What A Friend We Have In Jesus
BRD REFLECTION 2026
Matthew 17:1-13 and Psalm 65:1-8 (NIV)
(Stephanie Koh, Worship Ministry)
READ:
Matthew 17:1-8 and Psalm 65:1-4 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
Matthew 17:1–8 gives an account of the events that took place when Jesus revealed His hidden glory to three of His closest disciples. During that encounter, the disciples heard God’s voice from heaven affirming Jesus’ identity as His Son. This passage attests to Jesus’ deity even as He walked on earth in His humanity.
In Psalm 65:1–4, David praises God for His grace and mercy, highlighting that true joy comes from being chosen by God to dwell in His presence. In verses 5–8, David contrasts God’s mindfulness of us with His awesome power over the whole world.
APPLY:
I cannot imagine what I would have done if I were one of the three disciples in that situation – realising that Jesus, who appeared in human likeness, was also God in His full glory. Peter was so awestruck that he offered to build three shelters as a memorial to Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. He felt that God was so holy that He had to be separated from sinful humanity. But God interrupted Peter’s intention, as He does not intend to be apart from us. From the beginning, He desired a close relationship with us and intended to dwell among us.
It really warms my heart to read Matthew 17:7: “But Jesus came.” God in His glory came in human likeness to be a close companion and a friend. Jesus is God reaching out to me to draw me closer to Him.
Indeed, as David highlights in Psalm 65, God is so unimaginably mighty that the universe is under His command, yet He is also so inexplicably close to me. Knowing that fills me with joy.
DO:
1. I will remember that God has called me into holiness, for He is holy. I will submit my heart’s inclinations to the Holy Spirit’s prompting and live in obedience to God’s will.
2. I will never take Jesus’ friendship for granted. Instead, I choose to live with a heart of reverence for Christ, letting the fear of the Lord guide my decisions, my work, and my interactions with others.
3. Life without Jesus can never satisfy. When I become complacent or deeply dissatisfied, I will come back to this truth. It is a blessing to be in His presence, and my true joy comes from Jesus alone. I will choose to abide in Him all the days of my life.
PRAY:
Father, thank You for Your boundless love, grace, and mercy. I am sorry for the times I did not prioritise You. May I never lose this reverence for You, for You are my greatest joy. Keep me on the narrow path of obedience because You have called me into holiness. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
