Let’s hear it again—“He did not know what he was saying.”
It is very possible that this same condition afflicting Peter on this occasion is more commonplace with all of us than we think or know. We do a lot of talking and listen to a lot of talking. To what degree is it all compatible with accurate understanding and balanced truth? That, of course, is a tough question to answer, but it deserves asking and evaluating nonetheless. I suppose the best antidote to the condition of ignorant talk is to use objective caution and care in critiquing communication content and drawing conclusions, adding the exhortations of verses 23 and 24 to the process—“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily (Take note—this was stated before Jesus went to the cross.) and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.” This leads me to judge that much of what prompts our listening and speaking is more about ME and MY rather than about HIM and HIS.
While Peter beheld the spectacular display of supernatural glory on that mountain top, he made some wrong assumptions and blurted out his impulsive ideas. It was in the vein of “Listen, for your servant is speaking” rather than “Speak, for your servant is listening.”
There are a lot of voices out there—lots of ideas—many of which God has not had anything to do with—even though many will claim He has. God knows that. But He sure sets the record straight by stating His high priority for humans—before Peter is even finished expounding on his great ignorant ideas. “A voice came from the cloud, saying, ‘This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him’” (8:35).
It seems to me that we are again facing the essential need of HEARING EARS. And once again we face this pertinent personal question: Are you listening? And while we’re at it, we can use the text to prompt one more good question: Do you know what you’re saying?