“And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid.”– Matthew 17:7 (KJV)
“Then Jesus came over and touched them. ‘Get up,’ he said. ‘Don’t be afraid.’– Matthew 17:7 (NLT)
“Jesus came over and touched them. ‘Don’t be afraid,’ he said.”– Matthew 17:7 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 17:7 Mean?
The verse Matthew 17:7 presents us with a moment of reassurance and comfort. Here, Jesus is responding to the apostles’ fear after they have witnessed a dazzling glimpse of His divine glory during the Transfiguration. This incident shows us how Jesus steps in at our moments of fear, reminding us of His presence. When they were frightened, He did not leave them in their fear; instead, He approached them and provided comfort. This action illustrates His compassion and gentleness. In our own lives, we encounter situations that may evoke fear or anxiety. We might be facing challenges like moving to a new school, dealing with peer pressure, or worrying about family issues. In all these instances, we can remember that Jesus walks with us, gently encouraging us to rise and not be afraid.
Moreover, this verse acts as a pivotal reminder that fear is a natural human emotion, but we are not meant to be paralyzed by it. In this moment, Jesus reassures the disciples that they can overcome their fear because He is with them. This engagement shows us that facing our fears can lead to a deeper understanding of faith, trust, and companionship. As we explore life, it becomes important to revisit this moment when fear seems overwhelming. We can visualize Jesus, with a gentle touch, encouraging us to rise with courage and confidence, stepping forward into whatever awaits us.
Matthew 17:7 Explanation and Commentary
In Matthew 17:7, we observe powerful themes revolving around fear and trust. After witnessing the majestic vision of Jesus in His transfiguration, the disciples were overwhelmed. They saw Jesus talking to Moses and Elijah, which was an extraordinary and intimidating experience. The sight of such glory might generate awe but also fear. We are reminded that even those closest to Jesus felt the weight of their fears. Here, we see that fear can arise from unexpected circumstances or even moments of divine revelation. It’s natural to experience fear, especially when facing the unknown. However, Jesus does something remarkable. He approaches them and reassures them with a gentle touch.
This points us to the nature of God. He is a God who cares deeply for our emotional well-being. Jesus exemplifies the tenderness that we find in God’s character. He does not scold the disciples for being afraid; instead, he comforts them. When life challenges us, we often seek solace through various methods, but true comfort comes from Christ. The touch of Jesus in this context symbolizes love, safety, and acceptance. We can often forget that God is with us during our moments of fear and desperation.
It’s crucial for us to reflect on how we allow fear to control our lives. Sometimes, fear convinces us that we cannot move forward, that we cannot take that leap of faith or make that difficult decision. So, Jesus’ command to ‘get up and do not be afraid’ challenges us to reclaim our faith. It urges us to rise above our struggles. When Jesus says these words, He invites us to rise not just physically but spiritually and emotionally. We are called to rise in faith, in love, and with the confidence that He is with us.
This message echoes throughout the entire Bible. For instance, in Isaiah 41:10, we are reminded, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.” Similarly, in John 14:27, Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” These verses solidify the truth that God actively fights our battles and guides us through fear. Let us walk confidently in His promises.
Context of Matthew 17:7
In the context of Matthew 17, this verse is situated shortly after the Transfiguration, an extraordinary event where Jesus’ appearance was transformed and His divine glory shone brightly. Just prior to this, Peter, James, and John witnessed this miraculous event, chatting with Moses and Elijah in an overwhelming display of God’s glory. Understandably, this could provoke feelings of fear and confusion in the disciples. Their fear came from seeing the divine radiance of Jesus and understanding the magnitude of who He really is.
This moment in the Gospel of Matthew points to a decisive turning point for the disciples. They were learning not only about Jesus’ true nature but also about their relationship with Him. In the days to come, they would face challenges, doubts, and fears that would test their faith. Each encounter would lead them closer to a robust understanding of who Jesus is. They must realize that fear could overshadow their faith if they did not learn to trust and rely on Him.
The atmosphere of the event showcases a significant relationship between the divine and the human. In both supernatural and personal revelations, we often find ourselves at crossroads filled with confusion and fear. Still, it is essential to remember that Jesus reaches out, inviting us to find our footing in Him. His presence among us emphasizes that He is well aware of our struggles and that He desires to walk alongside us through them.
Matthew 17:7 is not just a message for the individuals on that mountain. It’s a clear communication for all of us when we find ourselves in the midst of fears. Often, God shows us a bigger picture, and while it can feel scary, we have the assurance of His love and guidance, reminding us not to be afraid. We should look towards this text not just as a historical account but rather as a message that has relevance and meaning for our lives today.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 17:7
Breaking down the verse Matthew 17:7, we examine significant components: “Jesus came over,” “touched them,” and “Don’t be afraid.” Each of these phrases holds essential meaning for our understanding of Jesus’ character and our relationship with Him. The phrase “Jesus came over” signifies His active involvement in our lives. When the disciples were terrified in the presence of divine glory, Jesus did not leave them to deal with their fears. Instead, He takes the initiative by coming nearer. This teaches us that we do not serve a distant God but one who loves us dearly and is eager to support us in our trials.
The next component, “touched them,” invites us to reflect on the power of touch and connection. In biblical times, touch was a sign of compassion and healing. When Jesus touched the disciples, it symbolized His deep care for their emotional state. His touch signified a reassurance that communicates ‘I am here with you, and you are not alone.’ It’s a physical representation of God’s love that transcends any physical distance, reminding us that He is ever-present in the moments we need Him the most.
Lastly, we come to “Don’t be afraid.” This command encapsulates a core message of Christianity: our fears should not dictate our lives. Jesus calls us to a higher perspective, urging us to relinquish the hold that fear has over us. It’s a gentle yet firm reminder that with Him, we have nothing to fear. Fear only holds power when we allow it to control our thoughts and actions. In trusting Jesus, we learn to redefine our fears with faith. When we feel overwhelmed by circumstances, we should remember that the Son of God stands before us, inviting us to confront our fears with courage and strength rooted in Him.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 17:7
As we reflect on Matthew 17:7, several vital lessons resonate with us. Among them, the paramount lesson teaches us about the nature of fear and faith. We live in a world filled with uncertainties that can overwhelm us. In our journey, we may face situations where we feel anxious, just as the disciples did witnessing the Transfiguration. However, we have the option to question that fear and realize that it does not have to dictate our lives.
We also learn the significance of Jesus’ presence in our challenges. He didn’t merely stand by; He came closer and engaged with the disciples in their fear. This emphasis conveys that God is not just aware of what we face, but He actively desires to comfort us. In every circumstance, even when fear looms, we can cultivate an awareness of His support and encouragement. When we learn to direct our focus towards Him, we find that we are empowered to rise above our struggles.
Another important lesson is about the act of rising. Jesus commands the disciples to ‘get up’ rather than remain in fear. This serves as a strong reminder that we need to respond to God’s call in action. Faith without action can often lead to stagnation. Therefore, we should constantly seek to take steps forward, even when our hearts tremble with fear. It’s important to understand that taking action does not mean we will be free from fear; it simply means that we choose to move forward despite it.
Trust is also a significant theme here. Jesus reminds us that He goes with us through every trial. His love, care, and presence assure us; we can trust Him in all situations. Just as the disciples hopefully looked to Him for comfort, so can we look to Jesus for consolation. Trusting in Him enables us to encounter unshakeable peace amid chaos. By nurturing our relationship with Him, we learn to rely on His promises and authority. It challenges us to recognize our inadequacies while resting in His sufficiency. With God on our side, we can face anything that comes our way.
Final Thoughts
In closing, Matthew 17:7 offers a rich tapestry of truth for us to grasp. Jesus, in His goodness, approaches us in our moments of fear, extending His hands of comfort and love. He reminds us of His nearness through commands not to be afraid. This invites us to reevaluate how we respond to fear in our lives. We may not always know what lies ahead, but we can take solace in knowing that Jesus walks with us, encouraging us to rise with hope amidst challenges.
The challenges we face can seem daunting, but we must remember that with Christ, we can go forward with confidence. As we stand on the promises found in His Word, we learn to confront and overcome our fears. Let’s embrace His teachings and reach out to one another in our fears too, as we walk alongside each other in faith. Remember this message today; familiarize yourself with your relationship with Jesus and how that impacts your daily life. As we move through life’s trials, let us encourage one another to look to God and find strength in His loving presence.
If you wish to explore more topics relating to faith, consider reading about Matthew 11, where we can learn about Jesus’ gentle invitation. Or if you’d like to understand more about the great stories from the beginning, why not investigate the account of Genesis 18? We continually discover new layers of God’s love as we study scripture together!