The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 190

a aubject, he revealed his true kingly supremacy even over nature, in the fish of the sea.-W. F. A. Vera. 1-8.-The Transfiguration. The intention of this scene seems to have been to inaugurate the sufferings of Christ, and to set him apart as the Lamb of God who was to take away the sin of the world. Being a public event, it behoved that it should be witnessed, and the same three men are chosen as witnesses of the rehearsal of his sufferings who are afterwards witnesses of the sufferings themselves in Geth- semane-the three most closely bound to him in affection. On both occasions their oonduct proved how utterly helpless we are in the matter of our own salvation. One would have expected they would have been forward to aid their Master, or, if not to aid, at least to sympathize with him. But on both occasions they feil a.sleep. The world's r-edemption had really to be transacted in spite cf the world; the best men of the world were indifferent, were a.sleep, when the crisis of the battle was passing, when its Redeemer was agonizing on its behalf. To our Lord the strength received from the Father by prayer was more needful than the restoring sweetness of sleep. In it wa.s to be found more real detachment from care, more vital renewal of energy. It was probably for his encouragement and that of the disciples that this earnest was given -0f his triumph over death, and of his glorified condition. The significance of the reappearance of Moses and Elias is not hard to discern. '!'hey came as representatives of the two great economies through which God had dealt with men, and guided them to himself, to lay down their office, and recognize ChriHt as the One in whom the Law and the prophets were fulfilled, Every acceptable sacrifice of the Mosaic economy was acceptaolo through the sacrifice of Christ. Every hope kindled by the prophets rested for its fulfilment on him. And how do they testify their homage? " They spake," says Luke, "ofbjs decell.Be which he should accomplish at Jerusalem." The Law was to find its highest fulfilment in the most lawless of transgressions ; prophecy found its richest in that which seemed to destroy hope itself. In the persons of these two our Lord would see as at one viow all who had put their trust in God from the foundation of the world; all who had put their faith in sacrifice, believing that God would find a true Propitiation; all who had hoped in his tender mercy, and through dark and troublous times had strained to see the Consolation of Israel. The whole anxiety of guilty consciences, the whole longing sigh for the promised Messiah that had breathed through the ancient Church, at once becomes audible to his ear, and confirms his resolution that their trust shall not be put to shame. Steadfastly does he set his face to go to Jerusalem, more than ever determined that the glorified state which Moses and Elias have attained shall, by his shame and death, be secured to them, and to all those of whom they are the firstfruits, To complete the act of installation it was requisite, not only that the former mediat-0rs should resign their office, but that the real Mediator should be definitely nominated; and therefore a voice is heard from the cloud saying, "This is my beloved Sou, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him." A.nd so, with no witnesses but these disciples, the world's history is transacted. It is summed up in these three, God commanding, God encouraging, God fulfilling; and these three are summed up in one-God saving. "When the disciples lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only." I. First, we learn that CHRIST 18 NOW THE ONE MEDIATOR BETWEEN Gon AND MAN. The one command now is, " Hear ye ltim." When Mose8 and Elias retired, and the disciples saw no man, save Jesus only, the whole burden of legal ceremonial fell from their shoulders. With the one temple of the Lord's body left to view, how simple must all religion and service have seemed, consisting simply in their loving and cleav- ing to their Lord and Master-the compassionate, considerate, righteous Lord Jesus Christ I We are often satisfied with the means of grace, the things that lead to Christ. But God calls you to come to Christ's self. "Hear ye him." You have a life-and- death question to settle, and for the settling of it there is for you, in the world, "no man, save Jesus only." II. CHRIST IS OUB SUFFICIENT SA VIOUB. If your troubles and difficulties seem the most real things in the world to you, remember him who oho86 suffering for bis portion, that you might bo partakers of his glory. If you are despondent on account of your spiritual condition, remember this sure foundation of all preaching, this procla- 1u TTHEW-ll, 0 194 THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MATTHEW. [on. xvn. 1-27,