Praying on the Mountain

Volcanic mountain in Guatemala. 

Scripture:

Luke 9:28   Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. ²⁹ And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. ³⁰ Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. ³¹ They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. ³² Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. ³³ Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said. ³⁴ While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. ³⁵ Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” ³⁶ When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.

Observation:

Only Luke mentions that Jesus had gone up on the mountain to pray. He also mentions that while Peter was tired, he stayed awake. In some ways it makes one wonder what Jesus’ other nights of prayer had been like. This moment is specifically recorded and is named as the transfiguration because of what the disciples witnessed. 

There was a very intimate conversation that occurred between Jesus, Moses and Elijah. This was the coming together of the law, the prophets, and the New Testament in the life of Jesus. The visual of the culmination of God’s work was astounding for the disciples, but they didn’t really know what it meant. Only later would it become clear to them what had happened. 

Luke, alone, mentions the fact that the departure will occur in Jerusalem. This experience on the mountain is not the end, but only a part of the journey. Neale tells us, “Jerusalem appears in Luke’s narrative thirty-one times, compared to twelve in Matthew and eleven in Mark. In the Galilean portion of the ministry, Luke refers to Jerusalem fourteen times; Matthew, eight times; Mark, seven. Luke’s passion narrative refers to Jerusalem ten times, compared to Matthew’s two and Mark’s four” (NBBC). Luke is continually pointing us in the direction of Jerusalem as the place of the fulfillment of God’s plan.

The revelation of Christ’s identity is an ongoing process. While it seems that the disciples are understanding who he is, apparently, they need additional reminders. Here, the inner circle of the disciples experiences the revelation of Jesus’ identity in glorious splendor. This glimpse of the glorified Christ will help them face the days ahead. “He was bright as the lightning on the mountain and became more luminous than the sun, initiating us into the mystery of the future” (Gregory of Nazianzus, Oration 3.19, ‘On the Sun’). 

Application:

It seems to me that there was always much more going on when Jesus spent time in prayer than the disciples knew. This night, when the disciples remained awake, they became witnesses to something beyond their imagination. 

When we spend time in prayer with the Lord, I’m guessing there is much more happening in the heavenly realm than we are able to see. Prayer is an invitation into a deeply intimate conversation with Jesus. Just think of that night of prayer on the mountain, and recognize that Jesus is wanting us to experience him in all his glory, through prayer. 

It was through prayer that Jesus understood his mission, and it is in prayer that we, too, can understand where we are to go. In the intimacy of prayer the disciples were able to fully understand who Jesus was. I’m afraid that we live with a limited perspective on Christ. If we truly believed that he was the anointed son of God on high, might we live our lives differently? 

The disciples left that season encouraged and strengthened for the arduous days ahead. We never know what we will be facing, but we need encouragement. When we really know who Jesus is, we can face the big challenges.

Adopting Jesus’ practice of prayer can lead us to a much deeper walk with God that will be life changing. 

Prayer:

Lord, I want to know you more. Amen.