Greatness: Matthew 14-20Sample

In the Australian Cricket Team, when a player debuts in the Test Team, they are given their baggy green cap by a former cricket legend. It’s a way to inspire them and show the value of what they are now a part of. Once that hat is on their head, they stand a little taller.

While I will never wear a baggy green, I value encouragement. I am a fan of positive sayings that uplift. Sayings like, “Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day that says I will try again tomorrow” (M. Radmacher), or, “A good leader takes a little more than his share of the blame, a little less than his share of the credit” (A. Glasgow). These sayings inspire you to be the best you can be, even if it costs.

In today’s passage, Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem, where He was going to be crucified. He stops on a mountain to pray. As He prays, His appearance changes, and Moses and Elijah appear and talk with Him. Jesus knew what was coming, and God sent Him the best pep-talk team to encourage Him. Moses and Elijah were both heroes of the faith who had experienced exhaustion in their lives, yet remained faithful. Though we don’t get to know the details of what they spoke about, I can imagine they were encouraging Jesus as He looked towards His death.

Then, as further encouragement, God audibly proclaims Jesus as His Son, “with whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 17:5, ESV). The other time God’s voice is heard speaking these same words over Jesus is at His baptism, before His temptation in the desert. Both times, God declares His love for His Son, encouraging Jesus for what is to come.

If Jesus needed encouragement, we definitely need it.

Today, ponder this: God encouraged Jesus in the toughest times of His ministry. Who can you encourage who is going through a tough time? Who has encouraged you in your walk with God? Resolve to encourage someone this week.