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In his account of the Transfiguration (vv.28-36) Luke mentions that Jesus was praying. This story depicts the divine glory of Christ. It implies that he is the fulfillment of the law, as symbolized by Moses, and of the prophets, as symbolized by Elijah. Moses and Elijah were speaking of Jesus' departure (Gk. exodos). The death of Christ was the beginning of a new exodus. For him it was an exodus from this earthly life and an entry into heavenly glory. For his followers it was an exodus from captivity to sin and an entry into new life.
The response of the disciples was not commendable. At first they fell asleep. When they awoke, Peter’s immediate reaction was to be up and doing, not listening. But the divine voice told them that it was a time to listen to Jesus. Peter’s suggestion about three shelters supports the theory that the Transfiguration occurred during the Feast of Tabernacles.
From the mountain, the place of vision, they came down to the valley, the place of suffering and need. But God’s greatness (v.43) was seen in the valley as well as on the mountain. It was in the valley that Jesus healed an epileptic boy (vv.37-45). Jesus' power to heal the boy is contrasted with the disciples' failure to effect a cure because of their lack of faith. There is also a contrast between the wonder and amazement of the people and Jesus' awareness of the suffering that awaited him. And, as in the story of the Transfiguration, the disciples failed to understand.