Jesus was on a mountain with His three closest friends when He was transfigured, which means “his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light” (Matt. 17:2). In that moment, His body demonstrated the glory He had before His birth and after His resurrection, all while He stood talking to Moses and Elijah, the long since departed giants of the Jewish faith.
So, Peter said, “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” (Matt. 17:4). His teacher and friend stood alongside his people’s Lawgiver and Prophet: that was worthy of a monument! You know what? We believe Jesus teaches us how to have better lives and is always there when we need Him. So, we build Him a tent, too. We go to church, pray before meals, or do random acts of kindness because we know it is good to be with Jesus.
Yet, Peter’s good intentions missed the mark: “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” (Matt. 17:5). Jesus was not equal to the Law and Prophets: He is Who they were all about. We repeat Peter’s mistake whenever Jesus is another “tent” alongside our families, jobs, and anything else. We still have our own agendas and goals, things we have to do to advance our careers or get our kids into good schools. We build Jesus a tent, but it is one of many.
Then God tells us how important Jesus is – and it scares us. “When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified” (Matt. 17:6). Does Jesus really expect us to treat His followers like family and to forgive like He does (Matt. 12:50, 18:35)? Do we have to leave everything for His sake (Matt. 19:21)? We believe that it is good to be with Jesus – but can we really go that far?
“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” (Matt. 17:7-8). The commitment Jesus calls us to is scary. Yet, He is still our Teacher and Friend. If we will accept His invitation to rise and have no fear, His hand will be on our shoulder. He gives us strength and shows us His way really is best. Just lift your eyes and see Jesus only.
There are so many reasons to be afraid right now. Because we are with Jesus, we do not have to be. Check out our sermon series “Do Not Be Afraid” to learn more!