HOST: Michael Whitworth
SPONSOR: Logos Bible Software
And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead.” And the disciples asked him, “Then why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?” He answered, “Elijah does come, and he will restore all things. But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.
“Listen to Him!” This command of God concerning His Son was brief but full of meaning and power. As Jesus stood, transfigured before them, talking with Moses, the giver of the law, and Elijah, the greatest of the prophets, Peter, James, and John must have been overwhelmed with awe at the great site before them. Their response, worded by Peter, was the suggestion that they build three tabernacles, giving equal honor and allegiance to each. God’s response was that Jesus was His Son and worthy of their undivided devotion. To the Jews (which the apostles were), there was no one greater than Moses, the friend of God and great lawgiver. Among the prophets, no one was exalted in their minds as was Elijah. But God makes it abundantly clear to them that His Son was greater than either Moses or Elijah. No longer was Moses’ law to be their guide. No longer were the prophets to be their basis of belief. They now had the Son of God Himself, and it was He that they were to hear and follow. The same is true for us today. There is no teaching, no creed, and no philosophy that is to come before, or even stand on common ground with, the teachings of Christ.
Why is it important that we place Christ above all other teachers?
Don’t forget to pray and have a great day!