While he was still speaking
A bright cloud overshadowed them
And behold, a voice out of the cloud said
This is MY Beloved SON
With WHOM I am well-pleased
Listen to HIM!”
Matthew 17:5

This Scripture is part of an amazing passage in Matthew 17:1-13 in which our Beloved LORD JESUS allows through a vision (Mat 17:9), HIS three disciples, (Peter, James, and John):
● to see HIS appearance changed to a glorious state (transfigured). Peter and John would later testify of seeing JESUS in HIS majestic state (Jhn 1:14, 2 Pet 1:16-18, 1 Jhn 1:1-3).
● to witness Moses and Elijah alive, also in a glorious state (Luk 9:30-31), talking with JESUS about HIS soon departure from HIS earthly life (Luk 9:33). Peter was so moved by the sight of Moses and Elijah, talking with JESUS, that he sought permission for himself and the other two disciples to build a tabernacle for each one of them (Mrk 9:5).

As I meditated on the passage of Scripture concerning the transfiguration, I was amazed at all the things my Beloved LORD GOD revealed to me (I will discuss them further in The BIBLE study “Examining The Transfiguration”). Until then, I will discuss the profound truths our Precious JESUS CHRIST revealed to me about Matthew 17:5.

Peter out of fear and amazement because of the vision he and the other two disciples were witnessing, sought permission from JESUS to build three tabernacles: one each for JESUS, Moses, and Elijah. But while Peter was still seeking permission a bright cloud formed, enveloped all three disciples, and our Beloved ABBA FATHER answered Peter’s request from the cloud (Luk 9:34-35):

“This is MY beloved SON, with WHOM I am well-pleased; listen to HIM!”

Our Beloved LORD GOD’s response may not have seemed to address Peter’s request, but HE knew Peter spoke out of fear (Mrk 9:6), not realizing what he was saying (Luk 9:33). He was so overcome by astonishment at the sight of JESUS in majestic splendor, and the presence of Moses and Elijah speaking with JESUS, that he made the servants Moses and Elijah, equal to HIS SON. Our Beloved LORD GOD gently corrected Peter, by declaring JESUS as HIS only begotten heir, WHOM HE loved and delighted in (Mat 17:5). JESUS is over all things (Rom 9:5, Col 1:15-20), making HIM superior and worthy of more glory than the servants (Heb 3:1-4). HE is not a servant in the house as Moses and Elijah, HE is the SON over the house (Heb 3:5-6). Moses and Elijah were messengers, HE is the message (Act 10:34-44, Eph 1:13).

When our Beloved ABBA FATHER commanded the three disciples to listen to HIS SON, HE opened their ears to truly hear and gain understanding of the things JESUS spoke (Luk 8:9-10, Isa 6:9). You might be wondering how I knew that, because HE told me so. When I asked HIM what HE meant by “listen.” HE sent me to confirm HIS WORD by HIS WORD. I first went back to the original language to see what Greek word was used for the transliterated English word “listen.” It is “akoúete” (NT:191), and it means “hear ye”. I then carefully read all the chapters which followed after the disclosure of the transfiguration in the three gospels (Mat 17:1-13, Mrk 9:1-13, Luk 9:27-36). I noted the disciple’s questions changed from getting basic understanding in earlier chapters, to getting clarification about what was spoken.

We all, like Peter, must listen to JESUS. Before JESUS came, our Beloved LORD GOD sent HIS servants, the prophets speaking to men on HIS behalf (Jer 7:25, 2 Chr 36:15-16). But in these last days (Heb 9:26, 1 Pet 1:20), our GOD speaks to men through JESUS CHRIST, HIS SON (Heb 1:1-2). JESUS is The WORD incarnate (Jhn 1:1, Jhn 1:14), and we must listen to HIM, by carefully and prayerfully considering what HE is saying, and then obeying (Luk 6:46-49).

Where can you find “what JESUS is saying”? The BIBLE, which is The WORD of GOD. Whether someone teaches from The BIBLE, or you attentively read through it. Take care how you listen (Mrk 4:24-25, Act 17:11).

But what if I just can’t understand The BIBLE? You must then stop and evaluate some reasons why. Do you have a personal relationship with JESUS CHRIST? Have you realized your need for JESUS CHRIST? Admitted you truly are a sinner? Asked HIM to forgive you for those sins? Asked HIM to be your LORD and SAVIOR? If you haven’t, please begin there. The BIBLE is a Book of spiritual words that can only be understood when the Holy SPIRIT of GOD shares HIS thoughts (1 Cor 2:11-14). And HE only shares HIS intimate thoughts with those who are HIS own (Psa 25:14, Pro 3:32).

Today I pray each one of you will listen to HIS gentle voice and obey.