Our text in Matthew's Gospel pose three powerful questions for us: Do we understand who Jesus is? Do we understand what he has done for us? How do we find courage to obey our king?
God himself answers the first question: "This is my beloved Son, Listen to him” (Matthew 17:5).
The Apostle Paul summarizes what Jesus has done: As God's Messiah, Jesus came at God’s set time to die on the cross and to rise from the dead in order to save us, and put the Holy Spirit into our hearts to cry out “Abba, Father!” (Galatians 4:4).
How do we find courage to do as God Commands? We listen to Jesus! What does he tell Peter, James and John? "Be not afraid!" We are unafraid today because our King is God’s beloved Son. We can follow him with confidence as we show his goodness, kindness, and love to the world.