Jaw-dropping Jewels about Jesus
Rarely does Jesus, God the Son, do exactly what we expect of Him. It seems odd that He so frequently surprises us, given that He never changes. Hebrews 13:8 makes this absolute statement: “Jesus the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” Still, though He is blessedly consistent in His goodness, Jesus does unforeseen things. Even when He does what is expected, He does not always do it in the way that we anticipate. Let us join with Jesus on a jaw-dropping journey. (I will be using this opening paragraph for each of the brief messages in this series. The following material will change daily.)
Mark 9:5-6 records the muddled response of Peter to the events of the Mount of Transfiguration: “And Peter answered and said to Jesus, ‘Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles [booths of intertwined branches]; one for Thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias [Elijah].’ For he wist [knew] not what to say; for they were sore afraid.” Peter was not thinking clearly. The climb up the mountain had been fatiguing; the parallel account in Luke 9:32a reveals, “But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep.” Then, they were startled awake: “And when they were awake, they saw His glory, and the two men that stood with Him” (verse 32b). Probably all of us have experienced the temporary confusion that follows such a sudden awakening. Furthermore, “they were sore afraid.” Of course they were, for they were observing something for which they had no frame of reference. Still, Peter’s words are unspiritual, deflecting attention from God the Son. Silence, as is often the case, would have been a better option. Thanksgiving and praise to Jesus would also have been an appropriate response. The simple lesson for us is to think before we speak – think spiritually, that is.