Upon This Rock #5: The Transfiguration

The story of the transfiguration is a moment that defies earthly description—a glimpse of Christ’s glory that forever changed Peter, James, and John. As we ascend the mountain with them through the Gospel of Mark, we are invited not just to witness a supernatural event, but to let it settle in our hearts the unshakable truth that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. This encounter was not just for the disciples’ benefit, but for ours as well, to strengthen our faith in the midst of confusion, disappointment, and the darkness that surrounds us.

Peter, still reeling from Jesus’ prediction of his suffering and the rebuke he received for resisting that path, is suddenly swept up into an experience that would anchor his faith for the rest of his life. Jesus draws aside his closest friends—Peter, James, and John—into a place of solitude and prayer. It is in these lonely places, away from the noise and demands of the world, that the deepest transformation occurs. Jesus models for us the necessity of withdrawing to be with the Father, and in doing so, reveals that intimacy with God is the soil where our own transformation takes root.

The appearance of Moses and Elijah alongside Jesus is not a random detail. They represent the Law and the Prophets, the entire story of God’s dealings with his people, now converging in Christ. Their conversation with Jesus about his “exodus”—his impending death and resurrection—reminds us that the Old and New Testaments are not in opposition, but are one story of redemption. Moses, who led the first exodus, recognizes in Jesus the fulfillment of all that came before: a new deliverance, not from Egypt, but from sin and death itself.

Peter’s impulsive suggestion to build shelters is met by the voice of God himself: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him.” In that moment, the call is not to do, but to listen—to let the reality of Christ’s identity and mission sink in. The transformation of Peter was not instantaneous, but it began here, as he witnessed the majesty of Christ and later testified as an eyewitness to the truth. We, too, are called to return to this mountain, to let the Holy Spirit impress upon us the glory of Christ, and to let that vision sustain us through the darkness and trials of life.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Solitude with God brings transformation Drawing aside from the crowds and noise, as Jesus did with his closest friends, creates space for God to reveal himself and for us to be changed. Transformation into Christ’s likeness often happens not in the busyness of life, but in quiet moments of prayer and listening. The mountain is a reminder that God meets us in solitude, and that our spiritual growth depends on making room for him. [10:44]
• 2. Christ fulfills the Law and the Prophets The presence of Moses and Elijah at the transfiguration is a powerful sign that Jesus is the fulfillment of all God’s promises. The Old Testament is not obsolete, but finds its true meaning in Christ. Our faith is rooted in a story that stretches from creation to new creation, and Jesus stands at the center, bringing unity and purpose to all of Scripture. [18:48]
• 3. Listen before acting Peter’s instinct was to do something—build shelters, make the moment last—but God’s command was to listen to Jesus. In our spiritual lives, we are often quick to act or speak, but transformation comes when we pause, listen, and let Christ’s words shape us. True discipleship is marked by attentive listening, not just busy service. [30:13]
• 4. Christ’s obedience in suffering is our hope Jesus’ conversation with Moses and Elijah about his “exodus” points to the cross, where he would accomplish the ultimate deliverance. His obedience was not effortless; he faced real distress and temptation. Yet he trusted the Father every step of the way. In our own struggles, we find hope in a Savior who knows our weakness and leads us through suffering into resurrection life. [23:50]
• 5. Faith is anchored in eyewitness reality Peter’s transformation was gradual, but the memory of the transfiguration became a cornerstone of his faith. He later wrote with conviction, not about myths, but about what he had seen and heard. Our faith, too, is grounded in the reality of Christ’s glory, witnessed by those who walked with him. This assurance sustains us in a world full of doubt and darkness. [26:04]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:34] - Introducing the Transfiguration
• [01:19] - Invitation Up the Mountain
• [02:03] - John’s Reference to the Glory
• [03:29] - Reading Mark 9:1-13
• [05:25] - The Disciples’ Expectations and Confusion
• [06:41] - Peter’s Rebuke and Jesus’ Response
• [08:01] - Why Peter, James, and John?
• [10:44] - Lessons from Drawing Aside
• [12:42] - Transformation Through Prayer
• [14:45] - The Glory of Christ Revealed
• [16:00] - Moses and Elijah Appear
• [18:48] - Fulfillment of the Law and Prophets
• [21:55] - The Exodus of Jesus
• [23:50] - Christ’s Obedience and Our Hope
• [26:04] - Peter’s Eyewitness Testimony
• [28:50] - Peter’s Impulsive Response
• [30:13] - God’s Command: Listen to Jesus
• [31:39] - The Indelible Mark of Glory
• [33:10] - Who Do You Say That I Am?
• [33:53] - Christ’s Coming Glory and Communion

Bible Reading

Mark 9:1-13 (ESV) — And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power.”
And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. And Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” For he did not know what to say, for they were terrified. And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” And suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them but Jesus only.
And as they were coming down the mountain, he charged them to tell no one what they had seen, until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what this rising from the dead might mean. And they asked him, “Why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?” And he said to them, “Elijah does come first to restore all things. And how is it written of the Son of Man that he should suffer many things and be treated with contempt? But I tell you that Elijah has come, and they did to him whatever they pleased, as it is written of him.”

Observation Questions

1. Who did Jesus take with him up the mountain, and what was the setting like when the transfiguration happened? ([03:29])
2. What was unusual about Jesus’ appearance during the transfiguration, and who appeared with him? ([03:29])
3. What did Peter suggest they do when he saw Jesus with Moses and Elijah, and how did God respond? ([30:13])
4. What instructions did Jesus give the disciples as they came down the mountain? ([04:08])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus chose only Peter, James, and John to witness the transfiguration? What might this say about intimacy and spiritual growth? ([08:42])
2. The presence of Moses and Elijah is significant. What does their appearance alongside Jesus reveal about how the Old Testament connects to Jesus’ mission? ([18:48])
3. When God says, “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him,” what is the importance of listening before acting in our faith journey? ([30:13])
4. How did the experience of the transfiguration become a foundation for Peter’s faith later in life? ([26:04])

Application Questions

1. Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray. When was the last time you intentionally set aside time for solitude with God? What could you do this week to create that space? ([10:44])
2. The disciples’ transformation happened in a quiet, set-apart place. Are there “noisy” areas in your life that make it hard for you to hear from God? What practical step can you take to reduce that noise? ([12:42])
3. Peter’s first instinct was to do something—build shelters—rather than listen. Can you think of a time when you acted quickly instead of pausing to listen for God’s direction? What would it look like to “listen first” in your current situation? ([30:13])
4. The sermon said that Jesus’ obedience in suffering is our hope. Is there a struggle or disappointment you’re facing where you need to remember that Jesus understands and leads you through it? How can you remind yourself of this truth this week? ([23:50])
5. Our faith is anchored in eyewitness reality, not just stories. When doubts or darkness come, what helps you remember the reality of who Jesus is? Is there a specific practice or memory that strengthens your faith? ([26:04])
6. The transfiguration was a turning point for Peter, but his transformation was gradual. Are there areas in your life where you’re hoping for instant change, but God might be working slowly? How can you be patient with your own spiritual growth? ([26:47])
7. The voice from the cloud said, “Listen to him.” What is one area of your life where you sense Jesus is asking you to listen more closely? How will you respond this week? ([30:13])