Matthew 17:1-5 NIV
[1] After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. [2] There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. [3] Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. [4] Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." [5] While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!" - P122
Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a mountain, where He is transfiguredbefore them. Moses and Elijah appear, talking with Jesus. A bright cloud coversthem, and a voice speaks out of it. The disciples are afraid, but Jesus comfortsthem and tells them to keep what happened a secret until His resurrection. - P123
Peter, James, and John are the privileged witnesses to three events: theysee Jesus shining like the sun, witness Moses and Elijah talking with Him,
and hear a voice speaking from a bright cloud affirming that Jesus is God‘sbeloved Son and that the disciples should listen to Him. To all this, thedisciples react in fear. If we have a profound experience with the Lord liketheirs, we too might react in fear. - P124
However, we do not need to be afraidwhen we encounter our loving God, Instead, we should be alert to whatHe is trying to tell us. The disciples are commanded to listen to Jesus, theSon of God, and we, too, are reminded to pay close attention to His wordsand obey them. - P124
Jesus tells the three disciples not to tell anyone about the supernaturalevents they have seen until after His resurrection. If they did tell, this couldbring more unwanted and untimely attention. The Jews have been await-ing a Messiah to save them the way King David did, and one of the signsthey expect is for Elijah to come beforehand to help restore all things.
Jesus reveals that Elijah has already come in the person of John the Baptist.
- P124
Sometimes, we do not realize that the answer we are awaiting from Godhas already been given-just not in the way we expected. With the help ofthe Holy Spirit, however, we can discern God‘s ways and know that He isworking in our lives. - P124
Dear Lord, when You speak, I want to listen closely, learn from You, and follow Yourdirections. Lead me by Your Spirit to recognize Your work and discern when You haveanswered my prayers in ways I did not expect. In Your name I pray, amen. - P125
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