Listen to Him — Matthew 17:5 | Devotional
Keywords: Matthew 17:5, Listen to Jesus, Transfiguration, spiritual listening, Christian devotion, how to hear God

“‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!’” — Matthew 17:5

In the middle of the Transfiguration, the Father speaks one command that should change everything: Listen to Jesus. This episode explores what it looks like to prioritize the voice of Christ amid the noise of culture, fear, and fractured pasts.

Episode highlights:

• Context: God’s interruption during the Transfiguration (Matthew 17)
• Why “Listen to Him” is both loving and authoritative
• Common distractions that drown out Jesus (feelings, social media, fear, bad counsel)
• Practical steps to cultivate spiritual listening and immediate obedience

Reflection Question: What voice have you allowed to be louder than Jesus?
Challenge: Carve out 15 minutes today for silent listening—open the Gospels, pray, journal what He says, and then do it.

If this episode blessed you, please subscribe, leave a rating, and share it with someone who needs to hear Jesus clearly today.

Busy Work vs. True Worship — Matthew 17:3–4

Peter, James, and John just witnessed Jesus transfigured in glory with Moses and Elijah at His side. And Peter’s first response? “Let me build some shelters!”

Instead of resting in the presence of glory, he defaulted to busy work—just like so many of us do. We fill our lives with spiritual activity, service, and noise, but often miss the simple call of God: “This is my Son … listen to Him.”

👉 Reflection: Where are you building booths instead of beholding Jesus?
👉 Challenge: Set aside 15 minutes each day this week in complete stillness—no phone, no music, no agenda. Simply sit with God and listen.

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Serve Where You Are — Devotional on Matthew 17:1–2
Keywords: Matthew 17:1–2, Transfiguration, discipleship, calling, purpose, everyday faith

In Matthew 17:1–2, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a mountain and reveals His glory in the Transfiguration. These three disciples were far from perfect, yet Jesus entrusted them with a glimpse of heaven. Their role was unique, but it didn’t make them more valuable than the others—it simply reflected God’s plan for them.

In this episode we explore:

• Why only Peter, James, and John saw the Transfiguration.
• How God gives each believer unique roles and callings.
• The importance of shining Christ’s light in ordinary, daily faithfulness.
• Why comparison robs us of purpose, but obedience multiplies impact.

Reflection Question: Where in your life do you need to stop comparing and start embracing the role God has placed before you?
Challenge: Look for one simple way to reflect Jesus’ light today—through prayer, kindness, encouragement, or service.

Listen in and be encouraged: your everyday obedience might be someone else’s glimpse of God’s glory.

Kingdom Breaking Through — Devotional on Matthew 16:28
Keywords: Matthew 16:28, Transfiguration, kingdom of God, already/not-yet, resurrection, Pentecost, Christian devotional

In Matthew 16:28 Jesus tells His disciples: “Some standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.” It’s one of those verses that sparks debate — and understanding it well unlocks a richer view of how God’s Kingdom arrives in stages.

In this episode we cover:

• Context: Jesus’ warnings about sacrifice and the immediate promise of kingdom revelation.
• Likely fulfillments: the Transfiguration (Matthew 17), the resurrection/ascension, Pentecost, and the early church’s expansion.
• The theological frame: the “already/not-yet” nature of the Kingdom — present in power now, perfected later.
• Practical application: how glimpses of God’s reign strengthen faith in the waiting.

Reflection Question: What moment in your life has felt like a foretaste of God’s kingdom — a moment that strengthened you for the wait?
Challenge: Study Matthew 16–17 and Acts 2 this week. Write down one conviction about the Kingdom’s presence today and one way you’ll live in that reality this week.

Join us as we trace how heaven breaks into earth — not only in future hope, but in present power. Subscribe and leave a rating if this episode helped you see the Kingdom differently.

The Worst Deal You Could Ever Make – Devotional on Matthew 16:26–27

“What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”

In this devotional episode, we break down one of Jesus’ most sobering questions. You can achieve success, wealth, and admiration—but if it costs you your soul, it’s the worst exchange imaginable.

We’ll talk about:

• Why temporary success can’t outweigh eternal loss.
• How our pursuits reveal what kingdom we’re really living for.
• Practical steps to shift your focus from worldly gains to eternal investments.

Reflection Question:
If Jesus returned today, would your works reflect a man who lived for His Kingdom or his own?

Challenge:
Do an eternal audit—identify where your energy is going, and redirect it toward things that last forever.

Prayer:
Father, forgive me for chasing things that fade. Help me invest my life in what matters most—faith, family, and Your Kingdom. Amen.

Carry Your Cross – Devotional on Matthew 16:24–25

Discipleship isn’t just belief—it’s surrender. Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”

In this episode, we explore:

• The difference between being an admirer of Jesus and being His disciple.
• Why you can’t carry your cross while clutching idols.
• Real-world examples of what cross-carrying looks like in career, relationships, and habits.
• The paradox of losing your life for Christ—and actually finding it.

Reflection Question:
What’s the hardest area of your life to fully surrender to Jesus?

Challenge:
Pray through one part of your life you’ve kept from the cross. Then take a practical step this week to nail it down and let go.

Prayer:
Lord, I confess I’ve held back parts of my life. Today I surrender all—my desires, habits, and ambitions—because You are worth it. Amen.

Get Behind Me – Devotional on Matthew 16:21–23

When Jesus explained that He must suffer and die, Peter rebuked Him. It didn’t fit Peter’s plan, and it didn’t feel right. But Jesus’ response was firm: “Get behind me, Satan.”

In this episode, we unpack:

• Why even good intentions can still contradict God’s will.
• How the enemy uses fear and self-preservation to keep us from obedience.
• Biblical examples of people who said, “Never, Lord,”—and the lessons we can learn.
• What it means to lay down our plans and truly embrace God’s.

Reflection Question:
Where are you telling God, “Never, Lord,” in your own life?

Challenge:
Ask God to expose where human concerns have outweighed His will. Then take one step of obedience this week, even if it’s uncomfortable.

Prayer:
Lord, help me stop clinging to my way and start trusting Yours. Give me the courage to obey, even when it stretches me. Amen.

Get Your Keys – Devotional on Matthew 16:19

Jesus told Peter, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven.” Keys represent access — to belonging, authority, and eternity. But here’s the reality: those keys don’t come through religion, good works, or self-effort. They only come through Jesus Christ.

In this episode, we talk about:

• What “keys of the Kingdom” mean for you today.
• Why eternity is real and why there’s no middle ground.
• How to receive the keys through faith in Christ alone.
• The call to share this truth with others who don’t yet have them.

Reflection Question:
Have I truly surrendered to Jesus, or am I still trying to hold the keys myself?

Challenge:
If you haven’t surrendered your life to Christ, do it today. If you already have, share this truth with one other man who needs it.

Prayer:
Jesus, I confess I need You. I believe You are Lord, and I surrender to You today. Thank You for giving me the keys to eternal life with You. Amen.