“But Jesus came and touched them, and said, ‘Arise, and do not be afraid.'”– Matthew 17:7
Matthew 17:7 Meaning
This verse from Matthew is deeply significant as it reflects a moment of divine reassurance. After the glorious transfiguration of Jesus, where He revealed His divine nature to Peter, James, and John, the disciples are understandably startled and frightened. Just before this moment, they had witnessed extraordinary sights and heard the voice of God affirming Jesus as His beloved Son. They now find themselves in a state of fear and uncertainty. In response to this, Jesus comes to them and comforts them with His words and touch.
The act of Jesus touching them signifies His presence and the warmth of His love during a time of fear and confusion. It teaches us that even in moments of overwhelming awe or fear, Jesus is there to bring comfort. He invites the disciples to rise, which can represent rising both physically and spiritually. “Do not be afraid” is a powerful command that calls us to trust, even in uncertain times. This simple verse encapsulates God’s constant invitation to experience His peace amid our fears.
Matthew 17:7 Commentary and Explanation
When we look at Matthew 17:7, we can break down the components of this momentous occasion. The setting immediately prior includes Jesus’ transfiguration, where His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as light. This event was monumental; it marked a peak moment in Jesus’ ministry where His divine glory was revealed to humanity. The disciples, although privileged to witness this astounding event, were terrified by what they beheld.
Jesus, aware of their fear, didn’t leave them in their moment of panic. Instead, He walked towards them, demonstrating His loving nature. His touch was not just a physical act; it symbolized His love, compassion, and authority over fear. Touch can have a transformative power—think of how we often reach out to comfort friends or family members during difficult times. Jesus’ touch serves as an encapsulation of His loving character, reminding us that He is always present, especially in our desperate moments.
Next, let’s focus on His statement, “Arise, and do not be afraid.” Here, Jesus is not merely telling them to stand up physically. The call to “arise” holds a deeper meaning. He invites them to a higher place of faith. To rise implies a state of readiness and willingness to move forward, both physically and spiritually. It suggests overcoming challenges and fears that might be hindering their steps on their spiritual journey. In our own lives, Jesus issues this invitation to us; through our challenges, He encourages us to rise and face whatever it may be that frightens us.
“Do not be afraid” has significant importance throughout scripture. It appears multiple times in both the Old and New Testaments. The essence of this repeated phrase captures God’s desire for us to rely on Him rather than our anxiety or fear. Jesus, with full divine authority, speaks these words to provide peace to those who are troubled and worried. Their fears serve as a reminder that fear is a common human experience. It is comforting to understand that it is okay to feel fear, but we are called not to dwell in it but to look to Jesus.
Experience has shown that fear often leads to paralysis or inaction. We may hesitate to obey God or pursue our calling due to the uncertainty that fear breeds. With Jesus’ comforting words, we are reminded not to focus on our fears but to place our eyes on Him. The command to be unafraid instills courage to step forward in our faith, trusting that Jesus is always by our side.
Context of Matthew 17:7
To truly appreciate Matthew 17:7, we must understand its context. This passage occurs in the narrative of Jesus’ ministry. Throughout the gospels, Jesus performs miracles, teaches about God’s Kingdom, and reveals His divine nature. In Matthew 17, the event leading up to this point is the Transfiguration. Jesus took Peter, James, and John up to a high mountain, where He was transformed before them, showing them His glory.
This event is a significant revelation of Jesus’ divine nature and serves to prepare the disciples for the challenges that lie ahead. They would soon witness the suffering, betrayal, and death of Jesus. The transfiguration provided them with assurance of His identity and authority, which they would need to remember in their darkest moments.
Another factor to consider in understanding the text is the presence of Moses and Elijah, who appeared during the transfiguration. This connection underscores that Jesus is the fulfillment of the law and the prophets. After this divine encounter, the tone of the narrative shifts. The disciples, feeling overwhelmed, fall to the ground in fear and trepidation. During such moments, our human nature can lead us to doubt or fear, despite all that we know about God’s goodness.
Jesus’ rhetorical questions and teachings during his ministry were pivotal for establishing faith in His followers. In this moment after the transfiguration, He comes to them in their fear, lovingly addressing them and reinforcing His role as their leader. This moment of assurance was part of a broader pattern in Jesus’ ministry, consistently demonstrating God’s love and presence in times of distress.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 17:7
The components of Matthew 17:7 each hold profound significance. The first key part is the concept of Jesus coming near to the disciples. His willingness to move towards His frightened followers illustrates His compassionate and approachable nature. We realize that we too can draw near to Him when we face fear. He longs for closeness and intimacy with us, especially during challenging seasons.
Next, Jesus touched the disciples. The potency of this touch is twofold: it signifies comfort and affirmation. Touch is a universal expression of care. When someone reaches out to touch us in times of distress, it often brings a sense of peace and security. For the disciples, this touch is not only a signal of comfort but also a reminder of their special partnership with Christ.
Then we consider the command to “arise.” This instruction invites the disciples to take action—to rise up in faith. Often, the physical act of standing evokes inner strength. When we stand tall despite the waves of fear, we align ourselves with the power of God and His calls for our lives. God calls us to rise in faith, much as He encouraged the disciples. We have the amazing ability to rise from despair into hope.
Finally, the concluding statement, “do not be afraid,” wraps the message in love and reassurance. It asks us to let go of our worries and trust in God’s ability to carry us through any situation. Through faith, we learn that fear does not have to be our final response. Instead, we can choose to trust in God’s goodness and love.
Lessons From Matthew 17:7
Matthew 17:7 could teach us numerous lessons that speak to our everyday lives. Primarily, it reminds us of Jesus’ constant presence. In times of fear or uncertainty, we can take comfort in knowing that He is always with us. Just as He drew near to the disciples, we can invite Him into our lives during difficult times. We are never truly alone; Jesus desires that we experience His companionship and support.
Additionally, this verse highlights the importance of addressing our fears. Jesus did not dismiss the disciples’ fear as trivial. Instead, He acknowledged it, offered reassurance, and invited them to rise. We too should validate our feelings without allowing fear to define us. We can seek Christ while acknowledging our fears’ existence and allowing Him to guide us in overcoming them.
Another takeaway is the transformative power of touch and connection. The simple act of Jesus touching the disciples has monumental implications. It showcases a reminder that we are called to connect with others through compassion and love as well. In times of distress, simply being present with others and offering comforting touches can be a source of immense support.
This verse also teaches us that rising above our fears takes action. Rather than remaining in a state of fear, we can choose to “arise” like the disciples. In many situations, we find ourselves paralyzed by fear, but Jesus encourages us to take that leap of faith and trust in His strength. When we rise, we engage in the partnership with God, allowing Him to lead us forward.
Ultimately, “do not be afraid” is not just an invite; it’s a command from our loving Savior. This statement encourages us to place our trust in God’s plans rather than the uncertainty of the world. Fear can immobilize us from pursuing the paths God has laid out for us. Instead, we should seek His peace and assurance, reminding ourselves of His promises throughout scripture.
Final Thoughts
Matthew 17:7 speaks volumes to our spiritual journey. In every season of life, we can draw strength and assurance from the loving nature of Christ. His invitation to rise above fear resonates deeply within our hearts, allowing us to step forward in faith, trusting in His guidance and presence. We can meet life’s challenges head-on, knowing that Jesus consistently offers comfort in moments of distress.
As we go about our daily lives, let us lean into the reassurance found in this verse. When we face overwhelming moments or fears, we can find peace in knowing Jesus is there, prompting us to rise and not be afraid. Let us also remember to share His love and touch with those around us, embodying compassion and hope in a world that desperately needs it.
We encourage you to explore more topics that highlight the immense love and support we receive from God, such as Bible verses about the Holy Spirit living in us and Bible verses about the grace of God. Each verse is an opportunity to deepen our understanding of God’s plan and promises for us.