6 “When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. 7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” 8 And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.” (Matthew 17:6–8 (ESV)
As was the case with Isaiah the prophet (Isaiah 6:1-7) and the shepherds beholding the angelic host (Luke 2:8-14), upon hearing the voice of God the Father, Peter, James and John fell on their faces and were terrified. In other words, they were extremely frightened. Luke used the same words in describing the shepherd’s reaction to the angel announcing Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:9).
Rather than speaking (Matt. 17:4-5), their secondary response was most appropriate. They realized they were in the presence of the Holy God of the universe (Isaiah 6:5; Ezek. 1:28; Rev. 1:17). Rather than thinking of themselves more highly that they should have, they now responded with sober judgment (Romans 12:3-5). They became still with the knowledge of God’s presence (Psalm 46:10).
Having seen exactly who Jesus really was, the three disciples also realized who they really were; sinners deserving of judgment. However, God in His grace did not keep the disciples in this posture of fear. Rather, Jesus personally touched them and said, ““Rise, and have no fear.” He commanded them to get up and to not be afraid.
When the disciples lifted up their eyes, they did not see anyone else but Jesus. The transfiguration had ceased. Both the visual and audible revelations had concluded. John Calvin offers great insight into this miraculous event.
“God intended that the disciples should be struck with terror in order to impress more fully on their hearts the remembrance of the vision. Yet we see how great is the weakness of our nature, which trembles in this manner at hearing the voice of God. If ungodly men mock at God, or despise Him without concern, it is because God does not address them so as to cause His presence to be felt. But the majesty of God, as soon as we perceive Him, must unavoidably cast us down.”
“Then Jesus approached them. Christ raises them up when they had fallen. By doing so performs His office; for He came down to us for this very purpose that by His guidance believers might boldly enter into the presence of God and that His majesty, which otherwise would swallow up all flesh, might no longer fill them with terror. Nor is it only by His words that He comforts, but by touching also that he encourages them.”
He lifted me up
From the deep muddy clay
And He planted my feet
On the King’s highway
And that is the reason
I sing and I shout
For Jesus came down
And He lifted me up
Jesus has lifted us up from the miry clay. Let us rejoice and be glad. Have a blessed day in the Lord.
Soli deo Gloria!
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