What Jesus Did! 'It Is Good To Be Here!' — Matthew 17:2-8

Wednesday, August 11, 2021

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As [Peter, James, and John] watched, Jesus' appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus.

Peter exclaimed, "Lord, it's wonderful for us to be here! If you want, I'll make three shelters as memorials — one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."

But even as he spoke, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to him." The disciples were terrified and fell face down on the ground.

Then Jesus came over and touched them. "Get up," he said. "Don't be afraid." And when they looked up, Moses and Elijah were gone, and they saw only Jesus.

— Matthew 17:2-8 NLT

Key Thought

"Listen to him!" With Moses and Elijah present, it's hard for Peter, James, and John to believe that someone who is greater than these Old Testament leaders were, someone who is a better teacher than they were, is there among them. But Elijah and Moses pale in importance when compared to Jesus. So as Jesus' disciples move in to worship these great Old Testament figures, they disappear and the disciples are left with Jesus to lead and guide them in the ways of God. When God gets the disciples' attention, he helps them realize they are in the presence of his Son and there is no one besides Jesus himself who can reveal God's truth. They must listen to him! So must we!

Today's Prayer

Holy God, teach me to not run after every rumored good teacher, but to keep my eyes focused on Jesus, his glory, and his truth. Help me use him as the standard by which I measure my teachers' truth. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Deuteronomy 18:15
  • Matthew 3:13-17
  • Isaiah 4:4-6

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Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 17:2-8 NLT — "Don't be afraid."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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