Beholding Glory, Carrying the Cross

Some previews are so real they change how you wait for what’s next. Hearing a baby’s heartbeat before the child is born does that. In Matthew 17:1–13, three disciples receive a preview that reshapes their next steps: a glimpse of the glory of Jesus on the mountain. It’s brief. It’s dazzling. And it’s given so they can follow Him back into ordinary life and the cross-shaped way He has just called them to walk (Matthew 16:24).

Six days after Jesus first told the disciples about His suffering, death, and resurrection (Matthew 16:21), He takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain. There, “He was transfigured before them,” His face shining like the sun and His clothes “white as light” (Matthew 17:2). This isn’t a different Jesus; it’s Jesus as He truly is—His glory momentarily unveiled to human eyes. Moses and Elijah appear, representing the Law and the Prophets, and they speak with Him (Matthew 17:3). By substance and by sight, the message is clear: all of Scripture points to Jesus as the promised King. Only He shines.

Overwhelmed, Peter offers to build three shelters—one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah (Matthew 17:4). His instinct recognizes a holy moment, but the timing is off. The mountaintop is a gift, not a place to settle. Faith lives by what God reveals here, and then obeys Him back down below (2 Corinthians 5:7). Notice Peter’s posture, though: “If you wish…”—the right heart of submission.

While Peter is still speaking, a bright cloud covers them and the Father’s voice declares: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him” (Matthew 17:5). We heard these same words at Jesus’ baptism (Matthew 3:17). The pattern is tender and instructive—belonging (“My Son”), belovedness, delight, and commission (“listen to Him”). The Father places all authority with Jesus. The command is simple and lifesaving: listen.

The disciples fall facedown in fear. Then Jesus comes, touches them, and says, “Rise, and have no fear” (Matthew 17:7). When they look up, “they saw no one but Jesus only” (Matthew 17:8). This is the heart of Christian hope: the Lord of glory stoops to steady trembling people. Other rulers use fear; our King relieves it. The vision narrows from dazzling company to a single center—Jesus only.

On the way down, Jesus commands silence “until the Son of Man is raised from the dead” (Matthew 17:9). The cross must come before the crown, or the story will be misunderstood. The disciples then ask about Elijah coming first. Jesus explains that Elijah “has already come” in the ministry of John the Baptist, whom many failed to recognize (Matthew 17:10–13). The point holds: glory is real, but the path runs through suffering. The preview is not an escape from the cross; it strengthens obedience to carry it.

1) Seek to behold, privately. Open Scripture before you open your phone. Ask God to show you “the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6). Pray what you read. Sit in unhurried silence. Small daily glimpses steady real daily faith.

2) Show up hungry, together. After six days, on the seventh, we gather. In the call to worship, the Word read and preached, confession and assurance, and the Table, God meets His people (Hebrews 10:24–25). These are ordinary doors where extraordinary grace comes through. Participate—sing, listen, receive.

3) Take the next obedient step. The mountain points us back to the valley. What concrete act of obedience belongs to you this week—truth telling, reconciling, serving, giving, or sharing Christ? Don’t chase feelings; walk by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7).

4) Remember His touch and word. When fear rises, hear Him again: “Rise, and have no fear” (Matthew 17:7). The One whose face shines like the sun also lays a steadying hand on your shoulder.