They Saw No One But Jesus: An Important Family Policy

 “When they looked up, they saw no one but Jesus.”

Matthew 17:8

Dear Family & Friends,

Have you ever been in a situation where you are talking to someone, but they are not paying attention to you? Maybe you are pouring your heart out to a friend or loved one, but you can tell from their eyes and body language that they are not tracking with you. In fact, maybe in the middle of your sentence, they break out into a completely different conversation or even worse, walk away to engage someone else. Jesus took three of His most trusted followers to a special event, but instead of riveting their focus on Him, these men got sidetracked by others. When they realized their mistake and looked up, they saw no one but Jesus.

Unspoken Family Policy

Over the years our family has laughed about an unspoken policy in our household. Whenever we go out to a restaurant to eat and spend quality time together, there are certain family members who must stay seated with their backs to the door. We have learned over time that it is hard to have focused conversations with these individuals if they are in the wrong seat because inevitably every newcomer entering the restaurant distracts the attention from the rest of us sitting at the table. Hence, we made the “back to the door” policy to keep the attention on us and make sure we feel seen and heard.

God enforced a similar policy on the three men who accompanied Jesus to a special event at the top of a high mountain. Peter, James, and John experienced the special privilege of watching Jesus be transfigured before their very eyes. In the heights of the mountain Jesus’ face began to shine like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. At the same time this transformation took place, Moses and Elijah, long gone from this earthly life, appeared and began talking to Jesus.

Peter’s Error in Judgment

Peter, so enthralled by the whole scene, blurted out, “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.”

In the grandeur of the moment, Peter forgot who he was there to see. He became distracted by the appearance of the other two men who, while important figures in Jewish history, paled in comparison to Jesus.

While Peter was still voicing his grand plan to elevate and honor all three of the actors in the scene on the mountain, a bright cloud enveloped the whole stage and a voice boomed out an important message. “This is my beloved Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!” 

They Saw No One But Jesus

When the disciples heard the voice, they fell on their faces, scared to death! But while they lay prostrate on the ground wondering about all they had seen, they suddenly felt the tender touch of their Master and responded to His encouraging words. “Get up,” He said. “Don’t be afraid.”  “When they looked up, they saw no one but Jesus.”

On the way down the mountain Jesus explained more about the important mission He had come to fulfill. He would suffer at the hands of wicked men. They would treat him the same way they treated John the Baptist, the “Elijah” who had been predicted to prepare the way for the Messiah. But then He would rise again from the dead procuring salvation for all who would believe.

Keep Your Eyes on Jesus

No wonder God put in place the “back to the door” policy when it came to Jesus. “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). He alone deserves all glory, power and honor!

It is easy to get sidetracked by all of the distractions around us. There is always someone new who tries to seize recognition with what might be considered the latest words of wisdom, theories about truth, or feats that seem enthralling. But we must make sure to keep our eyes focused on the right Person, the Holy Son of God. He alone deserves all our attention. Turn your gaze upward, keep your back to the door, do whatever it takes, so you are sure to see no one but Jesus!

Love,

Mama

If you have been blessed by Verses from Mama consider buying me a cup of tea to help with the costs of this ministry. Thank you!