In verse 14, the apostle John brings himself into the story: “We observed his glory…” In other words, John was saying, I was there with the others, and we witnessed the Son’s incarnate glory. John saw the transfiguration of the Lord on the mountain, where Jesus’ face shone like the sun and His clothes became white as light. John heard the voice of the Father say, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him” (Mark 9:7). This witness is essential to John, as stated in his first epistle: “What we have seen and heard we also declare to you, so that you may also have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ” (1 John 1:3). And he wrote about these things “so that our joy may be complete” (v. 4).

In what ways do you testify to those around you of what you have seen and heard of Jesus?