And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus alone. Matthew 17:8

Read the context of this verse, Matthew 17:1-8

Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. 2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. 3 Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 4 Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 5 While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. 7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” 8 And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.

• Have you ever seen anything so magnificent and wonderful that it terrified you? Why do you suppose the disciples fell down in fear?
• Peter had just suggested they build houses for Jesus, Elijah and Moses. Did the disciples feel relief or disappointment when they saw Jesus all by himself?
• The transfiguration was a crucial moment in Christ’s revelation of himself to the disciples. Christ’s conversation with Moses and Elijah was important as he prepared to go to the cross. Why did Moses and Elijah leave? Why wasn’t Peter’s suggestion a good thing?
• In verse 7 Jesus said, “Do not be afraid,” and in verse 8 they see that Jesus is alone. What is the significance of this imagery for you? Is Christ alone enough?