Compare Jesus' reassurance in Matthew 17:7 with similar instances in the Gospels. Setting on the Mountain Matthew 17 records the transfiguration. Peter, James, and John collapse in fear when the Father’s voice thunders from the cloud. “Then Jesus came over and touched them. ‘Get up,’ He said. ‘Do not be afraid.’” Jesus’ Reassurance—Two Simple Actions • He touches: physical contact that conveys compassion and authority. • He speaks: a direct command that both lifts (“Get up”) and calms (“Do not be afraid”). Echoes of the Same Comfort in the Gospels 1. Storm on the Sea – Matthew 14:27; Mark 6:50; John 6:20 “But Jesus spoke to them at once: ‘Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.’” • Same setting of awe-inducing power (raging sea) • Similar twofold reassurance: identity revealed (“It is I”) and fear banished. 2. Call of the First Disciples – Luke 5:10 “Then Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on you will catch men.’” • Fear of divine holiness replaced by a call to mission. • Upward movement: from sinking under conviction to standing in purpose. 3. Jairus’s Crisis – Mark 5:36; Luke 8:50 “But Jesus overheard and said… ‘Do not be afraid; only believe.’” • Touch follows when He takes the girl’s hand (Mark 5:41). • Fear exchanged for faith, mirroring the mountain scene. 4. Resurrection Appearance – Matthew 28:10 “Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brothers…’” • Post-resurrection glory now shared; reassurance launches witness. 5. Upper Room – Luke 24:38 & John 20:19-20 “Peace be with you.” • Although phrased differently, the intent is identical—stilling fear through His presence. Common Threads Across These Moments • Presence: Jesus draws near—by touch, by voice, or by simply appearing. • Identity: He reveals who He is (“It is I,” glorified Son, risen Lord). • Command: A clear directive replaces paralyzing fear with purposeful action or faith. • Transformation: Each encounter moves the hearer from dread to discipleship. Why Matthew 17:7 Matters for Us • The same Christ who touched trembling followers on the mountain reaches out through His Word today (Hebrews 13:8). • His commands carry capacity; when He says, “Get up,” He supplies the strength to rise (Philippians 4:13). • Fear yields to worship and mission whenever His presence is recognized (John 20:21). Practical Takeaways • Remember His nearness: recite these “Do not be afraid” passages when anxiety strikes. • Rise in obedience: act on the next step He gives, confident His touch empowers you. • Redirect focus: let awe of Him replace dread of circumstances, just as it did for the three on the mountain. |
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