A Glimpse Behind the Veil

 

The Transfiguration - Matthew 17:1-9

Dear Friends, six days after Peter’s great confession that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain by themselves. There, something extraordinary happens: His face shines like the sun, His clothes become dazzling white as light, and suddenly Moses and Elijah appear, talking with Him (vv.1–3).

Peter, overwhelmed, blurts out, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah” (v.4). Before he even finishes, a bright cloud overshadows them, and a voice from the cloud says, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him” (v.5). The disciples fall on their faces, terrified. Jesus comes, touches them, and says, “Rise, and have no fear.” When they look up, the vision is gone—only Jesus remains (vv.6–8).

As they come down the mountain, He charges them not to tell anyone what they have seen until the Son of Man is raised from the dead (v.9).

This is no ordinary moment. The Transfiguration is a glimpse behind the veil—a preview of the glory that awaits. Jesus’ divine nature shines out for just a breath, confirming every word Peter spoke days earlier. Moses (the Law) and Elijah (the Prophets) stand with Him, showing that all Scripture points to this One. The Father’s voice echoes the words spoken at Jesus’ baptism (Matthew 3:17), but now adds the command: “Listen to him.”

Peter wanted to build tents—to stay, to capture the glory, to make monuments. But glory isn’t meant to be bottled on a mountain; it’s meant to be carried down into the valley. The disciples are given this vision not to keep them on the peak, but to strengthen them for what lies ahead: the cross, the suffering, the resurrection. They fall terrified because they glimpse something holy beyond their grasp. Jesus touches them—“Rise, and have no fear”—the same gentle hand that will soon be nailed for them.

We too get glimpses of glory: in worship, in answered prayer, in moments when the Word burns alive in our hearts. We want to stay there, build a tent around the feeling. But Jesus says, “Rise.” Get up. Go down. Carry this truth into the ordinary, the hard, the valley. The glory we’ve seen is real, and it’s coming fully one day—but for now, we listen to Him, follow Him, and trust Him through the shadow of the cross to the light of the empty tomb.

Today, pause and remember any “mountain-top” moment God has given you. Don’t try to freeze it. Let it fuel your steps in the low places. And above all, listen to Him—the beloved Son who shines brighter than the sun, yet stoops to touch terrified sinners like us and say, “Rise, and have no fear.”

Point to Ponder: Mountain-top glimpses of glory are gifts to strengthen us for the valley, not escapes from it. The command is simple: “Listen to him.”

Verse to Remember: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” (Matthew 17:5 ESV)

Question to Consider: Where has God given you a glimpse of His glory lately—in Scripture, worship, or answered prayer? How can you carry that light down into your everyday valley this week, listening to Jesus above all the noise?

Article written by Shaun Fereday, Leader @SFGH Church