This coming Sunday, we will observe the Transfiguration of our Lord.  When Jesus goes up the mountain, he goes to work out the end of his earthly ministry.  That end is his death on the cross and his resurrection from the grave for the forgiveness of our sins.  From the time of his conception, Jesus has been heading in the direction of his death and resurrection.  In fact, before the creation of the heavens and the earth, the Scriptures identify Jesus as already crucified.  1 Peter 1:18-20 puts it this way: "...you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you."