In this sermon excerpt, the speaker reflects on the biblical account of Jesus’ Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1‑9). He emphasizes that only three disciples—Peter, James, and John—were taken up the mountain, illustrating a pattern of progressive selection: 72 followers, then 12 apostles, then a few inner circle members. The speaker interprets this as a spiritual principle that not everyone can accompany a leader into higher realms of glory. He warns that during such ascents believers may encounter “seasons of divine disconnect,” where enemy voices subtly oppose the pursuit of deeper intimacy with God. The sermon concludes with an exhortation to “come higher, tread deeper,” urging listeners to seek greater revelation of God’s glory despite challenges.
Chapters
6 days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up on a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his garments became as white as light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with him. Peter responded and said to Jesus, Lord, it is good that we are here. If you want, I will make 3 tabernacles here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, the voice from the cloud said, This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. Listen to him. When the disciples heard this, they fell face down to the ground and were terrified. And Jesus came to them and touched them and said, get up and do not be afraid. And raising their eyes, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone. As we look at this portion of scripture, there are a few truths that we can glean. First and foremost, I want you to note that Peter, James, and John ascended with Jesus upon the mountain, and it says that only these 3 ascended with Jesus to the mountaintop. You know, because of the miracles that he performed, Jesus drew large crowds. He fed thousands, he healed thousands, he delivered thousands. But among that crowd, 72 were selected to be nearer. And among those 72, 12 were selected to be nearer. And among those 12, 3 made it to the mountaintop. When you ascend to higher places in glory, when you tread deeper waters, Not everyone can go with you. Sometimes God will bring us to seasons of divine disconnect, because while you are ascending the mountain trying to remove the distractions of the world, sometimes there are voices that the enemy will use, and those voices themselves don't even realize it. So God calls to us Come higher, tread deeper, that I might show you the glory.
