In both the episodes Jesus is put between two people sharing his status (respectively: in the glory at the transfiguration and in the misery at the crucifixion).
The Cross was a cosmic crucifixion for Paul: a symbol of victory. On the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijiah). Hence it is explained why they also, as crucified thieves, cursed Jesus. The Christ was "crucifying" the Law and the Prophets in that precise moment.
Luke 9:31:
οἳ ὀφθέντες ἐν δόξῃ ἔλεγον τὴν ἔξοδον αὐτοῦ, ἣν ἤμελλεν πληροῦν ἐν Ἱερουσαλήμ
The "exodus" is allegorized by the baptism and the baptism in Paul is the crucifixion of Jesus. So by the his death, Jesus ascends to heaven and a new "exodus" is going so to happen. The transfiguration was the Ascension of Jesus, happened mythologically the 15 of month Tybi and not under Tiberius (the 15 year of the his kingdom).
After the Transfiguration/Crucifixion/Ascension, Jesus descends again as the Risen Christ to reveal the Gospel to Paul.