Peter, James and John

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There are three occasions in the gospel where Jesus takes three of the apostles, Peter, James and John, aside from the rest.

First, in Matthew 5, it is the raising of Jairus’ daughter from death. Jesus had the three accompany Him into the room where her body lay and he restored her to life (vs. 37).  Second, in Matthew 17, He had the three accompany Him to a mountaintop where he was transfigured. As He shined forth brighter than the sun Moses and Elijah, long gone from this world, appeared and discussed matters with Him. The Final time was on the night before His crucifixion. He asked Peter, James and John to accompany Him as He went to a secluded spot to pray for strength as He faced His hour of suffering (Matthew 26; see verse 37).

All three of these occasions touched upon the topic of death. The first showed Jesus’ power over death as the three saw Him raise the girl; “Little girl, I say unto you, get up!” The second showed Jesus supremacy over Moses, who had been dead for many years, when the Father said of Jesus, “This is My beloved Son, Listen to Him!” Then finally, in the garden as Jesus faced His own death, He found strength in prayer as He announced His intentions; “Father, not My will, but your will be done.” That is the only proper attitude for God’s people to have concerning God’s will. He put His trust in the Father in heaven, and so should we all. He lives again.  The grave could not keep Him.