Who are you listening to?

Bible Passage: Matthew 17:1–8

INTRODUCTION

People tend to give their attention and allegiance to the biggest personalities and the loudest voices, both past and present. Historical figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Sojourner Truth, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Nelson Mandela, and Martin Luther King Jr. still resonate as symbols of equity, justice, and truth. However, other voices from the past propagate messages of bigotry, hatred, and injustice. Figures such as Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, Eugene "Bull" Conner, and David Duke continue to echo these harmful ideologies.

This contrast between these two groups of voices reminds us of the ongoing struggle between good and evil. It brings to mind the biblical text of Matthew 17:5, where a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!"

In the context of Matthew 17:1-8, this passage is part of the Transfiguration of Jesus. In this text we see three men and the Master on a high mountain. The text says that while the three men were there they were beholding the glory of the Lord. They found themselves looking at two of Israel’s Living Legends. Unable to simply process the experience, Peter reacts with an ignorant interruption and offers to build three tabernacles, but while he is still speaking, a bright cloud envelops them, and a voice from the cloud that made him stop speaking and start listening . When they heard the voice of God they showed that the right response to revelation is reverence. As they were prostrate on the ground they felt His hand of mercy and heard His voice of Cheer telling them to get up and do not be afraid. And when they arose they saw Jesus Only.

The divine declaration from the voice that the disciples heard affirms Jesus' divine sonship and authority, surpassing even the revered figures of Moses and Elijah. The instruction to "listen to him" underscores the sufficiency and supremacy of Jesus' teachings and guidance. In a world filled with myriad voices and personalities, the theological rationale here is clear: only Jesus embodies the ultimate truth, love, and righteousness that lead us toward justice and humanity. All other voices, regardless of their prominence or persuasive power, are ultimately insufficient. It is crucial to heed the voice of Jesus, who alone can guide us towards the will and way of the Lord.

As the disciples heard the voice of the Lord on that day, so too, we need to hear his voice here today. I hear him asking: “Who are you listening to?” The message to us today is “Listen to Him.”

Listen to Him because of Who He Is

What is interesting to note is that this episode follows directly behind Peter’s great confession of Jesus as the Son of God.

Listen to Him because His Commendation is Other-Worldly

Listen to Him because He has the Words to Eternal Life

see John 6:68

CONCLUSION

Priority of Listening

reflect on the Transfiguration as a profound moment where God affirms Jesus as His beloved Son, urging us to "listen to Him." Highlight the necessity of prioritizing Jesus’ teachings in an ever-competing world of voices to align our lives with God’s will.