What Jesus Did! 'Speaking Without Knowing' — Mark 9:5-6

Monday, June 3, 2024

[At the Transfiguration,] Peter exclaimed, "Rabbi, 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." He said this because he didn't really know what else to say, for they were all terrified.
— Mark 9:5-6 NLT

Key Thought

Peter's words, though well intentioned, are ludicrous. Some moments need to be held in silent awe. Words shouldn't desecrate the moment. Rather than trying to be the wise one, the outspoken one, and the one who leads the pack, sometimes we need to be silent and let God reveal the meaning and the power of the moment. Peter couldn't grasp that Jesus was and is so far superior to the others. [1] Even with that ignorance, however, he should have waited in awe until God's will was revealed rather than trying to speak when he didn't know what to say! At this point, we still see the impulsive, brash Peter. Later, through the influence of the Holy Spirit, Peter became a humble servant leader in the church. [2]

[1] Hebrews 1:1-4.
[2] 1 Peter 5:5-6.

Today's Prayer

O God, forgive me for trying to always have words when my awe-filled and reverent silence should be the gift I offer in the presence of your glory. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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3 Related Resources by Heartlight

Cruciformed #3: Listen to Him!
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In a world full of noisy distractions and competing messages, how do we know which voice we should obey and which sign we should follow? Phil Ware continues his short series on becoming a cruciformed people -- disciples transformed by the cross of Jesus -- by talking about the focus on the story of Jesus' transfiguration.
No Box Works!
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You can try to make Jesus into the Messiah you want him to be, but he's too big for your job description! Max Lucado reminds us that Jesus defies description and won't fit into any boxes that limit him and make him manageable.
Looking Beyond the Fireworks
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Peter thought it was good to be in that moment in time, but he had no idea the greatness of Jesus that he was missing! Phil Ware reminds us not to miss the truth about Jesus by getting too caught up in the heavenly fireworks of the Transfiguration.

Illustration

Illustration of Mark 9:5-6 NLT — "Rabbi, 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."

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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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