In the event of the Transfiguration of Christ, the three Apostles Peter, James, and John are permitted to experience the glory of God only as much as they can bear. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Mt. 17:1-9. We see that they have been overwhelmed with even this much of an experience of God’s glory as they are “knocked off their feet.” Peter on the left is kneeling as he realizes that he is truly in the presence of God. Shortly before this event he had professed his belief that Jesus is the Messiah, therefore his eyes and heart are open to what he is seeing. He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”. Mt. 16:15-16. With his hand Peter points as he says: “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” Mt. 17:4.