Matthew 17:1-9
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Read Matthew 17:1-9 remembering that just one week prior to these events, Jesus began speaking plainly about the suffering he would face and the manner in which he would be killed.
If there is any doubt about Jesus’ attitude toward Peter after his obvious exercise in missing the point, Jesus’ inclusion of him along with the “Sons of Thunder” in this revelatory moment on the mountain should quell it. As we have already considered, our fitness to be Jesus’ representatives on earth is not based on our innate abilities or talents. It is pure grace that we are allowed to participate with Jesus in his work in the world.
The events on the mountaintop simply underscore that fact. In complete awe and ignorance, Peter is overcome with the desire to do something. It takes the voice of God to bring him back to reality. The only job these three have is to listen to Jesus.
Stop to think about this for a moment. What if the only job you have as follower of Jesus is to listen to him and then respond to what he tells you? Sit with this for a moment and then share your thoughts and feelings about it with Jesus.
Read Matthew 17:1-9 again with all of this in mind.
We know that Peter will go on after this experience to play a major role in the creation of the new community of Jesus that will eventually be called the universal Church, and we understand from historical tradition that he will eventually die for his faith. We also know from Scripture that John will be given special revelation while in exile because of his faith in Jesus. And historical tradition also tells us that James will spread the Good News of Jesus across Spain until he is executed for his allegiance to Jesus. It’s possible that these three disciples needed this mountaintop moment to look back on as they forged new Kingdom pathways.
But the experience is not the most important part. When the smoke clears and the dazzle fades, Jesus is there with them to touch them and help them stand – just as he will be throughout their lives, and just as he is with you.
For the last moments of this time of reflection, contemplate the statements from Scripture below – one from the Older Testament spoken by God in the book of Isaiah, and one from the New Testament spoken by Jesus toward the end of Matthew’s Gospel:
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10
“…And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:20
Now get quiet and listen to Jesus.
Do you sense Jesus saying anything to you through today’s meditation?
How will you respond to him?
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