Jesus in His Glory

Peter, James and John have sometimes been described as Jesus’ inner circle. That description arises from the number of times those three were with the Lord at very special times. For instance, Jesus took them up on a mountain to pray, which he often did at night. “As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening” (Luke 9:28-29). 

Jesus conversed with Moses and Elijah during the time he was transfigured. Moses was the one through whom God gave the law to Israel. Elijah was one of the great prophets. They talked about Jesus “decease,” literally his “departure” (NKJV margin).

Peter misunderstood the significance of the events on the mount, in part because he was very sleepy. “Then it happened, as they were parting from Him, that Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said” (Luke 9:32-33). The Father responded, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” (Luke 9:35). 

Both Peter and John refer to this event in their letters to early Christians. They knew Jesus was real. They were not hallucinating, but actually heard the Father declare Jesus is his spokesman for the Christian age (1 John 1:1-4; 2 Peter 1:16-18). They knew, but were instructed by the Lord to not tell the vision until after the resurrection (Matthew 17:9).

The message for us is simple. Jesus is now God’s spokesman (Hebrews 1:1-4). May God help us accept the testimony of the witnesses and follow the glorious Son!

Gary C. Hampton