This is part of a series studying Peter’s life and ministry.  Click here for the entire series.

At this point, Luke records that the three Christ-followers were very sleepy but jolted awake at the bright light of Jesus’ appearance and the conversation with Moses and Elijah (Luke 9:32).

Have you ever been around someone who, when under pressure, can’t stop talking?  I have, and they can be very annoying, especially when you’re trying to think of what to do next.  Peter was that kind of person.  As Moses and Elijah were getting ready to leave, Peter blurted out, “Lord, it is good for us to be here.  If you wish, I will put up three shelters [booths like the Israelites did during the Feast of Tabernacles—Leviticus 23:42]—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah” (Matthew 17:4).

It’s not clear what Peter hoped to accomplish with this suggestion.  Even Luke editorializes, “He did not know what he was saying” (Luke 9:33), and Mark notes, “He did not know what to say, they were so frightened” (Mark 9:6).   Maybe he simply wanted to capture the moment.  Or, detain Jesus’ two visitors.  The Feast of Tabernacles was a few weeks away, so possibly he wanted to celebrate early that occasion commemorating the Israelites’ wandering in the wilderness.

Jesus didn’t scold Peter for being so quick to speak once again.

The writers don’t tell us how Jesus reacted—apparently He ignored the suggestion.  Clearly, Moses and Elijah had completed their jobs and promptly departed, leaving Jesus alone.

But God wasn’t done.  As He had done when appearing to the Israelites on Mt. Sinai nearly 1,500 years earlier, God enveloped Jesus and His followers with a cloud representing His awesome presence (Matthew 17:5).  For the second time in Jesus’ career (the first being at His baptism—Luke 3:22), God affirmed who Jesus was: “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.  Listen to him.”

This missive may have been directed at Peter.  While in Caesarea Philippi, he had just declared Jesus to be the Messiah, the Son of the living God.  I think God was saying, “Peter, you were right—My thoughts exactly.”  But God added, “I am pleased with Him.  Listen to him.”  A week earlier Peter had rebuked Jesus for predicting His death and resurrection.  Here on the mountain God told Peter—and the other followers—He was pleased with Who His Son was and what His plans were.  “So listen to him and don’t try to thwart His plans.”

Jesus’ dazzling face and clothing . . . the two ancient prophets . . . the bright cloud . . . the clear voice delivering affirmation and a rebuke—these Christ-followers couldn’t take any more and fell to the ground terrified (Matthew 17:6).  “But Jesus came and touched them.  Get up. Don’t be afraid” (Matthew 17:7).

Matthew writes, “As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, ‘Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead’” (Matthew 17:9).  What?  Didn’t Jesus want them to tell everyone Who He was?  Eventually, yes.  But for now, Jesus knew these of His closest followers didn’t yet fully understand Who He was or what He can to do.  And, without question, others understood even less.  The time for proclamation would come later.

Have you ever had the experience of feeling God was so close to you that you would almost reach out and touch Him?

How did you react?