Matthew 17: 1-13 – Jesus' Transfiguration
Matthew and Mark say after 6 days Jesus went up a high mountain to pray, but Luke 9:28 says after 8 days. This is based on a Greek way of speaking meaning "about a week". He took Peter, James and James’ brother John with Him. While on the mountain praying, he was transfigured before their eyes. Transfigured means changed of the innermost nature that may be outwardly visible. His face was as bright as the sun and his clothes became white as the light. Mark 9 says His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. Luke 9 says His face changed, and His clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. Then two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor talking with Jesus.
What was the purpose of the transfiguration? It was to acknowledge that Jesus was the Messiah. Jesus was transfigured to benefit both Himself and His disciples. His earthly ministry was coming to a close. It was an encouragement to Jesus for He was about to suffer on the cross. It was important for the disciples to see this, because it helped them gain a greater understanding of who Jesus was. They needed assurance and they needed to be witnesses to the people later.
Why Moses and Elijah? Moses represented the Law and Elijah the Prophets. Moses lived some 1400 years before and Elijah lived 900 years before - yet here they were alive and in a resurrected glorified state. The disciples had great respect for them. "For Moses said, 'The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from among his people.'" - Acts 3:22-23. They had a lot in common with Jesus: they both fasted forty days and nights, they did miracles, they were leaders of the people of Israel, they preached the Word of God, they were suffering servants, and many did not accept their message. Moses and Elijah talked with God on a mountain and wrote down God's words.
What was the significance of Moses and Elijah’s appearance? In these two the Law and the Prophets honored Christ. They were witnesses to who Jesus was. They talked about Jesus' upcoming crucifixion and His resurrection that would follow. The Law showed the need for a Messiah and the Prophets taught about the coming of the glorious Messiah who is now before the disciples. It showed that those who fall asleep in Christ will not perish, but are alive. 1 Cor. 15 - says we will get resurrected bodies when Jesus comes again.
Peter suggested they erect shelters for Jesus, Moses and Elijah. But while Peter was still speaking, God interrupted him. Peter was rebuked by a voice from the cloud of God's glory, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!" - Matt. 17:5. Jesus is God's son and deserved special attention so they needed to hear Him! Peter was making them equal to Jesus, but Jesus was above them. Peter was probably excited and spoke before thinking. Mark and Luke say he didn't know what he was saying. This was the same thing spoken by God at Jesus' baptism. (Matt. 3:17).
Do you listen to Jesus when He speaks to you and do what He says?
When the disciples heard the voice of God, they fell face down and were terrified. Jesus touched them and told them, "Get up. Don't be afraid". - Matt. 17:7. When they looked up, only Jesus was there. Through the witnessing of the transfiguration and the hearing God’s voice came the assurance they needed that Jesus was the Messiah and would be crucified.
Jesus told the disciples to not speak of the transfiguration until after His resurrection (Matt. 17:9). The resurrection would be His final confirmation of His ministry and glory.
Principles:
Matthew 17:14-23 – Jesus Heals a Boy
A man approached Jesus and knelt humbly before Him asking Him to heal his son who suffered from seizures. He had previously brought his son to the disciples, but they couldn’t heal him. Remember Jesus had given them authority to cast out demons in Matthew 10:8. This time they could not. Some demons are stronger and more stubborn than others. This failure was probably good for the disciples. It taught them the superiority of Jesus and to come to Him with problems. It taught them to be humble and to depend on Him.
Jesus seemed to be frustrated with them. The cross was getting nearer and they didn't have enough faith. Jesus said, "O unbelieving and perverse generation, how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me. Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed from that moment." - Matt. 17:17-18. The disciples asked Jesus why they couldn't have driven the demon out. Jesus replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here and there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." - Matt. 17:20-21. "Everything is possible for him who believes." - Mark 9:23.
To be successful against demons there must be trust in God who has complete authority over the demons. “…without faith it is impossible to please God ...” – Heb. 11:6. Unbelief increases Satan's dominion and power. Unbelief means defeat.
What is the difference between little faith that Jesus condemned and the small faith that He blessed? Little faith means there is fear and doubt. It is failing to thrive. Small faith means you believe and trust God. It is just beginning to grow, but has potential. As you grow in your walk with God, your faith grows larger. As you study His Word and deepen your relationship with Him, your faith keeps growing and growing.
How do you make your
faith stronger?
– Sometime our faith becomes stronger through God's mercy in difficult
situations. Sometimes it comes through
more fervent prayer, or through the study of His Word. It involves trust and dependence upon God.
When you doubt, do you ask God to help you in your unbelief?
Principles:
Jesus then told His disciples that the Son of Man is going to be betrayed and killed, but will rise on the third day. The disciples were filled with grief. Mark 9:32 says they did not understand but were afraid to ask.
Are you afraid to tell God you don’t understand something?
Matthew 17:24-27 - The Temple Tax
Jesus and His disciples arrived in Capernaum. The temple tax collectors asked Peter if his master paid the temple tax. The temple tax was an annual tax paid by all males for the needs of the temple. Jesus was actually the owner of the temple and the priest who served God really served Him so it really was unnecessary for Him to pay taxes. Jesus wanted to avoid unnecessary cause for misunderstandings that might turn people away from the gospel so He surrendered His rights for the sake of the Gospel. Then as to not offend them, Jesus told Peter to catch a fish in the lake and he would find in its mouth a coin. He was to take the coin and give it to them to pay the tax.
What lessons do we learn here?
Do you sacrifice your own privileges for the sake of the gospel?
Principle: Jesus paid the price for our sins even though it wasn't His to pay.
Join me here next week as we continue our study of Matthew -- I encourage you to trust in Jesus.
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