What Was the Purpose of Jesus' Transfiguration on the Mountain?

The Transfiguration

17 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 covered 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. 9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

Many people go their whole lives without hearing the words, "I love you" or "I am proud of you" from their fathers.  This is essentially what God the Father told His Son Jesus on the mountain in the story today.  This story is called the "Transfiguration" because Jesus showed his disciples a glimpse of His glory.  Jesus is getting ready to go to the cross to fulfill God's will, and he allows his inner circle of disciples to see what he will look like on the other side.  

Interestingly, Moses and Elijah are also present. This suggests that they have already been glorified, despite living before Jesus came to earth as a human being.  The main purpose for Jesus bringing his disciples up on the mountain is so they would be able to recount the experience to the others after he was gone.  You can only imagine how Peter, James and John felt coming down the mountain.  I am sure they couldn't wait to tell the others the story, and yet had to restrain themselves to honor their Master.  

What can we learn from this story?  We all have difference experiences of being in Jesus' presence.  Jesus calls people to Himself in different ways.  But what we all have in common is that Jesus has given us a glimpse of himself not only for our own good, but also to share it with others.  This is our testimony.  It is wrong to make one person's experience normative for others.  This is where the church has gotten into trouble.  

When you read the New Testament all the disciples came to Jesus in different ways.  Matthew, the tax collector, who Jesus went to have dinner with though he was despised.  Paul, the Pharisee, who persecuted and killed Christians who met Jesus on the Road to Damascus. Peter and Andrew who were called out of the fishing business to "fish for people" from now on.  

Take a moment to reflect on how Jesus has made himself known to you. Most likely it is through other people who took the time to share the Good News of Christ with you.  And God has given you an experience of Himself through Jesus so you can share it with others as well.  This is the basis of the Great Commission and how all people can know to Jesus as their Lord and Savior.