By Andrew Williams
“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.'” – Matthew 17:3-4 (NLT)
Good morning fellow disciples.
In this stunning moment of the Transfiguration, the disciples not only see Jesus in His radiant glory but also witness Moses and Elijah, two monumental figures in Israel’s history, speaking with Him. Moses represents the Law, and Elijah represents the Prophets—both now pointing to Jesus as the fulfilment of God’s redemptive plan. This encounter underscores that Jesus is the culmination of everything God revealed through the Law and the Prophets.
Peter, overwhelmed by the experience, blurts out an impulsive response: “Lord, it’s wonderful for us to be here!” He then offers to build three shelters or tents as memorials, one for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. While Peter’s heart was in the right place, his response reveals a misunderstanding. By suggesting three shelters, Peter seemed to equate Jesus with Moses and Elijah, not fully grasping that Jesus is far above them. His focus momentarily shifted from the glory of Jesus to the idea of preserving the moment.
This passage teaches us that in moments of awe and divine encounter, it is vital to redirect our focus to Jesus alone. He is the centerpiece of God’s plan, the One who deserves all our worship and attention.
Peter’s response empowers us to reflect on how we often react to God’s presence. Like Peter, we may have good intentions but fail to fully understand the significance of the moment. Sometimes, we try to “control” or “capture” spiritual experiences, focusing on the event rather than the One who made it possible. Peter reminds us that discipleship is about lifting our eyes to Jesus and recognizing His incomparable glory and authority.
When we truly see Jesus for who He is, we’re empowered to let go of our distractions and give Him our full worship. This passage calls us to redirect our focus from our own plans or ideas of what worship should look like to humbly recognizing Jesus as the fulfillment of all God’s promises.
Reflect on your worship and spiritual experiences—are you focusing fully on Jesus, or are you sometimes caught up in the emotions or the logistics of the moment? Redirect your focus by intentionally centering your heart and mind on Jesus in your prayer or worship time today. Spend time meditating on His unique role as Savior, the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. Consider journaling about a moment when you felt close to God and using it as an opportunity to thank Him, rather than trying to or recreate the experience.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for revealing Your glory and showing me that You are the fulfillment of all God’s promises. Like Peter, I sometimes fail to fully grasp the significance of Your presence and may focus on the wrong things. Help me to redirect my focus to You alone, to give You my full attention, and to worship You as the one true Savior. Teach me to let go of distractions and honor You with a heart that is fully devoted to Your glory. I commit to keeping You at the center of my worship and my life. In Your name, I pray, Amen.