Matthew 17:9-13
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.
Recall that Peter, James, and John, in the company of Moses and Elijah, have just been with Jesus on the mountain. Starting with the last verse from our previous meditation, read Matthew 17:9-13.
Jesus is always in sync with God’s timing. He doesn’t rush ahead in haste or hold back in fear, rather he remains connected to God and always acts and speaks in accordance with God’s will.
As Jesus descends the mountain with this three stunned disciples, he tells them that they must wait to share what they have seen until the time is right, and then he repeats the concept they are still trying to grasp: the Son of Man will die and be raised to life again. Only then should they speak about their experience on the mountain.
Take time to recognize the presence of God with you now. Just sit in silence and notice for a moment.
When you are ready, contemplate your own ability to know when God is leading you to speak or act and when God is prompting you to wait. Share your thoughts about this with Jesus.
Read Matthew 17:9-13 again noting anything about the conversation between Jesus and the three disciples that stands out to you.
For Peter, James and John, one thing has become clear. Jesus is the Messiah. They witnessed the transformation of his appearance, and experienced the mind-bending presence of Moses and Elijah, and they heard God audibly speak a word of affirmation over him. Their question is just a matter of them trying to reconcile what they have always been taught with what they now understand.
And Jesus is patient and gracious in his answer.
Faith often begins with a question and continues to grow as we grapple with our questions in the presence of Jesus. If we ever get to the point where we believe we have everything about God and faith figured out, we are deceived.
Stop to think about this for a moment. How comfortable are you about living in the questions? When you have questions are you completely at ease taking them to Jesus and waiting for his response? Talk to Jesus about this.
As you end this time of meditation, take a moment to listen to Jesus.
Do you sense Jesus saying anything to you today?
How will you respond?
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The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.
