P, J, & J Again

And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,

Matthew 17:1

And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.

Mark 9:2

And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.

Luke 9:28

Peter, James, and John got another opportunity to be closer to Jesus than the other disciples. But why is it always these three? We can speculate on the possibilities of why but it really just boils down to this – Jesus wanted it that way.

In this, we get a glimpse at the sovereign right of God to do things as He wills. Our will, desires, or plans are sometimes considered by God. But in any case, God has the right to do things however He wants to. After, He is God!

This trio was blessed to privately witness the resurrection of a little girl. They also got to see a portion of Jesus’ glory in these verses. On both of those occasions, Jesus told them not to tell anyone what they had seen. In the case of the transfiguration, they were charged to keep it a secret until after Jesus rose from the dead. What great privilege thee men had but it also amazes me that Jesus chose the three men who talked the most and told them to keep quiet. The impetuous Peter and the Sons of Thunder had to keep a secret!

These three will also later the agony of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane. This shows us that to be a close friend to someone doesn’t mean you are just there on the mountaintop with them. You are there with them in their deepest sorrows.

Another thing that we should consider is that just a few days before, Jesus told all the disciples the criteria for following Him. They were literally called to suffer in their service to God. On this mountain, these three got to see two of the best examples of faithful servants of God in Moses and Elijah. They both had dedicated their lives to God’s service and it was often a great struggle and sacrifice. However, we can see in this scene that they are now at peace in the presence of Jesus! We should use this account to remind us to keep pressing forward in God’s service.

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Galatians 6:9