Jesus took Peter, James, and John to a high mountain, where he was transfigured before them. With his face shining like the sun and his clothes as white as the light, Jesus was in fellowship with Moses and Elijah (3). It was a glorious scene, and Peter thought it would be good to stay there just like that (4). Peter might have been excited to see Jesus standing alongside the two greatest figures of the Jews, representing the law and the prophets of the Lord. However, an even bigger surprise was coming from heaven in the voice of the Lord, which validated Jesus and called them to listen to Him (5).
The disciples were terrified and fell facedown. But Jesus came to them with a gentle touch, and told them to “Get up”, and “Don’t be afraid.” The Lord Jesus, who holds the law and authority of God under him, also touches us and comforts us to stand up before him. The disciples were to keep their experience private for now. People wanted to see the great signs of Elijah, but the work was already being carried out by the Holy Spirit through God’s faithful servants, such as John the Baptist (13). Knowing the glory and grace of Jesus the Lord, they were to listen and follow him.
Jul 18, 2026
LISTEN TO JESUS
Passage: Matthew 17:1-13
Key verse: 5
NIV
chapter 17
1. After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.
2. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.
3. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.
4. Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters - one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah."
5. While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!"
6. When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified.
7. But Jesus came and touched them. "Get up," he said. "Don’t be afraid."
8. When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.
9. As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, "Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead."
10. The disciples asked him, "Why then do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?"
11. Jesus replied, "To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things.
12. But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him everything they wished. In the same way the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands."
13. Then the disciples understood that he was talking to them about John the Baptist.
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Prayer: Father, thank you for Jesus, my Savior. Please open my spiritual eyes today to see your work being done among us.
One Word: Listen to him