We all long for those moments when we feel on top of the world, where everything seems perfect and life is filled with joy and clarity.
These are the mountaintop experiences—times when our faith feels strong, our purpose is clear, and God’s presence feels close.
But, as much as we might want to stay in these moments forever, the mountaintop is not a place where we can permanently dwell.
In Mark 9:1-13, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain where they witness His transfiguration.
His clothes become dazzling white, and Elijah and Moses appear, talking with Him. This incredible event leaves the disciples awestruck.
Peter, overwhelmed by the experience, suggests building three tabernacles for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. But then a cloud covers them, and a voice from the cloud says, “This is my beloved Son: hear him.”
Suddenly, they no longer see anyone with them except Jesus.
So how did three of the disciples make it to the mountain with Jesus and God?
In verse two, we find the keys to reaching the mountaintop in our spiritual lives:
“And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.”
1. We Must Be Led – “Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up”
Just as Jesus led Peter, James, and John up the mountain, we must be willing to follow where God leads us. This means trusting His guidance even when we don’t fully understand the path ahead.
2. We Must Go Up – “Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up”
Reaching the mountain top requires effort. It’s an uphill journey, often requiring perseverance and determination. We can’t expect to experience these high points in our faith without putting in the effort to grow spiritually.
3. We Must Be Apart – “Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves”
Jesus took three disciples apart from the others, into a place of solitude. To experience God deeply, we sometimes need to separate ourselves from the distractions of daily life. Most Christians never reach the mountain top; sometimes, we must step away from others to get where God wants us to be.
It’s on the mountaintop top we find the confirmation of Christ. Even with Moses and Elijah there, they are not the focus.
The disciples attempted to set up an altar, but God put the focus back on Jesus in verse 7: “This is my beloved Son: hear him.”
The mountaintop reveals who Jesus is and allows us to see Him as our focus. These experiences don’t come without Jesus being the center of attention.
Understanding the Fulfillment of God’s Word
The mountaintop is where God’s word begins to come true in our lives. It’s not that His word wasn’t true before, but in these moments, we begin to fully grasp its truth and significance. We see the prophecies and promises of God unfolding before our eyes, deepening our faith and understanding.
The Power of the Gospel
In verses 9-10, Jesus instructs the disciples to keep the vision to themselves until after He rises from the dead. He begins to explain the gospel to them, highlighting the power and importance of His death and resurrection. This moment teaches us that the true power of the mountaintop experience is found in the gospel. It’s through understanding and embracing the gospel that we can share the joy and transformation of the mountaintop with others.
Bringing the Mountain Top Experience to Others
Those who have experienced the mountaintop with Christ have a responsibility to come back down and share it with others. The power and truth we’ve encountered are not meant to be kept to ourselves but to be spread, offering others the opportunity to experience God’s transformative power through the gospel and His Word.
In conclusion, while the mountaintop is a place of incredible spiritual insight and joy, it’s not where we stay. It’s where we are equipped and inspired to bring the message of the gospel to the valleys and plains of everyday life. By following where God leads, putting in the effort to grow spiritually, and understanding the fulfillment of His word, we can bring the power of the mountaintop to those around us.
