Pitching Tents in Glory

...is only part of the call.

Not to underscore the transfiguration, but let’s keep it simple today and note its significance and meaning.

The transfiguration presents a stunning glimpse of who Jesus truly is, radiant, glorious, and deeply connected to the heart of God’s story. Amidst all the teaching, healings, and feedings, for a brief moment, Jesus’ divine nature shines through his humanity in a supernatural way. There on the side of it all stand three disciples who are allowed to see him as more than just their rabbi or teacher. The voice from the cloud echoes what was spoken at Jesus’ baptism, confirms it: This is my Son, the Beloved… listen to him. This moment invites not just awe, but obedience. Jesus is the one to follow, even when the path ahead leads toward suffering.

The presence of Moses and Elijah, representing the law and the prophets, signals that Jesus is the fulfillment of everything God has been doing. He doesn’t replace the story of Israel; he stretches it to its fullness. The mountain, the cloud, and the bright light all echo past divine-meetings, moments when God made his presence known. But unlike Moses, who reflected God’s glory, Jesus radiates it from within. He is not just another prophet or holy man—he is the divine son.

This spectacular moment isn’t meant to distract from the cross, but to prepare for it. Just before this, Jesus had predicted his suffering and death. Now, the disciples are given a foretaste of the end of the story. It’s a glory that lies ahead, but only by way of the cross. The command to “listen to him” urges us to pay attention—not just to the glorious Jesus, but also to his hard teachings about self-denial, sacrifice, and trust. His way is not like the powers of the world. It is deeper, more mysterious, and ultimately more transformative.

It’s notable that the disciples continue to get Jesus wrong after this point. Think of it: can you believe Peter will still deny even knowing Jesus after experiencing the power of the transfiguration? Maybe he forgot about the experience. Maybe he doubted it ever happened. Or maybe he just couldn’t reconcile the power he saw on the mountain with the guy now standing in chains.

Have we left behind our inability to reconcile Jesus the All Powerful with Jesus the Crucified? Or do we still want to pitch tents in moments of glory while forsaking the call to head back down the mountain…

Matthew 17:1-13

Six days later Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them to the top of a very high mountain. He was transformed in front of them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light.

Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Jesus. Peter reacted to all of this by saying to Jesus, “Lord, it’s good that we’re here. If you want, I’ll make three shrines: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

While he was still speaking, look, a bright cloud overshadowed them. A voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son whom I dearly love. I am very pleased with him. Listen to him!” Hearing this, the disciples fell on their faces, filled with awe.

But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.

As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Don’t tell anybody about the vision until the Human One is raised from the dead.”

The disciples asked, “Then why do the legal experts say that Elijah must first come?”

Jesus responded, “Elijah does come first and will restore all things. In fact, I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they didn’t know him. But they did to him whatever they wanted. In the same way the Human One is also going to suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples realized he was telling them about John the Baptist.

Psalm 99:1-5

The Lord rules—the nations shake! He sits enthroned on the winged heavenly creatures—the earth quakes! The Lord is great in Zion; he is exalted over all the nations. Let them thank your great and awesome name. He is holy!

Strong king who loves justice, you are the one who established what is fair. You worked justice and righteousness in Jacob. Magnify the Lord, our God! Bow low at his footstool! He is holy!

Prayer

God,

Christ shone like the sun on that mountain, not to dazzle us with spectacle, but to ready us for the dark valleys ahead.

You know our feet are dusty, our minds distracted, our souls eager for glory and allergic to suffering. Still, you meet us, not just in brilliance, but in the muddle of every day. You speak. You ask us to listen. You invite us to leave behind our fear.

Send us back down the mountain with new eyes. Let us walk as people who’ve seen even a glimpse of you, bearing your brightness with courage and love.

By your Spirit & in Christ,
Amen.