Suggested reading: LUKE chapter 9 verses 28-36

Peter, a disciple of Jesus, was often too quick to speak. On one occasion Jesus took him, with James and John, up a mountain, where they witnessed a remarkable event. The face of Jesus ‘was altered, and His robe became white and glistening. And behold, two men talked with Him, who were Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of His decease (exodus, i.e. His death) which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem’, verses 30-31. The three disciples were tired, but ‘when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men who stood with Him’, verse 32.

Had Peter been more discerning, he would not have said, ‘Master it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles (booths, tents, shelters): one for You, one for Moses and one for Elijah – not knowing what he said’, verse 33. Jesus did not correct him but God the Father did! He caused a cloud to overshadow all present and said, ‘This is My beloved Son, hear Him’, verse 35. Peter’s suggestion placed Moses and Elijah on an equal level with Jesus, when it was He, alone, who merited the pre-eminence and must be heard!

Peter probably wished that he had held his peace earlier. However, he learned his lesson; indeed, he recalled the event in one of his two letters in the New Testament, ‘For He (the Lord Jesus Christ) received from God the Father honour and glory when such a voice came from the excellent glory: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased”. And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain’, 2 Peter chapter 1 verse 17-18.