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The Unforgettable Glory of Jesus - Matthew 17
The Unforgettable Glory of Jesus - Matthew 17
Some events are unforgettable! Here in Matthew 17, Peter James, and John were privileged to see and hear what no one else did. They saw Moses and Elijah! Long after Moses had died and Elijah was taken, they now appear and talk with Jesus. They saw Jesus’ glory in a whole new light (literally). They heard the voice of God. They heard the Father state: This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!”. Their reaction to all of this? They were terrified!
Many years later, near the end of his life, Peter recalls this event! (see below for the text of 2Peter 1:16-18). He assures us that it was not ‘fake news’, not cleverly devised tales. It was what happened. This scene assured them of the very honor and glory of Jesus. It verified that Jesus was the very Son of God. It changed their lives – forever. Such indelible memory became part of the bedrock foundation of Peter’s faith as he faced martyrdom. Can he trust that Jesus is the Son of God? God himself SAID SO. Would he live though he died? Moses did!
Our faith is not in a philosophy, nor in a theory, but in the historical reality of Jesus. We have not seen the glory of Jesus, but Peter did! Blessed are those who have NOT seen but believe through the word of the eye-witnesses. When you find yourself facing problems, think of these things and hold on to your faith in Jesus.
Hugh DeLong
2 Peter 1:16-18 16 For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17 For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, "This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased"— 18 and we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.
