Matthew 17 Devotional

Lifted by His Touch

“Then Jesus came over and touched them. “Get up,” He said. “Do not be afraid.””Matthew 17:7 (BSB)

On a high mountain, Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John. His face shines like the sun, his clothes become white as light, and Moses and Elijah appear, talking with him (17:2-3). Peter offers to build shelters, but a bright cloud covers them and the Father's voice breaks in: this is his beloved Son, and they are to listen to him (17:5). The disciples fall face down, terrified (17:6).

What happens next is easy to miss. Jesus comes over, touches them, and tells them to get up and not be afraid (17:7). When they look up, they see no one but Jesus (17:8). The glory that put them on the ground belongs to the same one who lifts them back up. Coming down the mountain, he speaks again of his coming death and his rising on the third day (17:22-23). God's holiness is real enough to bring anyone to the ground. In Jesus, that same God comes near and touches you, so you can listen to him without fear.

To think about: What fear keeps you at a distance from God, and how does Jesus' touch on the mountain speak to it?