Have you ever thought of how tempting it must have been for Jesus to go camping? At the mountain where Jesus revealed his glory, Luke tells us, “Peter and his companions … saw [Jesus’] glory and the two men [Moses and Elijah] standing with him. As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, ‘Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.’ (He did not know what he was saying.)” (Luke 9:32,33). 

Even though Peter didn’t know what he was saying, it made sense. “Jesus, it is good for us to be here. Down in the valley are the critics who nitpick your every word and the crowds who refuse to let you rest. But up here on the mountain are Moses and Elijah and your stunning glory. Let’s stay here. James, John, and I can set up the tents.”

But as tempting as those tents must have been, Jesus didn’t take Peter’s suggestion. Instead, he chose you. He left behind Moses and Elijah so that you could one day be with Moses and Elijah. He walked away from the fresh mountain air so he could gasp for breath on a cross. In other words, he chose you.

If you ever wonder if God notices you or loves you, just think of that moment when Jesus waved goodbye to Moses and Elijah so that you could receive mercy. That kind of love is the most glorious thing about Jesus.