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Simon Peter – Prominent Prophet of the Apostles (4 of 10)

Focus Text: Matthew 17.1-6

Some people epitomize certain traits. If you look in the dictionary under rich you might find Bill Gates’ picture; if you look under genius you might find Einstein’s picture; if you look under impulsive, you might find Peter’s picture (laugh here!). That’s what I mean when I say that some people epitomize certain traits; Peter epitomized impulsiveness! We will look at two events (one today; one tomorrow) involving Peter’s impulsiveness during the earthly ministry of Jesus.

“Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!’ And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid.” (Matthew 17.1-6). Once again, we see Peter to the front, but to his credit? We shall see!

Both Mark and Luke add some details to this story which are not included in Matthew’s account. Of Peter’s actions, Mark adds commentary: “…Because he [Peter] did not know what to say, for they were greatly afraid.” (Mark 9.6). Luke takes us a little bit further into the details by adding that Peter spoke “…not knowing what he said.” As far as the inspired record goes, Peter answered the events and not a question; he just felt compelled to say something –as we sometimes say – even if it was wrong.

We noted on a previous occasion, that Peter was sternly rebuked by Jesus (see Matthew 16.21-23). However on the occasion of the transfiguration, a voice out of the cloud responded to Peter’s comments. It is significant that the voice responded to Peter’s words “…while he was still speaking.” Just as Peter could not restrain himself from commenting, heaven itself was compelled to respond to Peter’s brash statements! Three tabernacles were not in the Divine plan! Rather, the voice said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” The point of the transfiguration could not be lost due to the impulsive nature of Simon Peter! Heaven spoke audibly insuring that subsequent generations would understand that of the three great individuals there represented, only one of them was to be recognized as superior in power and authority. Hear Jesus! That was heaven’s response to Peter’s suggestion.

Man cannot follow God on an impulse; he may start the journey impulsively but he must finish it with great resolve. That is all part of counting the cost of discipleship. Unless one is willing to give up everything for the cause of Christ, he cannot be His disciple (see Luke 14.25-35). God has no cheap disciples and He wants none; only those who are willing to give Him their all can appropriate the gift that He offers, the gift that was procured by the giving of His all!

Questions:

1. What is impulsiveness? Is it a positive trait? Why or why not?

2. What is the message of the transfiguration for all generations?

3. Why do you think Peter had to respond to the events of the transfiguration? Why didn’t he just stand by and wait for its meaning to be revealed?

4. Why can true disciples not follow their Master impulsively and remain true to His teachings?

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