2 Peter 1:16-21 New International Version
16 For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”[a] 18 We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.
19 We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
With complete attention, we listen to eyewitnesses of tragedies or amazing events, as we want to hear them tell what they saw, heard and experienced.
In prosecuting criminals, credible eyewitnesses are one of the most incriminating pieces of evidence presented. In awarding medals or awards, eyewitnesses tell of the brave actions taken by the hero.
In the above Bible verses, Peter wants everyone to know the he and the other apostles were eyewitnesses to the miracles, deity and majesty of Jesus Christ.
So, with our complete attention, let us listen to Peter.
Peter tells us that the apostles did not make up the story about Jesus or follow anyone else’s made up story about Him.
Not at all...they saw, heard and touched our Lord Jesus.
The Deity And Majesty of Jesus Christ
Peter tells us again, what Matthew, Mark and Luke told us in their Gospels. That he, John and James were on the mountain with Jesus when he was transfigured. They saw His face shine like the sun and His clothes become whiter as light. They saw Elijah and Moses talking to Jesus. These three heard the voice of God saying “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” They saw the majesty of God and their Lord Jesus Christ.
Matthew 17:1-5 New International Version
The Transfiguration
17 After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. 3 Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.
4 Peter said to Jesus, “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.”
5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”
These apostles saw Jesus heal the sick, cause the blind to see and the deaf to hear.
They saw Jesus feed 7,000 and 10,000 with only a few loaves of bread and a few fish. They saw Jesus turn the water into wine.
They saw Jesus walk on the water and calm the storms. They saw that even the winds and the sea obeyed His voice.
They saw Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead after four days in the tomb.
After Jesus was crucified, they witnessed and learned from the resurrected Christ. They ate with Him and touched His resurrected body. Finally, they saw Him ascend into Heaven.
Peter and the apostles were eyewitnesses to the deity and majesty of Jesus Christ. It was no fable or fairy tale. They lived with Him and witnessed His majesty for three years.
After Jesus ascended to heaven, they preached and taught about Jesus. Filled with the Holy Spirit, they taught His teachings, how to obtain salvation and the blessings of the New Covenant.
The Greatest Evidence Of All
I leave you with one last thought.
Had Jesus been a fable or cleverly devised story, would all of these apostles (except John who died a natural death) have given their life for their belief in Him? Absolutely not. No one would die for a fairy tale.
This is the absolute best evidence of the majesty and deity of Jesus Christ. These eyewitnesses testified to His being, by their faithfulness and the giving of their lives for their Lord and Savior.
No jury would disbelieve this testimony. No other verdict could be reached.
If we had seen the miracles of Jesus, the raising of Lazarus, His resurrected body and His ascension into Heaven, I daresay we would have also given our lives for Him.
Believe them and their eyewitness testimony.
RVH