They Saw No One But Jesus Only

-November 1, 2023-

Good morning, happy Wednesday,

“When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.”

(Matthew 17:8).

The account of Jesus’ transfiguration is found in the three synoptic gospels: Matthew 17:1-8, Mark Mark 9:1-8, and Luke 9:27-36. Jesus took Peter, James, and John to a high mountain by themselves and was transfigured before them. They were privileged to see Him in His glory. His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as the light, like snow, whiter than any launderer can whiten them.

Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Jesus. Luke tells us the topic of which they discussed, His decease or as it can be rendered, departure, which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. He would die on the cross, be buried, and rise again. Then 40 days later He would ascend back to heaven. It must have been a such a glorious scene! It had to be such an overwhelming sight. So much so, that Peter, not knowing what to say, suggested they make three tabernacles or tents, one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. Moses represented those who die, and Elijah represented those who are taken straight to heaven without dying. Enoch was the only other person who did not die, for the Lord took him. Just then God intervened.

A cloud overshadowed them, God spoke from the cloud, saying, “This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him! As great as anyone is in this world or in heaven, no one can compare to Jesus. He is the Son of Man and the Son of God. He is God incarnate, perfect God and perfect Man. It was at that moment, Moses and Elijah disappeared and the disciples saw “no one anymore, but Jesus only. They kept quiet and spoke nothing about this until after the resurrection in obedience to Jesus.

There are many people and events that are amazing and attract our attention, but nothing and no one can compare to Jesus. When we look at Him, gaze at Him, look to Him, we have salvation, eternal life, and the forgiveness of sins. Hebrews 12:1 says, “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

The hymn writer Helen H. Lemuel wrote, “O soul, are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see? There’s light for a look at the Savior, and life more abundant and free! Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”

Have a blessed day looking on Jesus and looking to Jesus. Stay safe and healthy.

When we look on Jesus, everything else will diminish, decline, devalue, and disappear,

Dean