It's Time to Rise: The Transfiguration

Scripture: Matthew 17:1-9 / Mark 9:2-13

Mountains play a significant role throughout the Bible, often symbolizing moments of encounter with God. As we reflect on the Transfiguration of Jesus, we see how this mountain-top experience reveals His true identity and calls us to rise in faith and surrender.

What Mountain Are You Climbing?

Life often feels like a climb — challenging, exhausting, and full of unexpected twists. At times, we may feel like we’re making progress only to face a setback. Much like climbing a physical mountain, the journey of faith isn’t always straightforward.

Perhaps you're currently climbing a mountain of uncertainty, grief, or change. Maybe you’ve experienced moments where you thought you’d reached the summit, only to discover there’s still further to go. Yet, just like in life, the view from the top — the encounter with God’s glory — is always worth it.

The Transfiguration: A Mountain of Awe

In Matthew 17, Jesus leads Peter, James, and John up a high mountain. There, He is transfigured before them — His appearance changes, His clothes becoming dazzling white. Elijah and Moses appear alongside Him, and a voice from heaven declares:

"This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to Him!" (Matthew 17:5)

This moment was more than just a dramatic event; it was a pivotal revelation of Jesus’ identity. For Peter, James, and John, this encounter was life-changing. They witnessed Jesus not just as a teacher or prophet but as the very Son of God in His radiant glory.

A Moment of Awe

The Greek word for ‘transfigured’ is metamorphoō, from which we get the word 'metamorphosis.' Jesus’ appearance didn’t just change — His divine nature was revealed in overwhelming brilliance. Imagine the awe they must have felt in that moment!

We all experience glimpses of awe in our lives — the intricate beauty revealed under a microscope, the vast wonder seen through a telescope, or the simple joy on a child's face when they taste chocolate for the first time. Yet all these moments pale in comparison to what the disciples witnessed on that mountain.

The Bigger Picture

This moment of glory wasn’t just for the sake of awe; it had a deeper purpose. Leading up to this event, Jesus had begun explaining to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem to suffer, die, and rise again (Matthew 16:21). Understandably, Peter resisted this idea — how could the Messiah, the one they believed would rescue Israel, be destined to suffer?

The Transfiguration happened just days later, offering a glimpse of Jesus’ true identity and purpose. God was showing them that Jesus wasn’t merely a teacher or prophet — He was the glorious Son of God, fulfilling the promises of the Old Testament.

Why Moses and Elijah?

The presence of Moses and Elijah was no accident. These two iconic figures represented the Law and the Prophets — the foundation of Jewish faith. By appearing alongside Jesus, they pointed to Him as the ultimate fulfilment of God's plan.

• Moses' face once shone after encountering God’s glory on Mount Sinai — but Jesus' brilliance wasn’t reflected glory; it was His own divine radiance.
• Elijah’s presence reminded the disciples of God’s ongoing prophetic work — yet here, God’s voice redirected their focus: “This is my Son… listen to Him!”

The message was clear: As great as Moses and Elijah were, Jesus stands above them all.

The Glory They Didn’t Expect

The disciples likely hoped this radiant display would be followed by a triumphant victory over their enemies. But Jesus’ glory didn’t lead to immediate conquest — it led to the cross. The true power of Jesus' glory was found in His willingness to suffer, die, and rise again.

This is often where we struggle. We long for God’s glory to fix our problems instantly — to remove the struggle, heal the pain, or restore the brokenness. Yet God’s way is often different. Jesus' glory is revealed not in dominance but in surrender; not in avoiding suffering but in overcoming it.

Learning to Trust

Why did Jesus only take Peter, James, and John to witness this moment? We may never know. But perhaps this reminds us that there are some things God reveals to us that others may not yet see. As Jesus later told Thomas:

"Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." (John 20:29)

Our journey with God often requires us to trust Him even when we don’t fully understand.

Letting Go of Our Expectations

The disciples struggled because Jesus didn’t fit their expectations of the Messiah. They wanted a warrior king, yet Jesus’ path was one of sacrifice and surrender.

What about you? Are you holding onto an expectation of how God should act in your situation? Are you willing to trust Him even when His ways are different from what you hoped?

Will You Let Jesus Lead You Up the Mountain?

The Transfiguration reminds us that Jesus is the radiant Son of God — the one who calls us to follow Him, even when the path is hard. Just as Jesus led Peter, James, and John up the mountain, He calls us to rise — to step forward in faith, surrender, and trust.

The glory Jesus revealed wasn’t just for that moment; it points to the greater glory that awaits all who follow Him. The journey may be challenging, but the view from the top — the presence of Jesus — makes every step worth it.

Reflection Questions

1. What “mountain” are you climbing with God right now? What challenges are you facing as you follow Him?
2. Have you ever experienced an “awe-inspiring” encounter with God? How did it impact your faith?
3. Are there areas in your life where you’re holding onto your own expectations rather than trusting God’s plan?
4. How does the Transfiguration challenge your understanding of Jesus' identity and purpose?
5. What practical steps can you take this week to allow Jesus to lead you closer to His presence?

Take time to reflect, pray, and ask God to reveal His glory in your life — not just in moments of triumph but also in moments of surrender. It’s time to rise.