For six days, Jesus had been engaged in an inner struggle, attempting to settle, once and for all, his decision to go to Jerusalem where, he knew, he would die. In a move not unique to the Jews when there was any religious critical question to be settled, Jesus took Peter, James, and John apart from the rest of the disciples and went to a "high mountain" for a retreat. He needed their company, comfort, and support as he was about to lay his life on the line. Was he doing the right thing? Had he interpreted the will of God for him correctly? Was he really God’s Messiah and, if so, was this what God wanted him to do?

Do you remember what, according to Matthew, occurred at Caesarea Philippi just before the retreat? Jesus asked the disciples, "Who do people say that I am?" They said, "Some sa…