THE TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD (FEAST)

Moses and Elijah . . . spoke of his exodus. 

Poor Peter! Yes, he witnessed Jesus’ transfiguration, and of course, it was awe-inspiring to see Jesus transformed by the glory of God and to see Elijah and Moses with him. But he slept through one very important part of this remarkable event.

What did he miss? Luke tells us that Peter, along with James and John, “had been overcome by sleep” just as the two heavenly visitors began talking with Jesus (9:32). So he missed whatever Elijah and Moses said about Jesus’ coming “exodus”—his death and resurrection (9:31).

Imagine the insights Peter slept through! They could have helped prepare him for the scandal of Jesus’ crucifixion and helped him to understand why Jesus had to face the cross. And they could have given Peter a deeper grasp of God’s plan of salvation—and his own role in that plan. Peter would have understood that Jesus’ exodus would lead to freedom—for everyone.

It’s no wonder that, when he awoke, Peter had the wrong idea about how to honor what had just happened. Offering to build tents for the three figures, he tried to keep them there, fixed in glory, for all the world to see. But if he had heard about Jesus’ exodus, Peter might have grasped that Jesus is glorified both in his heavenly radiance and in his self-giving on the cross. He might have grasped, too, that this cross is the path to glory for everyone who follows the Lord.

Every time you come to the Lord in prayer, you too have the opportunity to hear from him—whether it’s in Scripture, as you review the events of the day, or as you reflect on the people in your life. So don’t fall asleep! Keep your “spiritual ears” open to hear him. Even if it’s just a sense of peace or a quick thought that makes you feel more compassion for someone, Jesus wants to talk with you!

“Lord, it is good for me to be here with you! Open my ears and my heart to hear you.”

Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 9
2 Peter 1:16-19
Luke 9:28-36