1 After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. 3 Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.
4 Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters--one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”
5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”
6 When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. 7 But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don't be afraid.” 8 When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.
I think if Peter were with us today he would tell us it is sometimes better to simply not say anything – let our words be few – zip the lips - particularly in light of what Luke adds in his writings of this Divine encounter:
33 As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters--one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what he was saying.) Luke 9:33 (NIV)
Pete didn’t know what he was saying – of course he didn’t! When the world spouts silly, the wise stand silent. Scripture tells us when words are many, sin is not far off and holding the tongue is a very wise gesture:
19 When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. Prov 10:19 (NIV)
I am kind of with Peter. I can certainly see why he wanted to stay up on that mountaintop. It was so much more peaceful and pleasant up there than dealing with all those frustratingly annoying sheep (like him) below. It’s pure peace at the feet of the Master. But it was not God’s plan for him to merely set up residence there – it still isn’t. Earth is not our home, heaven is. Peter was permitted that glorious encounter for me and for you. The same is true for us. Our “encounters” – Truths taught, God’s faithfulness demonstrated in our lives – are not for us alone but they are to be used to help strengthen the faith of others as well. Sit, soak and sour is sadly the plight of our day.
In our verses for today, Jesus takes His inner circle – Peter, James and John – up a high mountain for an encounter with God that would never leave them – a mountain top experience to say the least. Christ gave them a foretaste of heaven with a glorious demonstration they would never forget. Indeed, Peter records in his second epistle as being an eyewitness to this incredible encounter:
16 We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” 18 We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain. 2 Peter 1:16-18 (NIV)
I think it extraordinarily interesting as well that in verse two 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. Used of Jesus’ transfiguration which involved the miracle of transformation from an earthly form into a supernatural one...Used of 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 admonishes us to be different from the world rather transformed by the renewing of our minds:
2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 (NIV)
Paul also tells us in 2 Corinthians believers are being transformed into Christ’s likeness with ever-increasing glory – from one stage of glory to another - which comes from the Holy Spirit as we willingly allow Him access:
17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Cor 3:17-18 (NIV)
As believers manifest the fruit of the Spirit in their lives they are progressively being transformed into Christ’s likeness. Christlikeness is the goal of the Christian walk:
22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Eph 4:22-24 (NIV)