Transfiguration Sunday • Exodus 24:12–18 & Matthew 17:1–9
Some moments in the Bible feel big and dramatic—clouds, fire, shining faces, booming voices. And then there are the moments in our everyday lives that feel… well, a lot more ordinary. But Transfiguration Sunday reminds us that sometimes God shows up in ways that surprise us, shake us awake, and help us see Jesus a little more clearly.
Moses Goes Up the Mountain
God basically says to Moses, “Come hang out with Me for a bit.” It’s simple. It’s personal. It’s an invitation.
Moses climbs the mountain, and suddenly he’s surrounded by God’s presence—thick cloud, blazing glory, the whole thing. It’s not about Moses being special. It’s about God wanting to be close.
And honestly? That’s still God’s heart. He keeps inviting us—into prayer, into worship, into quiet moments where we can breathe again.
Jesus Takes His Friends Up Another Mountain Fast‑forward to Matthew 17.
Jesus grabs Peter, James, and John and says, “Let’s go up the mountain.” They probably thought it was just a hike.
Instead, Jesus starts glowing. Like, actually glowing. His face shines like the sun. His clothes turn dazzling white. Moses and Elijah show up. A cloud rolls in. And then God speaks: “This is my Son, whom I love… listen to Him.”
It’s wild. It’s holy. It’s one of those moments you never forget.
And Peter—bless him—tries to build tents and stay there forever. Because who wouldn’t want to stay on a mountaintop where everything feels clear and beautiful? But Here’s the Thing About Mountains Nobody gets to stay there.
Moses comes down with commandments and a mission. The disciples come down with a clearer picture of who Jesus really is.
The mountain isn’t the destination. It’s the reminder. It’s the moment that carries you when life gets messy again.
Transfiguration Sunday in Real Life We may not see clouds of glory or glowing faces, but we do get glimpses of God:
- a worship song that hits deeper than you expected
- a moment of peace you can’t explain
- a Scripture that feels like it was written just for you
- a conversation that nudges you toward hope
These are our mini‑mountaintop moments. They don’t last forever, but they shape us. They help us see Jesus more clearly when we head back into the everyday stuff—laundry, emails, errands, worries, all of it.
A Simple Prayer for This Week
Jesus, thank You for the moments when Your presence breaks through our ordinary days. Help us listen to You, trust You, and carry Your light with us—down the mountain and into the world that needs it. Amen.