Daily devotion – How the Lord prepares our hearts for what lies ahead.
Matthew 17:1–4
“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…’”
The Bible tells us that Jesus took Peter, James, and John apart from the other disciples on three specific occasions—each time to minister to them in deeply personal ways. Interestingly, every one of those moments was connected with death.
First, Jesus raised Jairus’ daughter from the dead, removing everyone else from the room except these three disciples. They witnessed Christ’s authority over death itself.
Later, in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus took Peter, James, and John with Him as He prayed,
“Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done.”
Here they witnessed Jesus’ willing submission to death.
Then, in Matthew 17, Jesus led them up a high mountain where they saw Him transfigured in glory—His face shining like the sun, His garments radiant, speaking with Moses and Elijah. They were given a glimpse of glory beyond death.
These three disciples needed these special moments of instruction, because each would face death in a unique way.
Peter would later be told by Jesus how he would die:
“Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” (John 21:18)
James would become the first apostle to die for his faith.
John would be the last of the apostles to die, living a long life of faithful witness.
Jesus lovingly prepared Peter, James, and John for what each of them would face. And He will do the same for us. Through Bible study, prayer, and quiet moments with Him, the Lord prepares us for what lies ahead personally.
How often have we studied a passage of Scripture or heard a verse taught, only to discover days later that we desperately needed it?
Let us remain sensitive to God’s voice, trusting His perfect timing, and then watch His faithfulness as He lovingly prepares us for what lies ahead.