The Routine of Life

Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white. And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, but when they became fully awake they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah”— not knowing what he said. As he was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!” And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen. (Luke 9:28-36 ESV).

 

Eight days after Jesus predicted His death and resurrection, He takes three disciples up a mountain where He is transfigured before them. Peter had called Him the Christ of God. Now he can look upon the glorious face of God's eternal Son. Jesus always had this glory, but from His conception until that very moment it had been hidden behind His humanity. Now, for a brief moment, it bursts forth on the mountain. It must have been both an incredibly wondrous and terrifying experience for the disciples.

This glorious sight might strengthen Peter, James and John's false dream of Jesus reigning over a glorious, earthly kingdom. But Moses and Elijah, two of the great leaders from the Old Testament, stand speaking with Jesus about His departure and how He will complete His earthly mission through His death, resurrection and ascension. Seeing Moses and Elijah beginning to leave, Peter blurts out his desire to build three shelters so they can stay. Suddenly, a bright cloud envelopes Jesus and the three disciples. And from the cloud the voice of the Father speaks out, "This is My Son, My Chosen One; listen to Him!" Jesus has much to teach them, and us, about our earthly life and how He will lay down His life, so we might live forever with Him.

After the voice had spoken, Jesus was again alone with them, back to His normal, veiled appearance. He then leads them down the mountain on the path that will take Him to the cross. God’s intent for us is to simply walk the path He has set before us. It often is quite “regular.” Sometimes we might be tempted to say it is even boring. I find the temptation to be on the mountaintop with Jesus very appealing; however, our place is in the routine of life, sharing His grace with others.