"When they looked up; they saw no one except Jesus." Matthew 17:8
Moses and Elijah were heroes of the Jewish faith so Peter's intent to treat them as equals to Jesus is understandable since he had not yet experienced the resurrection of Jesus. They were still learning that Jesus stands alone. He alone is the unique, beloved Son. He alone is the Savior. He is to stand alone in our faith, affections, and allegiance. In all likelihood, we who know Jesus on this side of His resurrection are also still learning His uniqueness and learning to allow Him to stand alone in our life.
Father, continue to revel Jesus' glory to my eyes and speak of His uniqueness to my ears until He fully holds His rightful place in my understanding, devotion, faith, and service.
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Peter, James, and John were chosen to be the witnesses to one of the amazing New Testament experiences. Jesus gave all His disciples 6 days for the previous information to germinate and process in their minds. Now, there are some thoughts I would love to see written down. Peter, James, and john wrote of the effects of that moment and the previous information. I can only imagine them seeing Moses (the first Lawgiver) and Elijah (Israel’s greatest prophet) appearing with Jesus. As if that were not enough, they also heard God’s words of approval of His Son from heaven. Imagine if God spoke to you and me and said, “Listen to My Son.” Jesus then tells them not to tell anyone until He has risen from the dead. I suspect my first question after an experience like that would have been different from what they asked. I would have been filled with wonder and wanted to know everything. What triggered for them was a question about Elijah coming again. Again, Jesus added to their understanding that John the Baptist was the Elijah that was to come. The context of the next story suggests to me that the disciples had been practicing their new skills of healing but without success in the case of the demon possessed boy. This tortured father wanted his son healed and approached Jesus. After Jesus casts out the demon, His disciples ask why they could not cast it out. His words are rebuking (because you have so little faith) and encouraging (nothing will be impossible for you). Now, Jesus tell them again that He is going to die and be raised again. The disciples are filled with grief. They could not see Pentecost yet. They only knew the life would be different. My other readings and listenings today have added to the process of thinking about this. There is not enough space but God has made some wonderful connections. How personal He is in our learning. Jesus ends this chapter with a fishing story. With a bigger purpose of not offending, Jesus sends Peter off on a mission. I find it interesting that asks Peter to use his skills to get the money for their taxes. Maybe the lesson for us is that Jesus knows where we have passion and skills and He asks us to employ them in His work.
ReplyDeletev.7 But Jesus came and touched them and said,"Arise,and do not be afraid."
ReplyDeleteHow wondrous it is to hear Jesus say have no fear.It comforts me to know that Jesus has my back.No matter how bad things get or how far I fall,Jesus is always there telling me to arise and have no fear,I am here.Just look to and see only ME.
O' gracious heavenly Father,you truly know my heart.I cannot hide my fears from you.You knew I would need Jesus even before I was.Thank you for your mercy and compassion in sending CHRIST to be not only my savior but also my comforter and protector.
I, too, was struck with the fact that Jesus had Peter fish for the tax coin, of all the myriad of ways He could have had him come up with the money. It made me think that since God is the Provider anyway, then if writing is my passion, I should write; if teaching, I should teach; if mission work, I should be a missionary: etc. It's exactly what we talked about in Jesus on Leadership concerning vocations.
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