Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”
When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.

Listening is a skill that involves much more than hearing. My wife, through much of my marriage, would accuse me of not listening to her. I would respond by repeating the last two sentences she said as proof. In reality, I heard her, but I was distracted and was not really trying to listen to her. Since then, I have worked hard to be a better listener.

Listening involves understanding the heart behind the words, reading body language, and also perceiving intentions left unsaid.

When God instructed the disciples to listen to Jesus, he meant much more than just a pupil listening to a teacher and learning a technical trade or profession. He wanted them to understand his intentions and perceive the motivations of his heart.

By speaking at The Transfiguration directly to them, he created a hard-coded mental memory of this command, that they would remember forever.

When God speaks, he is pure, almighty, and holy all at one time. It is an overwhelming experience, and I believe I, too, would fall on my face in fear. Jesus reassured his disciples that they did not need to fear. And this is what he does for us too. He comforts us and refocuses our minds from fear to faith.

Lord, thank you for this clear command to listen to Jesus. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life! Make me a better listener, please.