On three different and unrelated occasions we find the apostle Peter being interrupted by divine Persons while in mid-speech: “While he was still speaking.” In fact He is interrupted by the Father (Mt. 17:5); by the Son (Lk. 22:60); and by the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:44). The Trinity had something to say to him!

Simon Peter was a talker by nature, a “Type A” personality. These traits made him a natural leader of men. The Lord Jesus chose him to be the chief of the twelve, and though a natural leader, Simon needed to learn the weakness of the flesh and that “the flesh profits nothing” (Jn. 6:63).

In today’s text, we see Peter interrupted by the Father while on the holy mount. The Lord Jesus had been transfigured in the presence of Peter, James, and John—a preview of the second coming of Christ and His glorious kingdom (2 Pet. 1:16–18). Peter saw Moses and Elijah talking with Christ and then entering the cloud of glory, and he blurted out, “Let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” The reason given is, “Because he did not know what to say” (Mk. 9:6). When we don’t know what to say, it is best not to say anything; difficult for a talker like Peter. As a poet wrote:

They never taste who always drink,

They always talk who never think.

But “while he was still speaking” Peter was interrupted by the Father. Peter’s mistake was to put even greatly honored servants of God on the same level as His beloved Son. Moses (the Law) and Elijah (the Prophets) had their place; but they each pointed to the Son. Therefore we need to “hear Him!”