounters, whether they are truths taught or an experience of God’s faithfulness demonstrated in our lives, are not for us alone. They are to be used to help strengthen the faith of others as well.
In our verses for today, Jesus takes His inner circle—Peter, James, and John—up a high mountain for an encounter with God that they will never forget. Indeed, Peter records in his second epistle as being an eyewitness to this incredible encounter:
“For we did not follow cleverly concocted fables when we made known to you the power and return of our Lord Jesus Christ; no, we were eyewitnesses of his grandeur. For he received honor and glory from God the Father, when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory: ‘This is my dear Son, in whom I am delighted.’ When this voice was conveyed from heaven, we ourselves heard it, for we were with him on the holy mountain.” —2 Peter 1:16–18
In the Matthew passage it tells us that Jesus was “transfigured” before them. The word translated “transfigured” is from the Greek word metamorphoo meaning “to transform, change one’s form; to alter fundamentally.” This word is used of Jesus’ transfiguration which involved the miracle of transformation from an earthly form into a supernatural one … It describes a spiritual transformation, an invisible process in Christians which takes place during their life in this age. (Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible, New Testament Lexical Aids). This same word is found in Romans 12:2 when Paul warns us to be different from the world by being “transformed” by the renewing of our minds:
“Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God—what is good and well-pleasing and perfect.” —Romans 12:2
Paul also tells us in 2 Corinthians that believers are being “transformed” into Christ’s likeness with ever-increasing glory which comes from the Holy Spirit:
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is present, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled faces reflecting the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another, which is from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” —2 Corinthians 3:17–18
As we demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit in our lives we are progressively being transformed into Christ’s likeness—and Christlikeness is the goal of our Christian walk.
Become More
“You were taught with reference to your former way of life to lay aside the old man who is being corrupted in accordance with deceitful desires, to be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and to put on the new man who has been created in God’s image—in righteousness and holiness that comes from truth.” —Ephesians 4:22–24
Further Reflection
It was not God’s plan for Peter, James, and John to set up residence on the mountaintop. And it isn’t His plan for us either.