Give Peter a Break
His timing was off, but his instinct was right
Why did Peter want to build booths at the Transfiguration?
If you live near Jewish communities, you’ve probably seen outdoor shelters pop up during Sukkot—the last of Israel’s three harvest festivals, commemorating Israel’s journey through the wilderness.
The prophet Zechariah envisions the Day of the Lord—when God will rescue His people and bring the nations into His fold—as the ultimate Sukkot. So when Peter offers to build a tabernacle for Jesus, he’s not just making small talk. He’s proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah who will deliver God’s people once and for all. (Not so foolish after all!)
So why does the text say Peter “did not know what he was saying”?
While Peter’s instinct is right, his timing is off. Before the final Sukkot, there must be a final Passover—the first of the three harvest festivals. Before the ultimate rescue, there must be the Cross. But before we judge Peter too harshly, aren’t we just like him? Always looking for glory while avoiding the cross?
Peter’s instinct was right. The Transfiguration is a preview of the ultimate Sukkot—Christ’s return in glory, when He will set all things right. Peter is not crazy. His hope is our hope—the day when God “will wipe every tear from our eyes; and death will be no more, neither sorrow, nor crying, nor pain: for the former things have passed away.”
Until that day, like Israel in the wilderness and Peter coming down the mountain, we walk by faith, trusting the Lord of the harvest to keep His promises.
Come, Lord Jesus.
Love this one - and looking forward to the day there is no more tears!