Peter, James and John had been up the Transfiguration Mount with Jesus (Matthew 17). They had seen His awesome momentary metamorphosis. Had realized that Moses and Elijah were communicating with their Master. Had heard the words of God, “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” (verse 5)
The Good News was that the Great Deliverer was not to be God’s Servant (Moses) nor God’s Spokesperson (Elijah); rather God’s Son. All revelation and all rescue were to be wrapped up in Him. God speaks from the cloud and emphasizes, “hear ye him”.
So what was it that Jesus next said after this tremendous introduction?
“Arise, and be not afraid.”
Arise! Get out of that cringing, servile, unworthy place. My Dad is the Umpire for Heaven’s sakes; and you are my friends and students.
Be not afraid. Nothing shall be able to unseat you. Not death or lack or persecution or sickness or guilt or slander or calamity. You are proteges of the Prince. You stand on His authority and communicate His order and wisdom. You have exceptional opportunity.
Quite a thrilling mountain-top experience for them all. And then, as was so often the case with their Rabbi, back to the demon-plagued valley to serve. (verses 14-21)
The Good News was that the Great Deliverer was not to be God’s Servant (Moses) nor God’s Spokesperson (Elijah); rather God’s Son. All revelation and all rescue were to be wrapped up in Him. God speaks from the cloud and emphasizes, “hear ye him”.
So what was it that Jesus next said after this tremendous introduction?
“Arise, and be not afraid.”
Arise! Get out of that cringing, servile, unworthy place. My Dad is the Umpire for Heaven’s sakes; and you are my friends and students.
Be not afraid. Nothing shall be able to unseat you. Not death or lack or persecution or sickness or guilt or slander or calamity. You are proteges of the Prince. You stand on His authority and communicate His order and wisdom. You have exceptional opportunity.
Quite a thrilling mountain-top experience for them all. And then, as was so often the case with their Rabbi, back to the demon-plagued valley to serve. (verses 14-21)
