Keeping Secrets
READ: Matthew 17:1-9
Secrets! We’ve all been told secrets. Have you ever been told a secret that is hard to keep? What if you just saw Moses and Elijah, who have been dead for hundreds of years, talking with Jesus in His full glory? Jesus asked three of His disciples to keep it a secret.
It all started when Jesus took Peter, James and John up high on a mountain by themselves. There He was transfigured in front of them and His face and clothes were brighter than the sun. Then, out of nowhere, Moses and Elijah appeared before them and started talking with Jesus. While they were talking, a bright cloud enveloped them and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him." The disciples fell face down on the ground terrified. Jesus, however, came to them and said, "Get up. Do not be afraid." When 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." Now that would be a hard secret to keep.
Jesus obviously had a lot of trust in these disciples to show them these things and then ask them to keep it a secret until He rose from the dead. Similiarly, Jesus has entrusted His Word to us. But He DOESN'T want us to keep it a secret at all. He wants us to go and tell all nations of His glory and splendor, His promises and love. And He promises to be with us as we share the "secret" of salvation with others. So go...boldly and confidentally!
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT: Why do you think Jesus wanted to keep His transfiguration a secret? Why did Jesus want Peter, James and John along to see it? What do you think the disciples’ reaction was afterwards?
PRAYER SUGGESTIONS: Ask that God help you to spread His word and NOT keep it a secret. Thank the Lord for giving you a mouth to proclaim His word to others. Ask for the opportunity to share His word with others.