Glorious on the Mountain, Gracious in the Valley

02/15/26

His face shone like the sun … and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. — Matthew 17:2a; Luke 9:29b NIV

2 After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them.

3 His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them.

4 And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.

5 Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”

6 (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.)

7 Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” — Mark 9:2–7 NIV

“This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” vs. 7b

8 Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus. — Mark 9:8 NIV

No one lives on the top of the mountain. It’s fine to go there occasionally -for inspiration, for new perspectives. But you have to come down. Life is lived in the valleys. That’s where the farms and gardens and orchards are, and where the plowing and the work is done. That’s where you apply the visions you may have glimpsed from the peaks. —Arthur Gordon Webster.

14 When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. 15 As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. — Mark 9:14–15 NIV

As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder… vs. 15

The stories are connected because the God who we experience on the mountain top is the same God who walks with us in the valley.

16 “What are you arguing with them about?” he asked. 17 A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. 18 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.” 19 “You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? — Mark 9:16-19 NIV

22 “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” — Mark 9:22 NIV

23 “ ‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” — Mark 9:22 NIV

24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” — Mark 9:24 NIV

25 When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” 26 The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up. — Mark 9:25-27 NIV

…Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. — Mark 9:27 ESV

The God we meet in moments of glory on the mountain is the God who walks with us through moments of desperation in the valley.