What Jesus Did! 'A Time for Silence' — Luke 9:32-34

Wednesday, June 14, 2023

Peter and the others had fallen asleep [at Jesus' transfiguration]. When they woke up, they saw Jesus' glory and the two men standing with him. As Moses and Elijah were starting to leave, Peter, not even knowing what he was saying, blurted out, "Master, it's wonderful for us to be here! Let's make three shelters as memorials — one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." But even as he was saying this, a cloud overshadowed them, and terror gripped them as the cloud covered them.
— Luke 9:32-34 NLT

Key Thought

I can identify with Peter, can't you? He woke up and saw a once-in-a-lifetime event and did not know what to do or say. Humility and awe would suggest that he remain silent and take his cue from Jesus. Instead, Peter talked when it was really a time for silence. [1] However, his impertinent and shallow comments were put in their place as the following event humbled him into terror. Reverence, awe, and listening were the proper responses to a magnificent glimpse of Jesus in his glory!

[1] The need for silence is reinforced in other translations that include the statement that Peter didn't know what he was saying (e.g., Luke 9:33 NIV).

Today's Prayer

O gracious heavenly Father, please forgive my compulsion to speak when I should be reverently silent. Humble me gently and help me see my proper response in the presence of your glorious Son with whom there is no equal, rival, or comparison. In his name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Ecclesiastes 5:1-6
  • James 1:19
  • Proverbs 17:28

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 9:32-34 NLT — "Master, it's wonderful for us to be here! Let's make three shelters as memorials — one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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