Mateus 17

Mateus 17

Ryle - The best of men are only men at their very best (J. C. Ryle, "The Gospel of Matthew" 1856) While He was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!" Matthew 17:5 Let us see in these words a striking lesson to the whole Church of Christ. There is a constant tendency in human nature to "hear man" . . . bishops, priests, deacons, popes, cardinals, councils, preachers, and ministers, are continually exalted to a place which God never intended them to fill, and made practically to usurpthe honor of Christ. Against this tendency let us all watch, and be on our guard. Let these solemn words of the vision ever ring in our ears, "Listen to Christ!" The best of men are only men at their very best . . . patriarchs, prophets, apostles, martyrs, church fathers, reformers, puritans; all, all are sinners, who need a Savior. They may be holy, useful, honorable in their place; but they are sinners after all. They must never be allowed to stand between us and Christ. He alone is the Son, in whom the Father is well pleased. He alone is sealed and appointed to give the bread of life. He alone "hold the keys of death and the grave" in His hands. Let us take heed that we hear His voice, and follow Him. Let us value all religious teaching just in proportion as it leads us to Jesus. The sum and substance of saving religion is to "listen to Christ!" Oswald Chambers —Matthew 17:5 Devotions for a Deeper Life WE MUST NOT SUPPOSE THAT we are left with the great revelation of our Lord and the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit, without any interpretation of what they mean for our lives. The Bible is the interpretation, and our Lord’s work is never understood apart from the Bible. A final court of appeal, in matters of the spirit, is given us in the Bible. It is not a question of the infallibility of the Bible; that is a side issue. What matters is the finality of the Bible. Just as our Lord is the final revelation of God incarnate, so the Bible is the final revelation that interprets the meaning of God incarnate. I can understand the two by the gift of the Holy Spirit, who identifies me with both. Such a revelation as our Lord Jesus Christ ought to have a corresponding revelation to interpret Him. In the Bible we have that corresponding revelation, and it is final. Arranged for family devotions, for every day in the year. By Favell Lee Mortimer (1802—1878) Matthew 17:5-9. The voice of God on the Mount. In the Old Testament, we read of God speaking to Israel from the top of Mount Sinai. On that occasion there was blackness, and darkness, and tempest, and the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; so terrible was the sight, that even Moses said, "I exceedingly fear and quake;" and so terrible was the sound, that Israel entreated that they might hear the voice of God no more. (Deut. 5:25.) In how different a manner God spoke to the three favored apostles on the summit of Mount Tabor! And what was the reason of this difference? The words that the Father spoke tell us why he laid aside his terrors, and arrayed himself in the mildest beams of celestial glory. He was well pleased in his beloved Son. His wrath against a guilty world was displayed upon Mount Sinai; his delight in his righteous Son was manifested upon Mount Tabor. Neither was his favor shown to his Son alone, but to those three trembling apostles who loved that Son; for they also entered into the bright cloud. Why then were they so sore afraid? Why did they fall on their faces? Because, since man became a sinner, he has never been able to bear the manifestation of the glory of Jehovah. The smoke and the torments of hell are not the only sights that would overwhelm a mortal man; the brightness and the joys of heaven would be more than he could bear to behold. Now Peter perceived how unwisely he had spoken when he had requested always to abide on that mountain top. But God, who knew the weakness of his dying creatures, did not prolong the glorious scene. In a little while the apostles were left alone with Jesus. Though they felt his familiar hand, and heard his well-known voice, yet at first they could hardly believe that the heavenly vision was past. Mark records that they "looked round about, and saw no man any more, save Jesus, with themselves." Who can conceive the feelings with which those three apostles descended the mount! They had seen heaven come down to earth; how could they return to earth again! They had beheld glorified saints; they had heard the voice of the eternal Father; they had witnessed the glories of their beloved, yet despised Master. Who can doubt that their hearts were burning with the desire to describe the wonderful scene to their brethren at the foot of the mount, and perhaps even to declare it to the proud enemies that continually assailed them with taunts and reproaches. But Jesus imposed silence upon them. He said, "Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of Man be risen again from the dead." He knew that at this time they would have been disbelieved, if they had related what they had seen. It was enough for these blessed disciples that they themselves had enjoyed a glimpse of celestial glory. The recollection would help to sustain their faith when they should behold their Lord agonizing and bleeding in the garden; for it is remarkable that Jesus chose the same men to be witnesses of his glory and of his agony. And why did he distinguish these three above their brethren? Was it not because they were appointed to endure peculiar trials? The Lord foretold that James and John would drink of his cup of bitterness, and be baptized with his baptism of suffering; and he prepared Peter for the painful and ignominious death of the cross. Jesus knows beforehand what sufferings each of his servants will be called to endure, and he knows who most needs bright displays of his present glory, and near views of his past agonies. In acute suffering of any kind, the thoughts that most sustain the mind are the remembrance of Christ crucified, and the anticipation of beholding Christ glorified. How many have said, when in great pain, "What are my sufferings compared to the sufferings of Jesus for my sins!" How many when pressed down with sorrow have felt, "How soon will the sight of my glorious Redeemer make my present grief appear light as air!" Henry Blackaby - “This Is My Beloved Son . . . Hear Him!”—Matthew 17:5 Experiencing God Day by Day: Daily Devotional - Page 57 Peter and the other disciples were continually disoriented to God. While Jesus was concerned about one thing, it seems that the disciples were always distracted by something else. In order to help his three closest disciples better focus on His imminent sacrifice on the cross, Jesus took them up to the Mount of Transfiguration. There, Jesus was transfigured into a glorious state and was joined by Moses and Elijah, two of history's mightiest men of God. The disciples, however, were asleep! At one of the most profound moments in history, the disciples were more interested in sleep than they were in praying with the Son of God. When the disciples awakened, they became distracted again. This time, Peter announced his plans to build three tabernacles. The disciples were more concerned with what they could do for God than the incredible work of redemption God was about to accomplish through His Son. Finally, God removed everything from the disciples' sight but Jesus. “This is My Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” It is so easy to become spiritually distracted. Do you find yourself focusing on everything else but Christ and the work He is doing around you? Are you so eager to “get to the work” that you have not yet clearly heard what is on God's heart? Does the Father need to remove from your life those things that are proving to be a distraction to you? Do you need to refocus on Jesus? Robert Hawker - the moment of those blessed manifestations which Jesus was making to them, and when, to heighten their felicity, several of the inhabitants of glory came, and spake to Jesus in the view of his disciples, yet so sudden was the change, that even while Jesus spake, a cloud intervened and obscured all. Somewhat of the same change thou hast thyself known. How often hast thou been made like the chariots of Amminadib, by the overpowering grace that Jesus hath shown thee! And how often have those blessed moments been followed by a dark and long night! And what ought to be thy improvement of these dispensations? Look still to Jesus under all. Whatever changes are induced, never forget that his person is the same, and his love the same. Mark this down. Next look up to Jesus, and tell him, that as his visits are so sweet, so gracious and blessed, entreat the dear Lord, to be often coming, often blessing thee with his love, and making his abode with thee. And see that thou art improving every occasion, and making the most of those hallowed seasons; for they are most blessed and precious; while thy Lord is with thee, and feasting thee with his love, and showing thee his secret: mark the Bethel-places, made sacred by his presence, and the Bethel-communications, made pleasant in coming from him. And do not forget to interest Jesus for Zion. Tell him that Zion is his own, and thou knowest that he loves her. Then, on the ground of this love, tell him how she languisheth, in the present awful day of much profession, with but little vital godliness. And while “the King is held” by thee “in the galleries” of his grace, bring in the arms of thy faith all thou wouldst seek a blessing for; thy children, if thou hast any, thy family, the Church at large, the nation; and do, as did the patriarchs, wrestle, plead, hold fast, and take no refusal, but say, “Lord, thou comest to bless, and a blessing I must have; neither will I let thee go, except thou bless me.” Matthew 17:6 When the disciples heard this, they fell face down to the ground and were terrified. Lev 9:24 Jdg 13:20,22 1Ch 21:16 Eze 3:23 43:3 Da 8:17 10:7-9 Da 10:16,17 Ac 22:7 26:14 2Pe 1:18 Related Passages: Daniel 10:7-9+ Now I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, while the men who were with me did not see the vision; nevertheless, a great dread fell on them, and they ran away to hide themselves. 8S So I was left alone and saw this great vision; yet no strength was left in me, for my natural color turned to a deathly pallor, and I retained no strength. 9 But I heard the sound of his words; and as soon as I heard the sound of his words, I fell into a deep sleep on my face, with my face to the ground. Exodus 19:16+ So it came about on the third day, when it was morning, that there were thunder and lightning flashes and a thick cloud upon the mountain and a very loud trumpet sound, so that all the people who were in the camp trembled. Deuteronomy 5:5+ while I was standing between the LORD and you at that time, to declare to you the word of the LORD; for you were afraid because of the fire and did not go up the mountain. He said, Hebrews 12:18-19+ For you have not come to a mountain that may be touched and to a blazing fire, and to darkness and gloom and whirlwind, and to the blast of a trumpet and the sound of words which sound was such that those who heard begged that no further word should be spoken to them. DISCIPLES FALL DOWN AT SOUND OF GOD'S VOICE When the disciples (mathetes) heard this, they fell (pipto) face down (prosopon) to the ground and were terrified (phobeo + sphodra = greatly) - It is interesting that they did not hit the ground at the sight of Jesus' transfigured, but when the Father spoke from Heaven. Of the synoptic accounts only Matthew describes them falling face down. While falling face down may have had some component of reverential awe and devotion, it likely had a significant component of sheer terror (as when Daniel saw the vision in Da 10:7-9+, cf effect of Mt Sinai on the Israelites in Heb 12:18,19+). Deeper impression was produced by the words of the Lord than by the blinding light Spurgeon's Commentary - Yes, the voice overcame them. Deeper impression was produced by the words of the Lord than by the blinding light. “When the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.” They were in the immediate presence of God, and listening to the Father’s voice: well might they lie prostrate and tremble. Too clear a manifestation of God, even though it related to Jesus, would rather over-power than empower us. The three disciples said no more about building tabernacles, but as one man, “They fell on their face.” Awe is the end of talk: in this case it looked as if it were the end of consciousness; but this was only a temporary swoon, from which they would recover, and be all the more joyous. NET NOTES - Grk “they fell down on their faces.” BDAG 815 s.v. πίπτω 1.has “fall down, throw oneself to the ground as a sign of devotion, before high-ranking persons or divine beings.” Disciples (3101) mathetes from manthano = to learn which Vine says is "from a root math, indicating thought accompanied by endeavor". Gives us our English = "mathematics" - see matheteuo) describes a person who learns from another by instruction, whether formal or informal. Another sources says mathetes is from from math- which speaks of "mental effort that thinks something through" and thus describes is a learner; a follower who learns the doctrines and the lifestyle of the one they follow. Discipleship includes the idea of one who intentionally learns by inquiry and observation (cf inductive Bible study) and thus mathetes is more than a mere pupil. A mathetes describes an adherent of a teacher. As discussed below mathetes itself has no spiritual connotation, and it is used of superficial followers of Jesus as well as of genuine believers. The Lord calls everyone to grow as a disciple (a learner of Christ; cf. also Mt 11;29,30), one who lives in faith, who lives in and by His Word in the power of the Holy Spirit. The Old and New Testaments tell of those who fell to the ground when they encountered the presence of God. Abraham Context: When God appeared to reaffirm His covenant with Abraham. Response: Abraham fell on his face before God. Reference: “Then Abram fell on his face. And God said to him...” — Genesis 17:3+ Moses Context: At the burning bush, when God revealed His name and mission for Moses. Response: Moses hid his face and bowed, recognizing the holy presence of God. Reference: “And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.” — Exodus 3:6+ Joshua Context: When the commander of the Lord’s army (likely a Christophany) appeared before Joshua before the conquest of Jericho. Response: Joshua fell on his face to the ground in worship. Reference: “Now it came about when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing opposite him with his sword drawn in his hand, and Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us or for our adversaries?” And he said, “No, rather I indeed come now as captain of the host of the LORD.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and bowed down, and said to him, “What has my lord to say to his servant?” — Joshua 5:13-14+ Ezekiel Context: During a vision of God’s glory. Response: Ezekiel fell facedown in awe and reverence in recognition of God’s sovereignty. Reference: “When I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard the voice of one speaking.” — Ezekiel 1:28+ So I got up and went out to the plain; and behold, the glory of the LORD was standing there, like the glory which I saw by the river Chebar, and I fell on my face. — Ezekiel 3:23+ Daniel Context: When he encountered angelic visions and God’s glory. Response: Daniel fell prostrate, overwhelmed by the vision. Reference: “So I was left alone and saw this great vision, and no strength was left in me... I fell on my face in deep sleep with my face to the ground.” — Daniel 10:8-9+ The Disciples at the Transfiguration Context: When Jesus was transfigured on the mountain and His divine glory was revealed. Response: Peter, James, and John fell facedown, terrified at the voice of God. Reference: “When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified.” — Matthew 17:6 Saul (Paul) on the Road to Damascus Context: When Saul encountered the risen Jesus in a blinding light. Response: He fell to the ground, struck by the power of Jesus' presence. Reference: “And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’” — Acts 9:4+ “And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew dialect, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ — Acts 26:14+ John on the Island of Patmos Context: When John saw the glorified Jesus in his vision recorded in Revelation. Response: John fell at Jesus’ feet as though dead. Reference: “When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as though dead.” — Revelation 1:17+ The Guards at Jesus’ Arrest Context: When the guards came to arrest Jesus, He declared, “I am He.” Response: They drew back and fell to the ground at the power of His words. Reference: “When Jesus said to them, ‘I am He,’ they drew back and fell to the ground.” — John 18:6+ The Lord Jesus Christ Context: When faced with the nearness of the Cross. Response: Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane fell on His face surrendering His will to His Father's will, giving us His example to follow in difficult circumstances. Reference: And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as Thou wilt.” — Matthew 26:39+ The Apostle Peter Context: When Peter witnessed the miraculous catch of fish and recognized Jesus’ divine power. Response: Peter fell at Jesus’ knees, overwhelmed by his own sinfulness. Reference: “But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, ‘Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.’” — Luke 5:8+ The Canaanite Woman Context: The Canaanite woman's was daughter is cruelly demon-possessed Response: She knelt before Jesus, pleading for her daughter’s healing expressing her total dependence. Reference: “But she came and began to bow down before Him, saying, “Lord, help me!”” — Matthew 15:25+ Spiritual Themes Reverence and Awe: Falling to the ground reflects the overwhelming glory and holiness of God. Fear of the Lord: Encounters with God or His messengers often evoke fear, highlighting human frailty in the presence of divine majesty. Worship and Submission: Falling prostrate signifies surrender and acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty. Transformation: These encounters often lead to profound spiritual change, such as Saul’s conversion to Paul. Application These Biblical accounts remind us of the majesty and holiness of God, calling believers to approach Him with reverence and humility. These Biblical accounts encourage a posture of submission and worship, recognizing our dependence on God and His greatness. These Biblical accounts also highlight that divine encounters often lead to transformation and purpose in the lives of those who experience them. Physical Posture Reflects Heart Posture:While falling on your face or kneeling isn’t mandatory, it can reinforce a spiritual attitude of humility, dependence, and reverence. Let falling on your face before God remind you of your unworthiness apart from His grace and your complete dependence on His mercy. Even when unable to physically bow, approach God in your heart with the same humility and awe. Use moments of physical surrender during prayer or worship to deepen your connection with God. Have you ever fallen on your face before the Lord? The thought of falling on my face before Jesus always brings to mind the great worship song by Mercy Me, I Can Only Imagine. Take a moment and listen to it as you contemplate that coming day when we will see Him in His glory just as Peter , James and John saw Him on the wonderful day in Israel. I can only imagine What it will be like When I walk by Your side I can only imagine What my eyes would see When Your face is before me I can only imagine Yeah Surrounded by Your glory What will my heart feel? Will I dance for You Jesus Or in awe of You be still? Will I stand in Your presence Or to my knees, will I fall? Will I sing hallelujah? Will I be able to speak at all? I can only imagine I can only imagine I can only imagine When that day comes And I find myself Standing in the Son I can only imagine When all I will do Is forever, forever worship You I can only imagine, yeah I can only imagine Surrounded by Your glory What will my heart feel? Will I dance for you Jesus Or in awe of You be still? Will I stand in your presence Or to my knees will I fall? Will I sing hallelujah? Will I be able to speak at all? I can only imagine, yeah I can only imagine Surrounded by Your glory What will my heart feel? Will I dance for you Jesus Or in awe of You be still? Will I stand in your presence Or to my knees, will I fall? Will I sing hallelujah? Will I be able to speak at all? I can only imagine, yeah I can only imagine I can only imagine, yeah-yeah I can only imagine I can only imagine I can only imagine I can only imagine When all I will do Is forever, forever worship You I can only imagine A W Tozer - THE WONDER, THE MYSTERY, THE MAJESTY Tozer on the Almighty God: A 365-Day Devotional - Page 16 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. —Matthew 17:6 “Awesome wonder and overpowering love” in the presence of that ancient Mystery, that unspeakable Majesty, which the philosophers call the Mysterium Tremendum, but which we call our Father which art in heaven…. The evangelical rationalism which tries to explain everything takes the mystery out of life and the mystery out of worship. When you have taken the mystery out you have taken God out, for while we may be able to understand Him in some measure, we can never fully understand God. There must always be that awe upon our spirits that says, “Ah, Lord God, Thou knowest!”—that stands silent and breathless or kneels in the presence of that awful Wonder, that Mystery, that unspeakable Majesty, before whom the prophets used to fall, and before whom Peter and John and the rest of them fell down as if dead, before whom Isaiah recoiled and cried, “I am a man of unclean lips” (Isaiah 6:5). WMJ005-006 Lord, the disciples heard Your voice and fell on their faces before You, as did Isaiah when he caught a glimpse of Your glory. May I be overwhelmed today with a glimpse of the Mysterium Tremendum. Amen. Stephen Olford - According to Your Word: Morning and Evening Through the New ... “When they… saw the young Child… [they] fell down and worshiped Him.”—Matthew 2:11 Paul says, “Great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh” (1 Tim. 3:16). “The young Child”—God manifest in the flesh! Is it any wonder the wise men worshipped? They “fell down and worshipped Him.” Notice how often men fell at the feet of Jesus: • “They… fell down” at His birth (v. 11). • “They fell on their faces” at His Transfiguration (Matt. 17:6). • They fell down and “held Him by the feet” at His Resurrection (Matt. 28:9). • “I fell at His feet as dead”—at His Glorification (Rev. 1:17). There are even more occasions, but at each they fell in worship, wonder, and awe. Lord, give me these visions by faith, that I may similarly worship. Matthew 17:7 And Jesus came to them and touched them and said, “Get up, and do not be afraid.” touched: Da 8:18 9:21 10:10,18 Rev 1:17 Arise: Lu 24:5 Ac 9:6 The Transfiguration - James Hastings (The Setting, The Significance, The Suggestions) The Transfiguration - Alfred Edersheim Matthew 17 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Revelation 1:17+ And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as a dead man. And He laid His right hand upon me, saying, “Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, NO FEAR JESUS IS HERE And Jesus came to (proserchomai) them and touched (hapto/haptomai) them and said, “Get up (egeiro - aorist imperative), and do not be afraid (phobeo - present imperative with a negative) - Only Matthew reports that Jesus touched the disciples and gave two commands, first to arise and then to cease being afraid. John would surely have remembered Jesus touch at the transfiguration when he encountered the risen, glorified Christ in the Revelation and was touched and told not to fear. Spurgeon's Commentary - Jesus had seemed to go away from them, lost in a cloud of brightness; but now he “came and touched them.” His communings with pure spirits did not make him disdain the touch of feeble flesh. Oh, the sweet comfort of that gentle touch! It aroused, consoled, and strengthened his amazed and trembling disciples. The touch of the manhood is more reassuring to poor flesh and blood than the blaze of the Godhead. The voice from heaven casts down; but the word from Jesus is, “Arise.” The Father’s voice made them sore afraid, but Jesus says, “Be not afraid.” Glorious God, how much we bless thee for the Mediator! Jesus Frequently Gave the Command Do not fear or Do not be afraid. 1. When Calling the Disciples Luke 5:10: “Do not be afraid; from now on you will catch men.” Context: After the miraculous catch of fish, Jesus reassured Peter, who felt unworthy, and called him to become a "fisher of men." 2. During the Storm on the Sea Matthew 14:27: “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” Context: Jesus walked on water to the disciples’ boat during a storm. They were terrified, thinking He was a ghost, but He calmed their fears with these words. Mark 6:50: “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” Context: Mark's account of Jesus walking on water. John 6:20: “It is I; do not be afraid.” Context: Similar reassurance during the storm as recorded in John's Gospel. 3. After the Resurrection Matthew 28:5-10: The angel at the tomb said to the women: “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.” Later, Jesus appeared to the women and said: “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.” Context: Jesus reassured the women after His resurrection, calming their shock and giving them a mission. 4. To Jairus Regarding His Daughter Mark 5:36: “Do not fear, only believe.” Context: When Jairus was told his daughter had died, Jesus encouraged him to trust in His power to heal and restore life. Luke 8:50: “Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well.” Context: Luke's account of Jairus and his daughter. 5. To the Disciples Regarding Persecution Matthew 10:26-31: “Therefore do not fear them, for there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. 27 “What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in your ear, proclaim upon the housetops. 28 “And do not fear those who kill the body, but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 “Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 “But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 “Therefore do not fear; you are of more value than many sparrows.. Context: Jesus prepared His disciples for persecution, reminding them of God’s care and sovereignty. Jesus instructed His disciples to fear God alone, not human threats, as they faced persecution. “And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 5 But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who after He has killed has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him! 6 “Are not five sparrows sold for two cents? And yet not one of them is forgotten before God. 7 “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are of more value than many sparrows.” 6. At the Transfiguration Matthew 17:7: “ And Jesus came to them and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.” Context: When Peter, James, and John witnessed Jesus’ transfiguration and were terrified at the voice of God, Jesus touched them and reassured them. 7. Before His Crucifixion John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” Context: During the Last Supper, Jesus comforted His disciples as He prepared them for His departure and the coming of the Holy Spirit. Themes in Jesus’ Words “Do Not Be Afraid” Assurance of His Presence: Jesus reassured His followers that His presence brings peace and protection, even in the face of fear. Encouragement of Faith: He often linked “Do not fear” with an invitation to trust in Him, as in the stories of Jairus and Peter. Preparation for Mission: Jesus encouraged His disciples to be courageous in their calling, knowing He was with them. Hope Beyond Death: In the resurrection accounts, Jesus reminded His followers that His victory over death eliminates the ultimate cause of fear. Matthew 17:8 And lifting up their eyes, they saw no one except Jesus Himself alone. KJV Matthew 17:8 And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only. BGT Matthew 17:8 ἐπάραντες δὲ τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτῶν οὐδένα εἶδον εἰ μὴ αὐτὸν Ἰησοῦν μόνον. NET Matthew 17:8 When they looked up, all they saw was Jesus alone. CSB Matthew 17:8 When they looked up they saw no one except Him-- Jesus alone. ESV Matthew 17:8 And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. NIV Matthew 17:8 When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus. NLT Matthew 17:8 And when they looked, they saw only Jesus. NRS Matthew 17:8 And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone. NJB Matthew 17:8 And when they raised their eyes they saw no one but Jesus. NAB Matthew 17:8 And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone. YLT Matthew 17:8 and having lifted up their eyes, they saw no one, except Jesus only. MIT Matthew 17:8 When they raised their eyes, they saw no one else—only Jesus. GWN Matthew 17:8 As they raised their heads, they saw no one but Jesus. BBE Matthew 17:8 And lifting up their eyes, they saw no one, but Jesus only. RSV Matthew 17:8 And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. NKJ Matthew 17:8 When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. ASV Matthew 17:8 And lifting up their eyes, they saw no one, save Jesus only. DBY Matthew 17:8 And lifting up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus alone. NIRV Matthew 17:8 When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus. they saw: Mk 9:8 Lu 9:36 Ac 12:10,11 The Transfiguration - James Hastings (The Setting, The Significance, The Suggestions) The Transfiguration - Alfred Edersheim Matthew 17 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Mark 9:8+ And all at once they looked around and saw no one with them anymore, except Jesus alone. Luke 9:36+ And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent, and reported to no one in those days any of the things which they had seen. JESUS ONLY HE IS ENOUGH! And lifting up (epairo) their eyes (opthalmos), they saw (horao) no one except Jesus Himself alone - Moses and Elijah were gone and there is no note that Jesus was glorified, so His appearance must have returned to "normal!" The phrase Jesus Himself alone underscores that He is sufficient and supreme. The disciples are to fix their eyes on Him as their guide, teacher, and Savior. These 3 men would never see Him as only a Man for the remainder of their days. God give us each a vision of Jesus as we see Him in His word, so that it might have a life transforming effect on us to passionately pursue holiness and His glory. Amen One thought to ponder if one assumes Moses symbolizes the Law and Elijah the Prophets is that when only Jesus remains it depicts Him as the fulfillment of the Law and Prophets. In Mt 5:17 He declared "Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill." Matthew 17:8KJV ends with JESUS ONLY which encapsulates the heart of the Christian faith as the singular focus on Jesus as the sufficient Savior and the ultimate revelation of the Father (Jn 1:18+). The disciples’ experience challenges us to center our lives on Him, trusting that in all things "Jesus only" is enough. Oh, that we also may have the eye of our mind so fixed on the Lord as our one object, that HE may fill the whole field of our vision, and we may see Jesus only! Spurgeon's Commentary - Closed were their eyes, because of “the too transporting light”; and they dared not open them till they felt the touch of Jesus. Then they lifted up their eyes. What did they see? Moses, and Elias, and the exceeding brightness had all gone, and they had come back to the common-places of their life with Jesus. “They saw no man,” but they had lost nothing, since Jesus remained. They had gained by the vanishing of the shining ones, since they could see Jesus all the better, and their attention was not divided. The vision of his transfiguration had blinded them, had stupefied them; but to see “Jesus only” was to come back to practical life, and to have the best of all sights still left to them. Oh, that we also may have the eye of our mind so fixed on the Lord as our one object, that HE may fill the whole field of our vision, and we may see Jesus only! JESUS ONLY Upon the mount, the glory shone, A glimpse of heaven’s radiant throne. With Moses near and Elijah too, The Law and Prophets came into view. Yet when the cloud had cleared away, And fear gave way to dawning day, No voice remained, no figures stayed— But Jesus only, there displayed. Jesus only, Sovereign King, The one to whom the angels sing. No greater truth, no higher call, Than Christ alone, the All in All. Jesus only, hope and light, The guide through storms, the end of night. When other voices fade or flee, It’s Jesus only Who carries me. The world may offer fleeting dreams, Bright promises in golden gleams, But as they dim, one truth will stay: That Jesus leads the narrow way. Not wealth, nor fame, nor power’s pride, But Christ alone, the crucified. His grace sufficient, love unbound, In Jesus only, life is found. So lift your eyes to Him above, Embrace His mercy, trust His love. When doubts arise or trials fall, Remember Him Who is your all. For on that mount or in the plain, Through joy or sorrow, loss or gain, The heart’s true peace, its melody— Is found in Jesus only. Listen to Casting Crown's song ONLY JESUS. Make it count, leave a mark, build a name for yourself Dream your dreams, chase your heart, above all else Make a name the world remembers But all an empty world can sell is empty dreams I got lost in the light when it was up to me To make a name the world remembers But Jesus is the only name to remember And I, I don't want to leave a legacy I don't care if they remember me Only Jesus And I, I've only got one life to live I'll let every second point to Him Only Jesus All the kingdoms built, all the trophies won Will crumble into dust when it's said and done 'Cause all that really mattered Did I live the truth to the ones I love? Was my life the proof that there is only One Whose name will last forever? And I, I don't want to leave a legacy I don't care if they remember me Only Jesus And I, I've only got one life to live I'll let every second point to Him Only Jesus Jesus is the only Name Jesus is the only Name Jesus is the only name to remember, oh Jesus is the only Name Jesus is the only Name Jesus is the only Name to remember And I, I don't want to leave a legacy I don't care if they remember me Only Jesus And I, I've only got one life to live I'll let every second point to Him Only Jesus I don't want to leave a legacy I don't care if they remember me And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only. -- Matthew 17:8KJV ILLUSTRATIONS - The Lens of a Telescope: A telescope helps you focus on distant stars by blocking out everything else. Without the telescope, the stars are overshadowed by the surrounding light. The Transfiguration served as a "telescope moment" for the disciples, allowing them to see Jesus’ divine glory clearly. When the vision ended, Only Jesus remained—He was the focus, just as He should be for believers today. Clearing the Stage - In a theater production, supporting actors and props set the stage, but when the spotlight falls, it focuses on the main character. All other elements fade into the background. Moses and Elijah "set the stage" for the Transfiguration, pointing to Jesus as the culmination of their OT ministries. When the moment ended, Jesus Only remained in the spotlight, showing His centrality. The Last Voice in a Symphony - In a symphony, various instruments play, but the final note belongs to the lead instrument. That note lingers, leaving the audience with the central theme. Moses and Elijah’s appearance was like a symphony leading to the final and most important note: Jesus Only. The message is clear—Jesus is the One we are to "Listen to" and follow (cf Mk 8:34-36+). A Pilot’s Compass - A pilot relies on their compass when navigating through clouds. The compass provides the focus they need to avoid distractions and reach their destination. The disciples were reminded to keep their focus on Jesus Only as their "compass," guiding them through confusion, fear, and doubt (cf Heb 12:2+). The Mountain and the Valley - After a mountain hike, you descend into the valley where daily life continues. The mountain may have offered a stunning view, but you carry its perspective with you into the valley. The Transfiguration was a mountain-top moment where the disciples saw Jesus’ glory. As they descended into the challenges of life, they were left with "Jesus only," reminding them that His presence is enough. In a world full of distractions, Jesus Only reminds us to center our lives on Him, trusting His sufficiency in all things (Phil 4:13+). Like the disciples, we may face fear and uncertainty, but Jesus’ presence reassures us. He is with us always (Matthew 28:20). Warren