2 Peter 1:17-18
For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain.

It was not one of Peter’s finest moments but for sure one of his most memorable ones. Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a high mountain and there his figure changed before their eyes. His “face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light” (Matthew 17:2). Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking to Jesus! It’s better for a person just to stay quiet and soak in such a glorious moment as it seems James and John did. But the impulsive Peter opened his mouth. “Lord, it is good that we are here,” he said to Jesus, who, don’t forget, was talking with Moses and Elijah. “If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” Can’t you hear James whisper to John, “I can’t believe he just said that!”

Jesus didn’t bother to respond. While Peter was still speaking, a “bright cloud” enveloped them, and the Father spoke from the cloud, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” The voice of God caused the three disciples to fall to the ground. “But Jesus came and touched them, saying, ‘Rise, and have no fear.’” When they looked up, Moses and Elijah were gone, and only Jesus was there.

Peter was indeed an “eyewitness of [Christ’s] majesty” (2 Peter 1:16). While the false teachers invented clever stories, he spoke the very words of God. His firsthand account carried weight with the recipients of this letter…and is authoritative for us today.

Father, thank you for the integrity of your Word written by those who walked with Jesus and witnessed his glory and majesty.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.