Multiplication by Reduction

We concluded Part Four with Peter's amazing declaration. Six days after that incredible leadership moment, Jesus reveals that he has begun a movement so powerful that not even the gates of hell can slow it down. As the Lion of Judah, he will lead this movement through the centuries. But as they walk, he begins to reveal the cost—great suffering and even death (Matt. 16:21). Then Jesus makes a bold move. Take a look.

Questions from your reading

• What major details stand out to you in this event?
• What does Jesus model about leadership by taking just three of the twelve with him up the mountain?
• Why might this moment follow Jesus’ statement that he “must go to Jerusalem” (Matt. 16:21)?
• What other questions does this passage raise for you?

Reflecting on your reading

Jesus is at another crucial moment in his ministry. The movement is growing rapidly, and he knows help will be needed for what comes next. So he chooses three of the twelve—Peter, James and John—and invites them apart. Can you imagine the look on the other nine's faces when Jesus says to the three, “Come with me”?

These three become something of a leadership core. Jesus will begin withdrawing with them regularly. He knows that for the movement to grow, there must be pillars to help carry it forward (Gal. 2:9). And so he brings these leaders even closer, revealing more of who he is and preparing them for the road ahead. They climb a mountain—perhaps Mount Tabor near Nazareth, or maybe Mount Hermon, further north. Either way, it's worth remembering that “going up the mountain” in Scripture means exactly that—steep, physical climbs. Jesus was a climber. And those who’ve been to Israel know how mountains and seas provided the only real escape from the crushing crowds.

On this particular mountain, something extraordinary happens. Jesus is transfigured—his face and clothes begin to shine with divine radiance (Matt. 17:2). Then, suddenly, Moses and Elijah appear. Somehow the disciples know who they are—perhaps Jesus introduced them: “Peter, come meet two of my friends from long ago—Moses and Elijah.”

Imagine standing in the presence of such greatness—Moses, the lawgiver, and Elijah, the prophet. Peter, overwhelmed, offers to build shelters for all three of them (Matt. 17:4). But his words show just how much he still has to learn. God interrupts from a bright cloud, declaring, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” (Matt. 17:5). The message is clear—Moses and Elijah are not to be placed alongside Jesus. No altars to men. No comparisons. Just listen to the Son.

Peter, caught up in the hero worship of his day, needed the reminder. Jesus is not one great leader among others—he is in a category all his own. Jewish culture had long revered Moses and Elijah, but now the Father makes it known: Jesus is above them all. Terrified, the three fall face down. Jesus gently touches them and says, “Get up.” They’ve just heard the audible voice of God—an honour only a few in history have experienced: Moses (Exodus 3:1–4:17), Elijah (1 Kings 19:11–18), and now them. It echoes the moment at Jesus’ baptism, when the Spirit descended and the voice declared, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased” (Matt. 3:17).

Applying what you’ve read

As they descend the mountain, Jesus tells them not to share what they’ve seen until after he rises from the dead. That alone raises more questions. What exactly was Jesus discussing with Moses and Elijah? (Luke 9:31 offers a hint.) Why did he need to meet with them at all? And why was it so important for Peter, James and John to witness it?

We may not have all the answers—but we do have a lesson. Don't put people, even great ones, on a pedestal. It’s easy to fall into hero worship, even in Christian circles. We celebrate preachers, teachers, musicians, scholars—many of them faithful and gifted. But none compare to Jesus. It’s heartbreaking to see how many followers of Jesus know more about their favourite Christian celebrity than about Christ himself.

Take time today to examine your own life for hidden idols. Listen to the Father’s voice and clear out anything competing for your worship. Talk with your disciple about this. God will not share your worship—he alone is worthy.