Matthew 17:1 12.9.21
SCRIPTURE
“Six days later Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John the brother of James, and led them up on a high mountain by themselves.” AMP
OBSERVATION
The disciples have been with Jesus for around Three Years when the declaration is officially made that Jesus IS the Promised Messiah. The only challenge is that along with the many miracles and countless healings, Jesus introduced His Most Important Mission in Coming to earth. The Mission involves Him “being handed over to the Jewish authorities to be killed and on the Third day being raised to Life” (Matthew 16:21).
UNDERSTANDING
When things don’t go the Way you Planned.
While many Jews understood and believed in resurrection, this new Plan Jesus introduced was shocking. First of all, the disciples had NO reference for the kind of resurrection Jesus had planned. The “literal” resurrection of His body that would come to eat with them, minister and encourage them—and as Allison Khan shared in her recent teaching “show them HIS scars”.
Jesus understood their fear and planned an excursion a week later for Peter, James, and John. Jesus led them up a High Mountain-a day’s journey-away from distractions-to have ALONE time to reinforce their sorely needed FAITH. And although the disciples were weary and at nighttime had fallen asleep with no clue what was about to happen—Jesus was ever alert and PRAYING. As Jesus was Praying He allowed His Natural Glory to be Unveiled. In that moment such an illumination as Bright as the Noon day Sun glowed from His face that it awoke the disciples. They Witnessed a Portion of Jesus True Glory and were forever encouraged and changed.
Here is John’s account:
“And the Word (Christ) became flesh, and lived among us; and we [actually] saw His glory, glory as belongs to the [One and] only begotten Son of the Father, [the Son who is truly unique, the only One of His kind, who is] full of grace and truth (absolutely free of deception).” (John 1:14 AMP)
Peter heard News about Jesus Plan That wasn’t what he expected. It also didn’t mesh with his viewpoint of The Messiah being King. Why would a ruler need to be handed over to Jewish authorities to be die? But there was a MUCH Bigger Plan at work that Peter hadn’t grabbed hold of yet. God’s Plan of Salvation to save the World.
LIFE APPLICATION
Peter has always been one of my favorite people in the Bible. I love his passion. And I Love even more that God loves his passion and patiently continues to mold and shape him. Peter eventually not only was completely on board with Jesus Plan-but after Jesus death and resurrection went outside and preached a spirit inspired sermon that led 3,000 people to their salvation in Jesus.
My personal takeaways—when I am struggling with how things “look” in life…
Get alone with Jesus. He is faithful to reveal Himself.
Remember That God’s Plans are The BEST Plans. I can’t always SEE down the road how everything is going to come together. Some things in life will require Faith. and God says it is impossible to please him without Faith.
Remember, Jesus is interceding for us. (Romans 8:34)
Thank You LORD for Your Perfect Plan and Your very Great Love for Us. Thank you that You are a God of details and Know Everything. Build my faith and Trust more and more- and when I’m tempted to get distracted or worried—lead me to the High Mountain to spend ALONE time with You. In Your Holy Name I pray. amen
Tina Kudelka