Matthew Chapter 17

Can you imagine standing on a mountain with Jesus and suddenly seeing Him glowing with heavenly brilliance? That’s exactly what happened to Peter, James, and John in Matthew 17. Jesus takes them up a high mountain, and right before their eyes, He is transfigured. His face shines like the sun, His clothes become dazzlingly white, and Moses and Elijah appear, talking with Him.

Peter, understandably overwhelmed, blurts out, “Lord, it’s good for us to be here! If You wish, I will put up three shelters—one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah” (v. 4). Before he even finishes, a cloud surrounds them, and they hear God’s voice: “This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!” (v. 5).

What a moment! Peter wants to stay in the glory of the mountaintop experience, but that’s not Jesus’ plan. After the vision fades, Jesus leads them back down the mountain, back into the reality of life—where challenges, needs, and ministry await.

How often do we want to stay in the “mountaintop moments” of faith? Maybe it’s a powerful worship experience, a retreat, or a time when God feels especially close. Those moments are a gift, but Jesus reminds us that faith isn’t just about staying in the glow of His presence—it’s about bringing that experience into the valleys of everyday life.

When they come down the mountain, they’re immediately faced with a crisis: a boy possessed by a demon. The disciples couldn’t heal him, but Jesus does. He tells them their struggle came from a lack of faith, saying, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move,’ and it will move” (v. 20).

The connection is clear: the glory of the mountaintop is meant to strengthen our faith for the challenges in the valley. We can’t stay in the moment of transfiguration, but we can live out its truth—walking in faith, trusting God’s power, and carrying His love into the world.

1. Have you experienced a “mountaintop moment” in your faith? How did it change you?
2. Are there areas in your life where you’re struggling to trust God’s power, even with “mustard seed” faith?
3. How can you bring what you’ve experienced of God’s glory into the challenges of everyday life?

Lord, thank You for the moments when Your presence feels so real and close. Help me to carry those experiences into the valleys where life gets hard. Strengthen my faith, even when it feels small, and teach me to trust in Your power. Let me live with the hope of Your glory, bringing Your light into the world around me. Amen.

What stands out to you from Matthew 17? How have you seen God’s power at work in the challenges of your life? I’d love to hear your thoughts—let’s encourage each other in the comments!