No One But Jesus

When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. (Matthew 17:8)

Jesus gave Peter, James, and John a remarkable experience. Following Jesus to a high mountain, they saw Jesus transfigured, revealed in bright glory with Moses and Elijah beside Him. At Peter’s suggestion of building three tabernacles, God the Father spoke from heaven: This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him! God the Father wanted to highlight the truth that Jesus was unique, not to be equated with even great men like Moses and Elijah.

At this, Peter, James, and John all fell on their faces and were filled with fear. Jesus spoke to them, assuring them to not be afraid. Then, looking up – they saw Jesus and Jesus only. Moses and Elijah had vanished.

It’s a wonderful phrase: they saw no one but Jesus only. It is significant that their entire focus was forced upon Jesus once again. The cloud was gone; Moses had left, and Elijah had disappeared.

It might have been that after the events of the transfiguration, no one remained for the disciples. Theoretically, when the experience was over, there would have been no Moses, no Elijah, and no Jesus. This is exactly the experience of many. They have some spiritual experience or receive some ministry from the Holy Spirit of God; but when it is over, it is over – done and gone. Nothing remains.

It might have been that only Moses remained for the disciples. Theoretically, when the experience was over, there would have been only Moses. Though Moses was a great man, compared to Jesus he was like the moon is to the sun. It would be sad to exchange the grace and truth that came by Jesus for the law that came by Moses; but there are those sad ones who see Moses and his law only.

It might have been that only Elijah remained for the disciples. Theoretically, when the experience was over, there would have been only Elijah. Elijah was a man great for the power of his word and the boldness of his national reforms. Yet all this doesn’t compare to the person and work of Jesus only.

It might have been that all three remained. At first, this might have seemed to be the best – why not all three? Yet now that Jesus has come, Moses and Elijah can fade into their supportive roles and never be put on the same level as Jesus.

Instead, they saw only Jesus. Him alone.

Brothers and sisters, ultimately we serve no one but Jesus Christ. He is our Master, and we don’t bow down to even the great men and women of Christian history. As wonderfully as God has used them, Jesus stands above and alone compared to them all. We thank God for those men and women but are more grateful that in some sense they fade from the scene, and we see no one but Jesus only.

Click here for David’s commentary on Matthew 17