Introduction
A week after this incredible leadership team evaluation, Jesus reveals that He has begun a movement that is so powerful that the gates of Hell will not be able to slow its advance. Jesus, as the leader of this movement, is Himself the Lion of Judah and will lead the charge through the centuries. As they walk, He reveals to them that this advancement of the movement would not be without great personal suffering and loss of life (Matt. 16:21). Jesus then makes a bold move. Take a look!
Reading [You can read as much as you can, depending on your availability]
Matthew 17:1-13
(or)
Mark 9:2-13
(or)
Luke 9:28-36
Meditating [Use these questions to start your thinking]
- As you read about this event, list what you believe are some of the major details.
- What is Jesus modeling for us about leadership by taking these three leaders with Him on a long journey to the mountains?
- Why would this event follow the statement by Jesus that He “must go to Jerusalem” (Matt. 16:21)?
- What other questions do you still have?
Sharing: Text ONE of your answers to the questions above to your team. Each team should post a sharing from a team member in the comments below.
Jesus is at another crucial point in the ministry. He knows the movement is expanding rapidly, and He needs help with the next steps. The first thing He does is choose three of the twelve leaders and calls them apart. Can you imagine the looks on the faces of the other nine as Jesus says to three of them, “Come with Me.” Jesus will now be escaping regularly with His new “leaders of leaders.” He knows that for the movement to grow He will have to have a few pillars on which to continue the construction (Gal. 2:9). He calls Peter, James, and John to come even closer so that He may reveal more of who He is and give them some special instruction as the leaders of the leaders. With this in mind, they head up a mountain. Some people believe it was Mount Tabor, just outside of Nazareth, where Jesus had grown up. Others believe it was on Mount Hermon, north of Caesarea Philippi. I can only imagine the times Jesus had climbed this mountain and cried out to His Father through the years, especially in His youth — crying out to God to reveal Himself to Him, weeping and fasting for salvation to come to His people (Psa. 69:10). Something to take note of for those who live in the flatlands of this earth — when Scripture says Jesus went up the mountain, it is saying that He literally went up the mountain. Jesus was a climber, and if you have ever had the opportunity to be in Israel, you will know what I am talking about. Jesus had two places to escape the massive crowds of people circling Him at any given time: one was the quiet of the Sea of Galilee, and the other was the top of the many different mountains around Israel.
Here on this mountain, something supernatural takes place. Can you imagine having this incredible opportunity to be present when Jesus is transfigured with His face and clothes shining bright (Matt. 17:2)? And then, out of nowhere, Moses and Elijah appear. By the way, how did they know the two guys that appeared with Jesus were Moses and Elijah? One guess I can make is that Jesus must have introduced Moses and Elijah to His new leaders of leaders: “Hey, Peter, come here. I want to introduce you to two of my creations from a long time ago, Moses and Elijah. I know you have heard Me tell of them. Now come meet them.” [Or maybe the disciples overheard their conversation about Jesus’ departure as Luke indicated]. I can imagine the honor it was to stand in the presence of greatness — the greatest Old Testament leader, Moses, and the greatest Old Testament prophet, Elijah. Peter was impressed, so impressed that he opens his mouth, only to reveal how much he still needs to grow. He says, “‘If you wish, I will put up three shelters — one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah’” (Matt. 17:4). The Father cannot take Peter’s lack of respect anymore. God hates idol worship (Deut. 16:22). He appears in a bright cloud and says, “‘This is my Son, whom love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to him!’” (Matt. 17:5). He wanted Peter to know Moses and Elijah are not even close to Jesus in status, so not to insult Him anymore by putting them on a pedestal along with the Son. No altars should be built for mere men. Peter had good intentions, but he just wasn’t thinking before he said something.
Peter was caught up in the hero-worship of his day and forgot something he knew — that Jesus was the Son of the living God and that Moses and Elijah were not. Peter, James, and John had been brought up in a Jewish culture that revered Moses and Elijah and had placed them on a pedestal, as if they were gods. When the three leaders heard the voice of God, they fell face-down, terrified. Jesus reaches down and says, “It’s okay. Get up. It is My Father, who is frustrated with your misplaced hero-worship.” But don’t miss the fact that Peter, James, and John all got to hear the audible voice of God, which only a few people in the history of the world have had the privilege to hear — people like Moses (Exod. 3:1-4:17) and Elijah (1 Kin. 19:11-18). Wow! God repeats the same thing he had said some three years earlier at the Jordan River when John baptizes Jesus. Remember, Jesus came out of the water and prayed and the heavens opened. A dove descended and the voice of God said, “‘This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased’” (Matthew 3:17).
As they come down off the mountain, Jesus instructs His leaders to not tell anyone of the visit until he rises from the dead. I am still left wondering: What was Jesus talking about with Moses and Elijah? (See Luke 9:31 for some insight.) Why did Jesus need to meet with them that day? And why was it so important that Peter, James, and John be present? I certainly do not have all the answers; as you can tell by this study. I have many more questions than I have answers. However, I have learned from this event to not put people, even great leaders, on a pedestal. Even as leaders, we are very prone to hero-worship. In Christianity, we have many heroes, old and new, people who bring us the Word of God in terms that we connect with. Many of our heroes are Christian musicians, pastors, Bible teachers, Bible scholars, radio and TV personalities. Many are really good people, but not even close to Jesus. It grieves my heart as a leader of leaders to see so many Christians worshipping other people and not Jesus. Lack of knowledge about Jesus is very discouraging to me, and the reason I wrote this study was to help people know that there is only One, and His name is Jesus.
I am sorry, world, but I already have a hero and His name is Jesus! No American Idol, Asian American Idol, no idol-worship here, just worshipping and adoring Jesus. Spend a few moments examining your own life for any idols lurking in the closets. Listen to the voice of the Father and clean house. Talk with others today about this theme of idol worship. Remember, God will not share your worship with any others.
I believe one of the most major details is God revealing himself to Peter, James, & John and how he was pleased with his son Jesus. Some other details are when the text reveals things about Elijah and how he was to come.
I don’t see how this experience helped with his leadership. However, I interpreted this passage as God will be pleased with us through Christ’s blood. I saw this passage as Jesus revealing how great he is and this is the type of God we worship. Also when face to face with God, we should be fearful of him aswell.
“What is Jesus modeling for us about leadership by taking these three leaders with Him on a long journey to the mountains?”
Jesus is modeling to the leaders to keep their eyes fixed on Him & Him only. Often times we can get so wrapped up in putting our faith in human kind, but this passage reminds me that God will always remind while others may fade. It reminds us to focus on God who is eternal and no other man should come before Him.
Not sure if it’s a major detail but I did find it interesting how Peter suggested making three tents for Jesus, Elijah and Moses in the moment. I feel if I was in Peter’s position I would be equally confused and not know what to say or do either. It’d be like if you were at a small church retreat in the wilderness and suddenly George Washington and Abe Lincoln just appeared out of nowhere and started talking to your youth leader. Like, I’d be super confused, but also super impressed with whoever these two great but dead men had come back to simply converse with. I think the overall takeaway here on Peter’s reaction is that it was genuine and gives testament to the vision they witnessed of Jesus meeting with Elijah and Moses. Which in turn gives testament to Jesus’ resurrection as something as ridiculous as this vision was only to be revealed under one condition: until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. If not for that, then I wouldn’t see any other reason to include this passage.
What a mind-blowing passage to read through. In today’s passage, I was able to reflect more on Jesus and who He is to us and God. After Jesus took the brothers up the high mountain, Jesus’ appearance changed into something glorious. His clothes changed, and his face shone like the sun. It is as if, Jesus is the light. Then the Lord exclaimed that Jesus is his dearly loved Son, who brings Him great joy. What a delightful and comforting way to be recognized, knowing that you are loved and God treasures you. Another thing that I noted was the leadership qualities that Jesus again exhibited in this passage. The first thing was how he comforted His disciples by telling them to “Get up” but also not be afraid. Jesus makes sure that his disciples again feel safe and reassures them. Jesus recognizes his duties and orders his disciples on what to do. I bet after the whole incident they have faith in Him now more than ever. Jesus made sure to also be intentional during His time with His disciples and in the choosing of who to bring with Him to the mountains.