Matthew 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.
There is so much that I don’t understand about this passage. Why does Jesus take only Peter, James, and John on this trip? Why does He transfigure at all? Why are Moses and Elijah there, too? Is this a dream? A hallucination? Is Peter’s reaction about the fact that it’s good they are there and about building the shelters just nerves?
Matthew 17:2 There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.
Perhaps this is to give the disciples the proper context/hierarchy of Jesus. But if so, why aren’t all the disciples there? Perhaps this is to help convince them of all that Jesus has been saying, but again, if so, why are there only three disciples? Are these three favored by Jesus in some way that they get to see Him transfigured, get to see Moses and Elijah, get to hear God?
Matthew 17:3 Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.
Lord, I have so many questions sometimes and so few answers. But even when the answers aren’t clear, thank You for the ability to still see Your truth—You are the Son of God. You are loved by God and were sent by Him. You are greater than Moses and Elijah. You comfort Your people, even when they don’t understand, even when they are afraid. Thank You for the truths I am able to see. Help me to keep coming back to Your word as I continue to grow in my faith. Amen.
Matthew 17:4 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.”
Have a blessed day.