Introduction

In today’s passage, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain, where they witness a supernatural glimpse of His divine glory. In the Bible, mountains often symbolize places where heaven and earth meet—the closest points to heaven, where God frequently encounters His people. Here, at the top of the mountain, Jesus reveals His glory to the disciples, then instructs them not to share what they’ve seen.

Jesus’ Promise to His Disciples (v.1-3)

As Jesus prepares to go to Jerusalem, where He will be crucified, He gives His disciples a significant promise: “some standing here will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power” (Mark 9:1). This suggests that some disciples will witness a preview of God’s kingdom glory before they die.

Jesus fulfills this promise by taking Peter, James, and John up a high mountain, where He is transfigured before them. Unlike an apocalyptic vision, they see Jesus Himself transformed—His clothes radiantly white, revealing the divine glory within Him (Mark 9:2-3). The word *transfigure* (Greek *metamorphoo*) means “to transform” or “to change,” and offers a glimpse of the glory that will one day light up the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:22-23).

For believers, this moment foreshadows the transformation promised to all who believe in Christ (1 Corinthians 15:51-52). To receive this promise fully, we must first experience a spiritual transfiguration, being born again in Christ.

Jesus reveals this glory to Peter, James, and John to encourage them, especially Peter, who struggled spiritually after rebuking Jesus. This mountaintop vision reminds us that in times of spiritual dryness, we can look to Jesus’ divine glory for strength and hope.

The Appearance of Moses and Elijah (v.4)

Mark 9:4 describes Moses and Elijah appearing and speaking with Jesus, foreshadowing the ultimate reunion of believers—a promise we all anticipate.

Moses and Elijah symbolize God’s covenant, made up of the law and the prophets. Moses, as the lawgiver, and Elijah, as the prophet of prophets, both point to the Messiah, who would fulfill the covenant’s requirements. This is highlighted in God’s final words of the Old Testament: “Remember the law of my servant Moses… Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet” (Malachi 4:4-5).

Additionally, they foreshadow Jesus’ departure. Luke notes that they spoke with Him about His “departure,” or *exodus*, which He would accomplish in Jerusalem (Luke 9:30-31). Moses’ departure outside the promised land, with his body undiscovered, parallels Jesus’ death outside Jerusalem and His empty tomb. Elijah’s ascent to heaven foreshadows Jesus’ own ascension, with both figures symbolizing the promise of Christ’s return. Together, Moses and Elijah represent the full mission of Jesus, from His first coming to His return in glory.

Peter’s Response (v.5-8)

In response to the transfiguration, Peter, terrified and unsure, suggests building three tents—one each for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah (Mark 9:5-6). His suggestion reflects a common hope that God would dwell among His people, symbolized by tents or tabernacles.

However, Peter makes two mistakes:

1. First, he assumes the end has already come, wanting to skip the suffering, death, and resurrection, and go straight to the final glory of the transfiguration. He struggles with the concept of a suffering Messiah.
2. Second, he puts Jesus on the same level as Moses and Elijah by proposing three tents, addressing Him only as “Rabbi” rather than “Christ” or “Savior.”

In response, God the Father appears in a cloud, affirming Jesus’ unique identity: “This is my beloved Son; listen to him” (Mark 9:7-8). When the cloud fades, only Jesus remains, symbolizing that He alone fulfills and surpasses the roles of Moses and Elijah.

Jesus stays with His disciples rather than returning to heaven, demonstrating His commitment to them despite their misunderstandings. He carries His cross, ensuring the promise of future glory for His followers.

Conclusion: Following Jesus Up and Down the Mountain (v.9-10)

After all this, Jesus doesn’t keep His disciples on the mountaintop; He brings them back down. Our faith journeys also include such “mountaintop” experiences—moments of profound grace and spiritual uplift, often felt during worship or retreats. These times are precious, but we are called to return to our daily lives, the mission field below, just as Jesus descended to continue His mission.

As they descend, Jesus instructs the disciples not to speak of the transfiguration until after His resurrection (Mark 9:9-10). This sequence—death, resurrection, then transfiguration—reflects the order of salvation. Jesus’ death and resurrection pave the way for our spiritual resurrection and transfiguration (Ephesians 2:4-6). We were spiritually dead, then spiritually resurrected, and now we need to be spiritually transfigured.

Our spiritual transfiguration involves sanctification, becoming more like Christ by denying ourselves and carrying our cross. Paul describes this as a life of faith where Christ lives in us (Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:3-5). We put to death our old selves, not by willpower alone, but by beholding Christ’s glory.

As we behold Jesus’ glory, we are transformed into His likeness (2 Corinthians 3:18). To follow Him fully, we must both ascend the mountain to behold His glory and then descend to carry His mission.

Following Jesus down the mountain means following Him into the mission field. For Jesus, this was Jerusalem; for us, it is to be Christ to the world—responding with love, being salt and light, peacemakers, and good Samaritans.

To be like Christ, we must let go of our old selves, embracing His goodness, love, and righteousness. This is our cross to bear. Some of us have carried this cross for years and may feel weary; others may have set it aside, struggling to recall the vision of glory.

Let us pray for the faith to see Christ’s glory anew, to be brought up the mountain once more so we can go down with renewed purpose. Let us follow Jesus in grace up the mountain and in faith down, looking to His glory that will light up the New Jerusalem as we journey toward that final day.

AMEN.