The Mountains of God – Week 7 Guide
The Mountain of Illumination – Matthew 17:1-9
To download the guide for this week, use the link below.
Opening Prayer
Gracious and loving God, you revealed your glory through your Son, Jesus Christ, and called your disciples to listen to him. As we gather, quiet the distractions of our hearts and minds, so that we may truly hear your voice. Help us not only to hear your Word, but to respond with faith, obedience, and trust. May this time together deepen our understanding of who Jesus is, and how we are called to follow him.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Connecting
Think about a time when you had a “mountaintop moment” — an experience where you felt especially close to God or deeply inspired in your faith. What made that moment meaningful to you?
The Mountain of Illumination, Matthew 17:1-9
Matthew 17:1-9
1 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. 2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became bright as light. 3 Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 4 Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will set up three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 5 While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. 7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” 8 And when they raised their eyes, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone. 9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”
Questions for Discussion
- Why do you think Jesus chose Peter, James, and John to go up the mountain with him?
- God’s voice from the cloud says, “This is my Son, the Beloved… listen to him.” What does it mean to truly listen to Jesus?
- Peter wanted to stay on the mountain and build shelters. Why do you think he reacted that way?
- The disciples were overwhelmed with fear, but Jesus touched them, and said, “Get up and do not be afraid.” What does this reveal about Jesus?
- The Bible emphasizes that listening and obeying go together in the life of the Christian. Why do you think acting on what we hear from Jesus can sometimes be difficult?
- Why are “mountaintop moments” with God important for our faith, even though we eventually must come back down the mountain?
Praying for Each Other
Are there any joys to celebrate, any burdens we can share?
Closing prayer
Loving God,
Thank you for revealing your glory through Jesus Christ, and reminding us that he is your beloved Son. Help us to truly listen to him in our daily lives — through Scripture, prayer, and the guidance of your Spirit. Give us courage to follow where he leads, even when the path is difficult. As we leave this time together, carry the truth of this mountaintop moment into our everyday lives, so that we may live as faithful disciples of Christ.
In his holy name we pray, Amen.