These verses describe what happened when the 'three witnesses of glory', Peter, James and John (2 Peter 1:16) saw Jesus transfigured.  It was an awesome sight; one which they needed to drink in - prostrating themselves to the ground in worship.  But worship was not on their mind at that moment.  It would come later when Father God spoke (Matthew 17:5-8).  But initially they were excited by this unusual sign; they wanted it to stay with them, and Moses and Elijah to remain too.

Not long before, Peter had made his confession of faith (Mark 8:29), followed by his foolish outburst forbidding Jesus to go to the cross (Mark 8:31-32).  That precipitated Jesus' stinging rebuke (Mark 8:33).  Now, apparently reinstated in the favoured trio of trainee apostles, Peter's excitement, mixed with pride, overflowed in this childish attempt to appear 'on-side' with Jesus.  Perhaps he thought that with Jesus flanked by Moses and Elijah, this might be the beginning of Christ's reign on earth.  There was no time to build a palace, but a tent could be constructed out of the brush wood.  Why?  It would honour them and 'own' them.   The disciples would be the patrons of Moses, and Elijah … and Jesus too.  What favours they might be due in the future!

Not so.  It was God who was in control that day (as He is every day)!  Jesus made no reply to the impetuous Peter but allowed the silence to make way for another divine announcement.  The cloud that swallowed them up at the top of the mountain, spoke to the trio of disciples.  Father God was speaking audibly as He had at Jesus' baptism (Mark 1:11).  God said that Jesus was His Son and that they were to listen to Him: which meant listen, not argue and then obey.  When they heard the voice of God, they then fell down in utter fear (Matthew 17:6).  They had argued with God's Son and now Father God was rebuking them as well.  What judgement might fall on them?   But Jesus gently touched them, telling them to get up and not be afraid (Matthew 17:7).  As quickly as the shining sight had appeared, it went again.  Only Jesus remained.  They had no need of the cloud or Moses or Elijah (whose role was to point forward to Christ).  He was enough and all sufficient; He alone could bring them through the cross to the glory.

Today, God's Word to us is still, "Listen to Jesus!"   We should do so because He is God the Son; because the Father's love for Him is so intense that anyone who slights Jesus, must face the Father's anger; and because God commands us to listen.  We must not think that we can patronise Him, or tame Him to be at our command - because we choose to do things for which we think He ought to be grateful.  The Lord wants humble obedient servants who listen to Him and do what He says – anything less invites God's wrath (Matthew 7:21-24).  If we say we love Him, we should obey Him (John 14:15).  That is a daily challenge, but when well done it will bring glory to the Lord and enquiries about your lifestyle from unbelievers.  So be ready to say why you love Jesus and are prepared to deny yourself for Him (1 Peter 3:15).