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LESSONS FROM THE SACRED MOUNTAIN

Boyce Mouton · 9 pages · 5,123 words

LESSONS FROM THE SACRED MOUNTAIN

(2 Peter 1:16-21)

“For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain. We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Peter 1:16-21)

SOMETHING HAPPENED ON THE SACRED MOUNTAIN THAT CONVINCED PETER THAT HE WAS NOT FOLLOWING CLEVERLY DEVISED STORIES ABOUT THE COMING OF OUR LORD JESUS! SEEKING TO UNDERSTAND “WHAT HAPPENED” ON THAT SACRED MOUNTAIN WILL BE THE FOCUS OF OUR PRESENT STUDY!

PETER’S CONFESSION

“When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” (Matthew 16:13-18)

Jesus apparently elicited this “confession” to prepare the disciples for his crucifixion which was less than one year away. Notice that “from that time on” Jesus began to prepare them for his death.

JESUS EXPLAINED HIS DEATH

“From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!” Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” (Matthew 16:21-23)

Peter would later see the value of suffering and write: “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a

murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.” (I Peter 4:12-16)

THE SACRED MOUNTAIN

“After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.” (Matthew 17:1-3)

This “high mountain” mentioned by Matthew was the “sacred mountain” mentioned by Peter in our text. This amazing story is found three times in the Bible: (Matt. 17:1-13; Mk. 9:2-13; Lk. 9:28-36) Here is a brief summary of what happened on that mountain.

Jesus took Peter, James and John to the top of this high mountain by themselves.
Jesus was transfigured before them so that his face shown like the sun, his clothes became as white as the light.
Moses and Elijah appeared and spoke with Jesus about his death in Jerusalem (Lk. 9:31).
Peter wanted to build three shelters. One for Jesus, one for Moses, and one Elijah.
They heard the voice from heaven saying: “This is my Son whom I love, with him I am well pleased. Listen to him.” (Matt. 17:5)
It is obvious that we are to listen to Jesus as he correctly explains Moses and Elijah.
On the way down from the mountain Jesus said: “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” (Matt. 17:9)
Peter obviously thought a great deal about this experience. Later, after Jesus was risen from the dead, he must have discussed it in detail with others.

THE TRANSFORMATION

Certainly Peter learned many important lessons on this sacred mountain. Among other things, he learned that his confession of Christ was confirmed by a voice from heaven. He also learned from Moses and Elijah that the suffering and death of Jesus were in complete harmony with the Law and the Prophets. As you know, Jesus said: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” (Matt. 5:17)

Let us, however, focus on the “transformation” of Jesus as this was what Peter saw. Peter and the others were “eyewitnesses of his majesty.” Our word “transformation” comes from the Greek word “metamorphosis”. We use this same word to describe what happens to a caterpillar when it becomes a butterfly. This word is only found four times in the Bible. Two times it refers to the transformation of Jesus (Matt. 17:2; Mk. 9:2). Two times it refers to the transformation of believers (Rom. 12:2; 1 Cor. 3:18).

There is obviously some connection between the transformation that Peter saw in Jesus, and the transformation that takes place in believers. What Peter “saw” convinced him that he was not following cleverly devised stories!

THE MIRACLES OF JESUS

Peter was an eyewitness of virtually every miracle performed by Jesus. These miracles convinced Peter that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the living God. John, who was also with Peter on the Sacred Mountain wrote: “Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:30-31)

When Peter was led to find another apostle to take the place of Judas, that person had “to have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was take up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.” (Acts 1:21-22)

The first miracle of Jesus, as you know, was when he turned the water into wine at a wedding in Cana of Galilee (John 2:1-11) John explained: “This is the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed at Cana in Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.” (John 2:11)

Of the many miracles performed by Jesus, the only one mentioned in all four gospels (other than the resurrection of Jesus) was the feeding of 5,000 men, plus women and children, with only 5 loaves of bread and 2 small fish (see Matt. 14:13-21; Mk. 6:30-44; Lk. 9:10-17; and Jn. 6:1-15)

Perhaps his most spectacular miracle involved his good friend Lazarus. This miracle took place at Bethany which was less than two miles from Jerusalem and many Jews were there as witnesses (Jn. 11:18-19). After Lazarus had been dead for four days, Jesus boldly commanded them to take away the stone that covered his tomb. “So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them,“Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” (John 11:41-44)

Jesus and Lazarus both became famous as a result of this miracle: “Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him.” (John 12:9-11)

Please note that while these earthly miracles proved that Jesus was the Christ, they were still only temporary miracles. The people at the wedding got thirsty again. The 5000 men and their families got hungry again. Lazarus died again. Jesus, however, promised “greater things” in the future: “I tell you the truth anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will also do even greater things than these because I am going to the Father (John 14:12).

These “greater things” involved an eternal miracle. These “greater things” involved “never thirsting again” (John 4:13-14). These “greater things” involved never getting hungry again (John 6:35). These “greater things” involved never dying again (John 11:25-26).

This eternal miracle, however, could not take place until Jesus died for our sins and returned to the Father in heaven. In heaven Jesus ever lives to make intercession for us!

A DIFFERENT KIND OF MIRACLE

The transformation of Jesus and the conversation with Moses and Elijah opened Peter’s eyes to new covenant and a different kind of miracle. The new covenant provides the miracle of salvation that is eternal! Understanding this started out like a little light shining in a dark place, but eventually dawned on Peter with remarkable clarity. Just as the rising sun dispels shadows, the magnitude of this miracle illuminated Peter’s mind with the glories of salvation which even the angels desired to understand but were not able to. “Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.” (1 Peter 1:10-12)

Please consider:

Jesus had to die for the New Covenant to become a reality! “In the case of a will, it is necessary to prove the death of the one who made it, because a will is in force only when somebody has died; it never takes effect while the one who made it is living.” (Heb. 9:16- 17)
Thousands of sacrifices were made in Old Testament times but no sins were forgiven until Jesus died! “But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins. It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.” (Heb. 10:3-4)
The sins committed under the first covenant were not forgiven until Jesus died: “For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.” (Heb. 9:15)
All future sins are also forgiven by the sacrifice of Jesus: “First he said, “Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them”—though they were offered in accordance with the law. Then he said, “Here I am, I have come to do your will.” He sets aside the first to establish the second. And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, and since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool. For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.” (Heb. 10:8-14)
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.” (1 Peter 1:3-5)

THE RETURNING OF JESUS TO THE FATHER

Remember what Jesus said! “I tell you the truth anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will also do even greater things than these because I am going to the Father (John 14:12). The miracle of this great salvation would not be possible if Jesus had not returned to the Father!

Jesus had to return to the Father because he has an eternal priesthood. In heaven Jesus ever lives to make intercession for us: “And it was not without an oath! Others became priests without any oath, but he became a priest with an oath when God said to him:“The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: ‘You are a priest forever.’” Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant. Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” (Heb. 7:20-25)
Jesus had to return to the Father so that the Holy Spirit could come: “But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: about sin, because people do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned. “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.” (John 16:7-15)
Our salvation would not be possible without the Holy Spirit. Jesus specifically commanded his apostles to wait for the Holy Spirit: “On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 1:4-5)
World evangelism would not be possible without the Holy Spirit: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

THE MIRACLE OF TRANSFORMATION IS PERPETUAL EVIDENCE

Something happened on the sacred mountain that convinced Peter he was not following cleverly devised stories. This insight obviously involved the transformation of Jesus. Just as Peter saw a dramatic change in Jesus, he would also see a dramatic change in the lives of those who are born again. For example, Peter saw 3,000 new converts on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:40-41). These devout Jews experienced a dramatic change when they were converted to Christ, Since they came from every nation on earth were divided by the country where they were born also by the language they spoke.

Further, they were divided into different Jewish sects such as Pharisees, Sadducees, Zealots, Herodians, etc. When they were “transformed” by Christ, however, “All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:44-47)

Just like an ugly and destructive caterpillar becomes a beautiful butterfly, these thousands of converts were transformed from the works of the flesh to the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:19-26) “Confirmation” comes from pressure “without”, but “transformation” comes from pressure that is “within”. These converts were not to be “conformed” by the pattern of this world, but “transformed” by the renewing of their minds. When they repented and were baptized they received the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38) These new converts were so different that they are correctly called “new creations” (2 Cor. 5:17).

“We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.” When Peter saw thousands of lives transformed before his very eyes he remembered the promises of Jesus and like the rising sun dispels the shadows, the power of the resurrection in the lives of these new converts dawned on him with remarkable clarity!

“For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.” (1 Peter 1:18-23)

THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

Jesus said: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matt. 5:14-16)

The “transformed” lives of believers is obvious!
Paul wrote to the Romans: “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world.” (Rom. 1:8)
Paul wrote to the Colossians: “we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people—the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace.” (Col. 1:4-6)
Paul wrote to the church in Thessalonica: “For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.” (1 Thess. 1:4-9)
The “transformation” of a convert is easily seen. It can be easily understood by everyone, even if they can neither read or write. As Paul said: “You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody.” (2 Cor. 3:2)

FRESH EVIDENCE

There is abundant historical evidence that Christianity is true. There are more than 25,000 partial and complete manuscript copies of the New Testament. There are also some 36,000 quotations from the early church fathers and several thousand Lectionaries that confirm the truths of Christianity. There is much more historical evidence for Jesus than there is for the Roman Emperor Tiberius Caesar. All of this “evidence,” however, means nothing to an illiterate stone age savage living in the jungle!

A missionary to an illiterate tribe in Asia related the impact on a pagan village when their chief became a Christian. After receiving Christ he immediately stopped doing drugs and beating his wife. News of his “transformation” spread like wild fire throughout the area.

The Auca Indians of Ecuador were considered to be the most violent tribe on earth. 60 % of the deaths within the tribe came when they killed one another. In the 350 years that anthropologists have studied this tribe they have never had a king or chief or any form of government. Every man did that which was right in his own eyes. As we have said, they not only died from attacks by animals, disease, and men, but 60 % of the deaths within the tribe occurred when they killed one another. In 1956 there were only around 500 in the tribe and they were on the verge of extinction.

On January 8, 1956 five missionaries were speared to death by men from this tribe. The missionaries were —Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, Ed McCully, Peter Fleming, and Roger Youderian. The term “Auca” is a derogatory term used by their enemies and means “naked” or “savage”. They refer to themselves as “Hyaoranis” which means “The People.”

The conversion of these stone age savages to Christ has literally become known all over the world. In addition to numerous news reports, books, and articles their fascinating story was made into a movie in 2005 titled “End of the Spear.” Open this link to see an interview with two Christians from this tribe - https://vimeopro.com/wotruth/venture-in-faith/video/490993245

What happened to this tribe is like a page right out of the Bible. The Christians at Ephesus were also at one time separated from God by their darkened understanding and hardened hearts: “So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God

because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed. That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Eph. 4:17-24) In only two years time all the Jews and Greek in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord (Acts 19:10)

As we have said, the “transformation” of sinful men into loving saints is obvious to people who can neither read or write. Paul explained to the Corinthians “You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.” (2 Cor. 3:2-3)

THE MEETING ON THE MOUNTAIN WAS SECRET

The expression “come and see” is found two times in the Bible (John 1:39 and John 1:46). Both instances involve an invitation to investigate Jesus.

In the first instance two disciples of John the Baptist starting following Jesus: “Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?” They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon. Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus.” (John 1:38-42)

These men who investigated Jesus were so excited that they immediately began to tell others about him. Three of these men, Philip, Andrew, and Peter were from the town of Bethsaida.

The second invitation to “come and see” involves Nathanael: “Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?”Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip. When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.” “How do you know me?” Nathanael asked. Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.” Then Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.” Jesus said, “You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that.” He then added, “Very truly I tell you, you will see ‘heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on’ the Son of Man.” (John 1:45-51)

Under normal circumstances Jesus was open and transparent. Interested people were invited to investigate him and ask him whatever questions they wanted to. The meeting on the Sacred Mountain, however, was secret. Only three human witnesses were present. Further, on the way down from the mountain Jesus instructed them: “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead” (Matt. 17:9)

Perhaps this can be explained by the Greek word “musterion” which is used 27 times in the Bible and is translated as “mystery”. It comes from the root word “muo” which means to “shut the mouth”. This is a military word used to describe a secret military plan devised to defeat the enemy. Roman soldiers took an oath not to reveal the “mystery”. Once the battle was over, of course, the “mystery” was obvious.

The devil is not omniscient! He does not know everything!. Neither is he omnipresent! He cannot be everywhere at the same time! The devil was not on the Sacred Mountain!

Jesus called his three witnesses to this secret meeting on the mountain to reveal God’s strategy to defeat the devil. This “mystery” involved the death and resurrection of Jesus. Remember! It is through death that God destroyed him who had the power of death, that is the devil (Heb. 2:14). The mystery also involved the “transformation” of ordinary men into spiritual warriors the devil could not defeat. The devil is the “god of this world” (2 Cor. 4:4) but he is not the god of anyone transformed by the power of God. “We are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” (Rom. 8:37)

The devil cannot defeat Jesus, and if Christ is in us we too cannot be defeated. This is precisely the strategy of God! “This mystery has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you the hope of glory.” (Col. 1:26-27)

THIS IS AN IMPORTANT LESSON WE CAN LEARN FROM THE SACRED MOUNTAIN!