A Mountain-top Experience - Luke 9:28-36

The word transfiguration refers to a marked change in form or appearance; a metamorphosis; a change that glorifies or exalts.  It must have been some mountain top experience for Jesus' inner circle of men.  While reading this section of scripture captures the imagination and provides a visual of brilliance and stunning beauty, I can't help but wonder what Peter, James and John were really thinking.

Peter doesn't want to forget the moment, he is ready to build three shelters so Jesus, Moses and Elijah and stick around for a while.  Perhaps Peter is starting to understand all Jesus has been saying to them.  Just maybe this was truly a light-bulb moment and he knows Jesus will soon be gone, so he is prepared to do what it takes to keep him around longer.

"While he was babbling on like this, a light-radiant cloud enveloped them. As they found themselves buried in the cloud, they became deeply aware of God. Then there was a voice out of the cloud: "This is my Son, the Chosen! Listen to him."

 When the sound of the voice died away, they saw Jesus there alone. They were speechless. And they continued speechless, said not one thing to anyone during those days of what they had seen." (Luke 9:34-36)

This story brings to mind so many different lessons, but they all point to Jesus.  Jesus will change our lives.  Jesus will transform our hearts.  Jesus will fill us with such light and joy and hope that we will want to pitch a tent on a mountain top just to stay close to Him.

Read the Luke 9:28-36 text here or listen to a reading here.