Jesus just rejected Peter’s demonic insistence on glory without death. He will suffer, be rejected and die, and so he prepares for his journey to the cross by taking Peter, James and John up a high mountain (v2). Mark has shown us the humanity of Jesus—his sorrow, fatigue and frustration—as well as glimpses of his divinity, but here we see the radiant glory of God in Jesus. Like at his baptism, a cloud is present and the Father declares his love for the Son (1:11; v7). This is how the Father responds to what Jesus has done and committed himself to doing. He shows honor and glory. Jesus came to fulfill the law and the prophets, so here Moses and Elijah show up to encourage him on the way.