Exalting Christ Above All

When Jesus was transfigured before Peter, James, and John, the disciples witnessed a breathtaking scene: Christ in radiant glory, conversing with Moses and Elijah. In that overwhelming moment, Peter impulsively suggested building three tabernacles–one for each figure. Luke quickly adds the sobering comment, "not realizing what he was saying" (Luke 9:33).

Why was this a misstep? Peter, perhaps sincerely, failed to distinguish between Jesus and the great representatives of the Law and the Prophets. By proposing equal shrines, he unintentionally placed Jesus on the same level as Moses and Elijah. The Father's voice immediately corrected the error: "This is My Son, My Chosen One; listen to Him!" (Luke 9:35). Christ is not one among many–He is supreme.

This lesson remains vital for us today. In our eagerness to honor spiritual heroes, church traditions, or denominational loyalties, we can sometimes blur the line between respecting human servants and exalting Christ as Lord. We quote preachers as if their word is final, we elevate family traditions as if they carry divine weight, and we build "shrines" to personalities or practices that–while good–can never rival Christ Himself.

Modern believers must guard against a subtle but real danger: confusing reverence for godly people or institutions with devotion to Jesus. The church needs leaders, teachers, and traditions, but none of these can take the place of the Son of God. When they do, our focus shifts from hearing Him to clinging to them.

The Father's instruction still rings true: "Listen to Him." Only Christ has the words of eternal life (John 6:68). Only His sacrifice redeems. Only His resurrection assures our hope. Our teachers, however faithful, point to Him; our traditions, however meaningful, must bow before Him.

Peter's mistake was quickly corrected by heaven itself. Our calling today is to learn from it–making sure our hearts, homes, and churches never share Christ's glory with another.

Snap line: Faith matures when we stop building shrines for others and start listening to Jesus alone.