Day 38

Six days after this incredible leadership team evaluation, Jesus reveals that He has begun such a powerful movement 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 the movement’s next steps would not be without great personal suffering and loss of life (Matt. 16:21). Jesus then makes a bold move. Take a look!

Read: Matthew 17:1-13; Mark 9:2-13; Luke 9:28-36

As you read about this event, list what you believe are the important details.


What is Jesus modeling about leadership by taking these three leaders with Him on a long mountain journey?

Why would this event follow the statement by Jesus that He “must go to Jerusalem” (Matt. 16:21)?

Jesus is at another crucial point in the ministry. He knows the movement is expanding rapidly and 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 the three of them, “Come with me”. Jesus will now escape 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). Jesus calls Peter, James, and John to come even closer so that they may see more of who He is and give them some special instruction as the leaders of leaders. With this in mind, they head up a mountain. Some believe it was Mount Tabor, just outside Nazareth, where Jesus grew up. Others think it was on Mount Hermon, not 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).

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)? 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? I only guess that Jesus must have introduced Moses and Elijah to His new leaders! I can only imagine the shock and honor of standing before one of the most outstanding Old Testament leaders, Moses, and one of the most significant Old Testament prophets, Elijah. Peter was so impressed; I imagine him chasing the words out of his mouth, “If you wish, I will put up three shelters- one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah!” (Matt. 17:4). The Father quickly speaks up, “This is my son, whom I love; with him, I am well pleased. Listen to Him!” (Matt. 17:5).

I think God wanted Peter to realize that Moses and Elijah were not even close to Jesus in status, so don’t try to put them on the same pedestal. No altar should be built for a mere man. While Peter had good intentions, he missed the mark.

Peter was caught up in the hero worship of his day, and he forgot something he knew- that Jesus was the son of the living God and that Moses and Elijah were not. Peter, James, and John grew up in a Jewish culture that worshiped Moses and Elijah and placed them on a pedestal as if they were gods. So when the three leaders heard the voice of God, they fell facedown, terrified. But don’t miss this point- Peter, James, and John all got to listen to the audible voice of the Father- a rare privilege that only a few people in the history of the world had the privilege to hear! And God repeated the same thing that he had said nearly three years earlier at the baptism of Jesus!

As they descended the mountain, Jesus told his leaders not to tell anyone until he rose from the dead. But I’m still left wondering: What was the content of the discussion between Jesus, Moses, and Elijah? (Luke 9:31?). Why did Jesus have to meet with them that day? Why was it essential for Peter, James, and John to be there and witness it? I don’t have the answers- I have many more questions than answers. But one thing I can learn from this story is not to put people on a pedestal, no matter who they are. No one, no matter how “great” they are, compares to Jesus. Unfortunately, even today, we are prone to place incredible leaders on a pedestal. Billy Graham, Franklin Graham, Wayne Smith, Francis Chan, and Beth Moore (I’d even throw in John Piper and David Platt for my reformed friends) are all mere men/women. All good people- but not even close to Jesus.

People fall- people fail. Jesus does not. A problem today exists when a church focuses more on its leaders than Jesus. I pray that is never the case at LCC. The church leaders will fail, and if we fall victim to worshiping our leaders when they fall, we will fall.

Paul talked about this Idol worship when there was a dispute about the better preacher, Paul or Apollos (1 Corinthians 3:1-9). Take some time today, read this, and then examine your heart and life for any Idols that may be tucked away. Listen to the voice of the Father and clean your heart. Remember, God will not share your worship with anyone.