How can we apply the disciples' silence in Luke 9:36 to our witness? The moment on the mountain “After the voice had spoken, only Jesus was present with them. The disciples kept this secret and in those days they did not tell anyone what they had seen.” (Luke 9:36) Three men—Peter, James, and John—have just witnessed Jesus’ glory, heard the Father’s voice, and seen Moses and Elijah. Then they walk down in total silence. Why silence then? • Awe: The sight overwhelmed them; words felt inadequate (cf. Habakkuk 2:20). • Obedience: Jesus had already told them not to relate the vision until after His resurrection (Matthew 17:9). • Preparation: They needed time for truth to settle and mature before public testimony. • Protection: Premature disclosure could have stirred messianic frenzy or hindered the Father’s plan. Lessons for our witness today • Reverent restraint – Not every fresh insight must be tweeted. Some moments should drive us to worship before words. – Silence can prevent trivializing holy realities. • Wait for clarity – Sit with Scripture long enough for it to shape our hearts (Psalm 1:2). – Witness becomes powerful when conviction is deep, not shallow. • Speak under Christ’s timing – Jesus released them to proclaim after the resurrection (Acts 4:20). – Pray for the Spirit’s nudge about who, when, and how (Colossians 4:3-4). • Guard against self-promotion – The mountain story centered on “only Jesus”; our stories should do the same (2 Corinthians 4:5). – Silence can sift motives, ensuring the glory goes to Him, not us. Balancing silence and proclamation • Silence is not secrecy forever; it is purposeful pause. • When the right time comes, speak boldly (Acts 1:8). • A heart trained in quiet reverence produces words filled with grace and truth (John 1:14). Cautions about misguided silence • Fear must never masquerade as reverence (2 Timothy 1:7). • If God opens the door, withholding the gospel becomes disobedience (Ezekiel 3:18). • Silence is a tool, not a destination. Putting it into practice this week • Set aside ten minutes daily simply to behold Jesus in the Gospels—no talking, no posting. • Journal what the Spirit impresses; share only after prayerful confirmation. • Before speaking about Christ, test motive: Will this spotlight Him alone? • Ask God for one person and one moment, in His timing, to share the truth you have quietly treasured. |
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