BIG IDEA

Mountaintop experiences shape us, but the greatest mountaintop moment reveals who Jesus truly is. Jesus is not merely one great figure among many; He stands alone at the top.

  1. Mountaintop Experiences
  • Even the best human experiences pale in comparison to biblical mountaintop encounters:
    • Mount Ararat – New beginning after judgment (Noah)
    • Mount Sinai – God meets Moses; Law given
    • Mount Nebo – Moses sees the Promised Land
    • Mount Carmel – God’s power displayed through Elijah

These prepare us for the greatest mountaintop moment: The Transfiguration.

  1. The Transfiguration: Who Is Jesus? (Mark 9:1–4)
  • Peter, James, and John see Jesus’ true glory unveiled.
  • His face and clothes shine with blinding brilliance—no filters, no limits.
  • This moment shatters their categories:
    • Jesus is not just a teacher
    • Not just a prophet
    • Not merely the Messiah
    • He is God the Son

“We have seen His glory” (John 1:14)

  1. Moses & Elijah: The “GOAT” Question
  • Moses = giver of the Law, greatest leader
  • Elijah = greatest prophet
  • Together they represent the best of Israel’s history

Is Jesus just on their level? No. They shine because of Him. Jesus is the source of the glory.

The real question: Who is the Greatest of All Time?

Answer: Jesus is the G.O.A.T.

  1. Human Response: Peter’s Mistake
  • Peter wants to build shelters—equalizing Jesus with Moses & Elijah.
  • This is a deeply human instinct:
    • Reduce mystery
    • Control the divine
    • Turn awe into ritual

Jesus cannot be domesticated.
He is the Lion of Judah, the Risen Lord of Glory.

  1. God the Father Speaks

From the cloud of glory (Shekinah): “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to Him.”

This command echoes across history to us today.

  1. So… Who Is Jesus?
  • Hinge of history
  • Hope of the oppressed
  • King of Kings & Lord of Lords
  • Greatest teacher & greatest mind
  • Conqueror of sin and death
  • Son of God, Savior of the world

No equal. No rival. No substitute.

  1. Application: Two Responses
  2. Honor Jesus
  • In worship, work, relationships, integrity
  • Don’t treat Him like anyone else
  1. Listen to Jesus
  • Take His words seriously
  • Strive to obey through the Holy Spirit

FINAL THOUGHT

If we honor Jesus as supreme and truly listen to Him, we too will experience many mountaintop moments—now and into eternity.