This post is Day 7 in a series of studies about “Mountains”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

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Mountains – Day 7

The account of the transfiguration on this high mountain is only reported in Matthew and Mark, which I find surprising. Surely such a major event which had such powerful effect on the three privileged disciples who were witnesses, merited being reported in the other two gospels, especially that of John.

Mark 9:2-4

After six days, Jesus took Peter, James and John with Him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There He was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses who were talking with Jesus.

The Thought

The account of the transfiguration on this “high mountain” is only reported in Matthew and Mark, which I find surprising. Surely such a major event which had such powerful effect on the three privileged disciples who were witnesses, merited being reported in the other two gospels. Especially that of John who was one of those witnesses.

Can you imagine Jesus’ invitation to His three “leaders”? Did He invite them to go and meet Elijah and Moses? Or did He just invite them to go climbing?

They climbed high up the mountain so that there would be no danger of interruptions by wandering shepherds. And there, the lives of these three faithful friends were transformed forever.

The suggestion in the text is that Jesus clothes were whiter than white. That must have been amazing to see. The disciples must have shaded their eyes, thinking that was wonderful and what they had come to see. Imagine their unprecedented amazement when the two prophets arrived on the scene!

In fact, together Moses and Elijah represented the Law (given to Moses on another mountain – Exodus 24) and the prophets whose word and faith could overcome numerous prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18).

Action

Spend some time today imagining that you climbed that mountain with Jesus that day. What would be the questions you would ask? Would you just be a listener, or one who wanted to hear more of what He was saying?

Read Exodus 24 or 1 Kings 18 and remember that Holy Spirit is available for you just as much as He was with Moses and Elijah.