If the glorious appearance of Jesus with Moses and Elijah startled Peter, James and John - the audible voice of God terrified them. "While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!'" (Matthew 17:5). They fell to the ground like the prophets Ezekiel (Ezekiel 3:23) and Daniel (Daniel 8:17-18). The voice of God was awesome in its tone, power and content.
 
Sinful people are rightly in awe of the glory of the Lord. His commanding voice is absolute, with no room for negotiation. But Jesus displayed the mercy of God, not condemning His sinful disciples to death but allowing them the privilege of looking at Him (John 3:14-15) and listening to Him. By gently encouraging them to get up and not be afraid, Jesus also showed the grace of God: He did not want Peter to do anything for Him. He wanted the disciples to receive mercy and grace.
 
Suddenly everything was back to normal. Moses and Elijah had gone; so too had the bright shining appearance of Jesus. But from that moment they knew that all of God's authority had been invested in Jesus to dispense mercy and grace to sinful people. It was a message to be shared, but not then: the crucifixion had to run its course all the way to Christ's death. But after His resurrection they could tell everybody … and they did … since then that gospel message has never stopped ricocheting around the world.
 
The command to listen to Jesus, the King of glory, has not been withdrawn. It is still the only message which brings God's salvation with all its mercy and grace (Romans 1:16). So tell somebody the message today, and see what effect it will have. Some people may resent it but others will welcome it and want to receive Jesus. Tell them who He is, what He has done and how His loving gentle touch will change their lives, and their destination in eternity.