WHICH JESUS ARE YOU WALKING WITH?

The One Who Appears Faded — or the One Clothed in Radiant Glory?

Jesus reveals Himself to people in proportion to how they walk with Him. Some experience Him in the splendor of His majesty, while others only know Him in a distant or ordinary way. You might wonder, How can that be, if He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8)?

The answer lies not in who Jesus is, but in how we relate to Him.

Jesus, the Hidden Glory

Throughout most of His earthly ministry, Jesus did not stand out in physical appearance. Isaiah prophesied this about the Messiah:

He had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him.

Isaiah 53:2b, ESV

He humbled Himself, taking on the likeness of man (Philippians 2:6–8), and for the majority of His life, He appeared just like any other person. When Judas Iscariot betrayed Him, he had to identify Jesus with a kiss — proving that Jesus didn’t stand out among His disciples (Matthew 26:48–49). Even those around Him often failed to perceive who He truly was (John 1:10–11).

The Mount of Transfiguration — A Glimpse of Glory

However, something extraordinary happened on the mountain. Let’s read from:

Mark 9:2–8 (ESV):

And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them.

And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus.

And Peter said to Jesus, ‘Rabbi, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.’

For he did not know what to say, for they were terrified.

And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, ‘This is my beloved Son; listen to him.’

And suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them but Jesus only.

This event is called the Transfiguration — a moment where Jesus’ divine nature, normally veiled by His humanity, was revealed in radiant glory. The presence of Moses and Elijah symbolized the Law and the Prophets bearing witness to Christ as the fulfillment of both (Luke 24:27). The Father’s voice declared His Son’s divine identity and authority.

The Key Was Prayer

Why did this revelation happen? According to Luke 9:28–29 (ESV), it occurred during prayer:

Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray.

And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white.

It was in the place of prayer that Jesus’ hidden glory was made visible to His closest disciples. The implication is powerful: those who go deeper in prayer encounter a deeper revelation of Christ.

Do You Know the Glorious Christ — or Just the Familiar One?

Many believers settle for a surface-level relationship with Jesus — knowing Him only as a historical figure or moral teacher, not as the glorified Son of God reigning in power. But Jesus desires to reveal Himself in His fullness.

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.

James 4:8a, ESV

If you are spiritually lazy or prayerless, your view of Jesus will be dim and distorted. You may know His name, but not His power (2 Timothy 3:5). You won’t fully experience the joy of salvation, the power of deliverance, or the intimacy of His presence.

Let Jesus Shine Like the Sun in Your Life

Let Christ be more than a shadowy figure in your life. Let Him shine like the sun in full strength (Revelation 1:16). Make room for Him. He is not only your Savior but also the Light of the World (John 8:12), and He wants to illuminate every part of your life.

For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 4:6, ESV

Make Prayer Your Way Up the Mountain

Just like Peter, James, and John went up the mountain to pray, we too must rise above spiritual complacency. Prioritize prayer. Seek Jesus daily. Attend prayer meetings. Wake up in the night to intercede. Carve out sacred moments to encounter Him.

Pray without ceasing.

1 Thessalonians 5:17, ESV

Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.

Jeremiah 33:3, ESV

If Jesus Doesn’t Lead Your Life Through Prayer — Someone Else Will

There is no neutral ground in the spiritual realm. If Christ is not Lord over your daily decisions, your emotions, and your future — the enemy will gladly step in to influence them.