Have you ever experienced something that instantly took you back to a powerful memory? Maybe it was a song, a smell, or a place that reminded you of a meaningful moment in your life. These moments have a way of shaping us and reminding us of experiences that changed us.
In the same way, our spiritual lives are shaped by moments when we encounter Jesus. Throughout the Bible, we see moments where people experienced the presence and glory of God in a way that transformed their perspective forever.
One of the most powerful examples of this happens in Matthew 17, when Jesus is transfigured on the mountain before Peter, James, and John.
The Transfiguration: Seeing the Glory of Jesus
Matthew 17:2 says:
“His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.”
In this incredible moment, the disciples saw Jesus revealed in His divine glory. This was not just a teacher or a prophet standing before them—this was the Son of God revealed in power and majesty.
That experience changed their perspective forever.
Later in life, Peter would reference this moment to encourage believers who were struggling in their faith. Why? Because real encounters with Jesus give us strength for the future.
We Need Experiences with Jesus Today
Life is full of challenges, uncertainty, and moments that test our faith. That’s why it’s so important to have real experiences with Jesus in the present.
Those moments sustain us when life gets difficult.
When we encounter the presence of God, it reminds us:
- Jesus is real
- Jesus is powerful
- Jesus is still working in our lives today
The disciples needed that mountaintop experience because difficult days were ahead. In the same way, our encounters with God prepare us for the challenges of tomorrow.
Three Things That Can Change Your Life
The story of the transfiguration reveals three powerful truths about spiritual transformation.
1. Your Perspective Can Change Your Life
When Peter, James, and John saw Jesus in His glory, their understanding of Him changed forever.
Many people know the story of Jesus—His birth, His death on the cross, and His resurrection. But there is a difference between knowing the story of Jesus and experiencing His power personally.
When you encounter Jesus for yourself, your perspective changes.
You begin to see Him as:
- Savior
- Healer
- Restorer
- The Son of God who changes lives
2. The Places You Go Can Change Your Life
Matthew 17 tells us that Jesus led the disciples up a high mountain before this moment happened.
That detail matters.
Sometimes we experience God in powerful ways when we intentionally place ourselves in environments where we can hear from Him—through worship, prayer, church, and time in His Word.
If you want to experience the presence of God, you need to be in places where your heart is open to Him.
Mountaintop moments with God help sustain us through life’s valleys.
3. The Presence of God Changes Everything
During the transfiguration, a voice from heaven said:
“This is my Son, whom I love… Listen to him.” — Matthew 17:5
God’s instruction was simple: listen to Jesus.
In our busy world, it’s easy to fill our lives with noise, distractions, and constant activity. But experiencing God’s presence often requires us to slow down, listen, and focus on Him.
When we truly listen to Jesus, His presence brings:
- peace
- clarity
- direction
- transformation
When You Look Up, You’ll See Jesus
After the incredible moment ended, Matthew 17:8 says:
“When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.”
Everything else faded away, but Jesus remained.
That truth still applies today. Many things in life will come and go—circumstances, emotions, struggles, and seasons—but Jesus remains constant.
When we lift our eyes to Him, we find the strength, peace, and hope we need.
A Life-Changing Encounter
The moments when we experience Jesus can become defining points in our faith journey. Those encounters shape who we become as followers of Christ, as parents, as spouses, and as leaders.
When you seek Jesus, listen to Him, and experience His presence, your life will never be the same.
And one day, you’ll look back and remember the moment when Jesus changed everything.