Lutheran Lens Commentary: Matthew 17:1-13

Lutheran Lens Reading of Matthew 17:1-13

Tradition-Specific Interpretation

We read Matthew 17:1-13 through the Lutheran Lens as a revelation of both Law and Gospel. The transfiguration of Christ is a profound display of His divine glory, which terrifies the disciples, revealing their sinful inability to stand in His holy presence (Law). Yet, in the midst of this, the Gospel shines as Jesus comes to them, touches them, and reassures them with the words, 'Rise, and have no fear.' This passage points us to Christ as the fulfillment of the Law and the prophets, and as the one who brings the promise of grace through His death and resurrection. The presence of Moses and Elijah underscores the continuity of the Old Testament pointing to Christ, who is the ultimate revelation of God's grace.

Key Language Decisions

In Matthew 17:5, the Greek word 'εὐδόκησα' (eudokēsa) is significant, meaning 'I am well pleased.' This echoes the Father's words at Jesus' baptism, reinforcing His divine sonship and the Father's approval of His mission, which is central to our understanding of the Gospel. The imperative 'ἀκούετε' (akouete), meaning 'listen to Him,' underscores the necessity of heeding Christ's words, which deliver life and salvation. The Lutheran tradition emphasizes the received text's clear proclamation of Christ's identity and mission.

Where Traditions Diverge

Unlike Reformed traditions that might emphasize the transfiguration as a model for spiritual transformation or a call to moral improvement, the Lutheran reading focuses on the revelation of Christ as the bearer of grace and truth. Unlike Roman Catholic interpretations that might see this event in the context of ecclesiastical hierarchy or sacramental theology, we emphasize the transfiguration as a direct communication of Jesus' divine authority and the ultimate revelation of God's grace, without intermediary structures.

Pastoral Application

In preaching this passage, we should remind our congregation of the comfort found in Christ's presence and the reassurance of His words, 'Rise, and have no fear.' The Law exposes our inability to stand before God's holiness, yet the Gospel assures us that Jesus, in His glory, meets us with grace. We emphasize that our baptismal identity in Christ makes us participants in His death and resurrection, which the transfiguration foreshadows. Congregants should leave with a renewed understanding of the power of Christ's word and presence, encouraging them to listen to Him amidst their daily vocations, confident in His promise of salvation.

Cross-References: Matthew 3:17; 2 Peter 1:16-18; Hebrews 1:1-3; Exodus 24:15-18; Deuteronomy 18:15

Doctrinal Connections: Theology of the cross; Law and Gospel; Christological fulfillment of the Old Testament; Justification by faith alone; Simul justus et peccator