Luke 9 - Mountaintop Experiences Are Temporary, The Transformation They Bring Lasts Forever

Luke 9 - NIV

Enduring Word Commentary -Luke 9

Key Verses - Luke 9:28-36

The Transfiguration

28 About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. 29 As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. 30 Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. 31 They spoke about his departure,[a] which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. 32 Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. 33 As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what he was saying.)

34 While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and covered them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” 36 When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves and did not tell anyone at that time what they had seen.

Commentary

Eight days earlier Jesus had told the disciples he was going to suffer, be killed by the religious leaders, and after three days he would be raised from the dead. Some of them must have been very disappointed. This might not have been the Messiah they had imagined. So Jesus took his inner core of three disciples on top of a mountain to pray. 

He knew they might need a glimpse of his future glory to encouarage their hearts. As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed and his clothes became as bright as lightening. Later after Jesus had risen and ascended to heaven, 

Peter proclaimed, "We have been eyewitnesses of his future glory." 2 Peter 1:16. 

John likewise declared,  "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory." John 1:14

These three disciples had what we call a "mountaintop experience". What is that?

A Christian mountaintop experience is a profound, temporary moment of intense spiritual clarity, intimacy with God, or overwhelming joy, similar to the Transfiguration. These moments provide deep affirmation of faith and, rather than being permanent, are designed to strengthen believers for continued service, ministry, and spiritual growth in the "valley". (Ligonier Ministries)

Though mountaintop experiences are not permanent, the transformation they bring lasts forever. 

Not only did the disciples see Jesus in his future glorified state, they heard once again the affirmation of His Father in Heaven. Just like in His baptism, the Father said, "This is my Son, whom I have chosen, listen to him."  In Matthew 14 he writes the Father also said, "This is my Son in whom I love."

This was a life changing experience for Peter, John, and James. Though these three disciples would come down the mountain and suffer many things for the Lord, they would never forget this experience.  It changed their life forever. 

When you meet Jesus it changes your life. Though the powerful, transformative experiences of Jesus' love and grace can seem to fade from time to time, when God changes your heart, it is permanent.  Paul reminds us in Philippians 1

"He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it!"  Philippians 1:6

Through the ups and downs of faith, and the hills and valley of life, God will never leave or forsake you. After the resurrection of Jesus and the subsequent filling of the Holy Spirit, we see ordinary men transformed into men who changed the world forever.

Mountaintop experiences come in many shapes and sizes. My experience is different than yours. But when we experience Jesus' love personally we will never be the same. 

Application for Life

It what ways has God showed you his love and power through Jesus? When you are going through hard times make sure to hold these experiences deep in your heart. 

One day when our lives are through, or Jesus comes back in great and promised glory, we will have glorified bodies and dwell in God's presence forever. 

Prayer

Jesus help us to behold your glory knowing that one day we will dwell with you forever. Help us each day to be transformed into your image with increasing glory. Send Your Spirit to shine brightly in and through us so that people will one day come to know You as Lord and Savior. Amen. 





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