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LISTEN TO HIM!

Matthew 17:1-13

Sunday, 1 November 2020



“This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him!”-Matt 17: 5[NASB]


The reading today describes the transfiguration of Jesus Christ. On several important occasions Jesus took the three disciples- Peter, James and John with Him (Matt.26:37, Mark 5:37; 14:32-36). But here, Jesus led them up to a high mountain – they followed Him not knowing that they were going, to an experience at the mountain top! We all need this kind of a mountain-top experience – an intimate time with Jesus where we will experience His glorious presence!!


Peter, James and John saw a preview of the coming Kingdom. These disciples saw the glory of Jesus – His face and clothes shining with divine glory and they also saw Moses and Elijah (V3) talking to Jesus. Moses and Elijah represented the Law and the Prophets; their presence with Jesus showed that the Old Testament Scriptures had been looking forward to the Messiah (God’s Anointed One) and His Kingdom. [NKJV Study Bible] Luke 9:31 says, they “spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.” However the response of Peter is noticeable (V4).


Peter suddenly responded to the situation: “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” (V4). Make three huts and stay the rest of the time trouble-free—with Jesus in the comfort zone—no worries, no issues, no troubles!! In our Christian life, we too long in many a difficult time to be in a comfort zone but Rom.8:17 says: and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.A child of God is given the privilege to be a joint–heir with Christ – but with a condition that we suffer with Him. Let us not diminish that position with self-centred attitudes!!


As a Christian it is our responsibility to follow our master JESUS CHRIST (1Peter 2:21). To follow HIS steps we always need to “LISTEN FROM HIM.” Only HE can teach us how to walk according to HIS will. Phil 1:29 says: “For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake.”


The over-all scenario on that mountain top changed while they were speaking – they heard an audible voice from heaven (V5): “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him!” How did the disciples respond? “And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid.” The Voice from the Father then and now can be heard – “Listen to him” and it calls for a total submission. Hebrews 1:1-2 says: God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son…”


The marvellous experience of seeing the glory of Jesus and hearing God’s voice impacted their lives greatly – Peter’s plan of staying there is no more voiced! They LISTENED TO HIM. He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. He is the begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life! (John 3:16)


Our Lord God would like to speak to each of us daily, if we are willing to spend some time alone with Him! The LORD has a great purpose for us - are we ready? Can we LISTEN TO HIM?


Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to listen to You earnestly and live a life according to Your Word. Help me to receive from You daily to do Your will. In Jesus name, Amen.

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