God's Chosen One

Monday, March 2nd, 2026

4:33 am

Good morning! Today I am in Matthew 17:1-13, Mark 9:2-13, and Luke 9:28-36. Six days after Jesus predicted His death to His disciples, Jesus led Peter, James, and John up a high mountain to pray. Luke tells us it was 8 days later. While Jesus was praying, His face and clothes were transformed so that His face shone bright like the sun and His clothes became as white as light. And suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared talking to Jesus. They began talking about Jesus' exodus from the world, which was going to take place in Jerusalem. Luke tells us that the disciples had fallen asleep, and when they woke up they saw Moses and Elijah. As Moses and Elijah were starting to leave, Peter blurted out to Jesus that it was wonderful they were there to see what was happening, and that if He wanted him to, he would build three memorial shelters, one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. But as he was saying this, a cloud overshadowed them, and they were terrified. From the cloud they heard a voice that said, "This is My dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. My Chosen One. Listen to Him." Matthew and Mark tell us that the disciples looked around and Moses and Elijah were gone. Jesus told them not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man was raised from the dead. When they started back down the mountain, they asked Jesus why the religious leaders taught that Elijah had to return before the Messiah came? Jesus told them that Elijah was indeed coming back first to get everything ready, and that He had already come, but no one recognized him. And they chose to abuse Him. And in the same way, the Son of Man would suffer. And the disciples realized He was talking about John the Baptist.

Moses' and Elijah's presence with Jesus confirmed Jesus' messianic mission: to fulfill God's law and the words of God's prophets. Moses represented God's law and Elijah represented the prophets. God's voice gave authority to Jesus' words, and was God's divine affirmation of everything Jesus had done and was about to do. These three men got a glimpse of the true glory of the King. God let these men know that Jesus was in fact His Son, and He was very pleased with Him. He is more than just a great leader, a good example, a good influence, or a great prophet. When we truly understand who Jesus is, we are able to obey Him. Jesus told them not to tell anyone what they had seen because they did not fully understand what it meant. And they would not fully understand until Jesus' resurrection. He knew they would not be able to explain to anybody what they had seen. But they would understand later. Malachi 4:5 prophesied that a prophet like Elijah would come and prepare the people for the Lord's arrival, exactly what John the Baptist had done.

Many voices try to tell us how to live and how to know God personally. Some of these voices are helpful, but many are not. We must first listen to the Bible and then evaluate all other authorities in light of God's revelation. For He is the one that reveals Jesus to us. Just like God revealed who Jesus truly is to these 3 men, He reveals who Jesus is to those who are truly ready. He has given us His Word, the Bible, to help us understand the full meaning of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. Our understanding and appreciation of Jesus must go beyond what He can do for us here and now. We must understand that He is the truth and the life, and the only way to heaven. He is God's Son. God's Chosen One. And He chooses you as well. He chooses you to be a part of His Kingdom. But you must turn to Him, and seek Him for guidance. Seek Him, and allow Him to show you the truth.