Peter, James, and John

GOLDEN TEXT: “For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” —Acts 4:20

MARK 9:2

JESUS took Peter, James, and John more intimately into his confidence than he did the other apostles. It has been supposed by some that their temperaments were such as to draw from him a more tender feeling of affection. Certainly John manifested his great affection for the Master, loving to lie on his breast. It seems more reasonable, however, to think that Jesus was preparing these three for a more active part in the ministry of the Gospel later on, especially Peter and John, for their contributions to the New Testament writings have been of fundamental importance to the entire church.

In Mark 9:1 Jesus is reported as saying that there were standing among them at that time some who would not taste death until they saw the kingdom of God come with power. It is the next verse which tells us that he took Peter, James, and John into the Mount of Transfiguration where they saw Jesus transfigured before them, and together with him there appeared Moses and Elijah. That Moses and Elijah were not actually there in person is indicated by Jesus’ statement afterward in which he referred to the incident as a “vision.”—Matt. 17:9

It was a vision of the kingdom, and by it was fulfilled Jesus’ prophecy that there were some of them who would see a demonstration of kingdom power before they died. Peter so understood the matter, for later he wrote, “We have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming [Greek, parousia, meaning presence] of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honor and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.”—II Peter 1:16-18

Thus did Peter use his experience on the Mount of Transfiguration as the background of his wonderful lesson pertaining to the second coming of Christ and the establishment of his kingdom. This indicates that Jesus’ reason for including him among those whom he took into the mount with him was not so much an indication that he loved him more than the others, as it was to further equip him for his future ministry. The Lord makes no mistakes in those whom he calls to serve him, and he knows how to train them for his service.

MARK 10:35-40

PETER, James, and John must have been greatly impressed with what Peter later described as “the excellent glory” which they saw foreshadowed in the Transfiguration Vision. It may well have been the inspiration of this that caused James and John to request the special favor of sitting, one on his right hand and the other on his left hand in his glory. Matthew’s account of this incident (Matthew 20:20-28) indicates that the mother of these two disciples petitioned the Master for them. However, it was evidently by their request, for they were very much in harmony with the idea.

Jesus did not censure them for asking this favor, but took occasion to explain to them and to the other disciples the only conditions upon which one may occupy any position in the “glory” of his kingdom. “Ye know not what ye ask,” Jesus said, meaning that they did not yet realize the cost of securing a position with him in his kingdom. Can ye “drink of the cup” that I drink of? he continued, “and be baptized with the baptism” that I am being baptized with? They assured the Master that they were willing and able to meet these conditions; and they were sincere, for these two disciples undoubtedly did prove faithful to the terms of discipleship—even unto death.

The “cup” was symbolic of the Master’s experiences in laying down his life as the world’s Redeemer. Much hardship and suffering were involved, and at one time he prayed, “If it be possible, let this cup pass from me.” For us to drink this “cup” means that we have the privilege of suffering with him. And if we suffer with him we shall also reign with him—be with him in his glory.—II Tim. 2:11,12

The “baptism” mentioned by Jesus was symbolic of his death, and was illustrated by his immersion in water at the beginning of his ministry. His words, “that I am baptized with,” denote the present tense. He was still being baptized. On another occasion he said, “I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!” (Luke 12:50) Thus “death baptism” is not accomplished in a day. It is a daily dying, a daily sacrifice of one’s life, as was true in the case of Jesus.

Paul understood this matter, and to the Church at Rome he wrote, “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?” (Rom. 6:3) Not many throughout the age have been “able” to suffer and die with Jesus—in all, only a “little flock.” It has been a “narrow way” in which they have walked, but they have been given strength by the reassuring words of Jesus, “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32) No individual disciple of Jesus has been assured of a particular position of honor in the kingdom such as was requested by James and John, but Peter wrote that all who “do these things” shall have an abundant entrance “into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”—II Pet. 1:11

ACTS 4:13, 18-20

THIS part of today’s lesson emphasizes one of the very important elements of true Christlikeness, which is fearlessness and boldness in proclaiming the Gospel of the kingdom. Peter had boldly set forth the doctrine of the resurrection, describing it as the “times of restitution of all things.” (Acts 3:19-21) The Sadducees and rulers of the temple were grieved over this and the notable miracle performed, and they arrested Peter and John and kept them in custody for a day before giving them even a semblance of a trial.

Then they were brought before the “rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,” to explain by what authority and power they had healed the man who had been lame from birth. (Acts 3:3-9; 4:8) Although Peter knew of their bitter hatred for Jesus, he unhesitatingly told them that the man had been healed through his name, and then pointed out to them how they had fulfilled prophecy by rejecting their Messiah.

Such were the circumstances which caused these rulers and elders to marvel at the boldness of Peter and John, “and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” Christlikeness includes patience, kindness, sympathy, and love; but those who are drinking of his “cup” and being “baptized” with his baptism will find that it also requires “boldness” in order to be faithful in obeying his command to let their light shine by proclaiming the Gospel.

Peter and John were not re-imprisoned on this occasion, but were warned not to continue their ministry of Jesus. Their reply to this was, “Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” They had seen Jesus’ miracles. They had been with him on the Mount of Transfiguration. They had heard the words of grace and wisdom which fell from his lips. The inspiration of these experiences would not permit them to remain silent, regardless of how much it might cost them in the way of suffering to proclaim the message.

QUESTIONS

Why may Jesus have favored Peter, James, and John more than the other apostles?

Were Moses and Elijah actually with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration?

What did the Transfiguration Vision represent?

What did Jesus mean by his “cup” and by his “baptism”? How may we share in these?

What was one of the important elements of Christian character that Peter and John displayed which convinced their enemies that they had been with Jesus?

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