More about the Transfiguration

“Peter said to Jesus, ‘Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three tabernacles, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ For he did not know what to answer; for they became terrified” (Mark 9:5-6 NASB). These words were spoken on the Mount of Transfiguration as Peter, James and John witnessed the transfiguration of Jesus and the sudden appearance of Elijah and Moses.
Their terror is quite understandable. No one on earth had ever seen what they were seeing. Apparently Jesus had not prepared them in any way for this event. It came suddenly and was unexpected. Frankly, it scared them. Peter felt like someone should say something, in light of this awesome experience. So he spoke. “It is good to be here. Let us make three tabernacles — one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” Peter just spoke what was in his heart, saying in effect, “Let us not leave immediately; let’s stay here for an extended period of time.” That is our human nature that wants to hold on to something good and never let it go. This experience, however, was not to be like the endless waterfall, but more like the sudden thunderstorm. In a short while, it would be over, but its impact would be felt for the rest of their lives.
When Peter became an old man, here’s what he said about it: “For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, ‘This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased’— and we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain” (2 Peter 1:16-18 NASB). He was being inspired by that marvelous experience even as an old man, to encourage and exhort a new generation of Christians to believe the truth about Jesus.
They didn’t stay on the mountain, but the experience on the mountain stayed with them.