Matthew 17

Transfiguration

the climactic moment of the story

scenery chosen reflects this

Peter confesses the truth that is the cornerstone of our belief

Jesus reveals himself as fully God, the fulfillment of what those examples before him were meant to be

He is proclaimed by the Father as the son of God with whom he is pleased

they are commanded to listen to him

Demon Possessed Boy

demon possessed boy

almost sounds like he just has epilepsy

the disciples are unable to cast out the demon even though they were able to do so before

Jesus explains that it is an issue of faith

they are in these three chapters refusing to believe the truth about the savior and their faith is reflected in their lack of ability

faith as small as a mustard seed

Second Foretelling of his Death

nothing too significant about this instance

adds emphasis

the third time will come with one of the most important scenes regarding the truth of what he is going to do

and the disciples lack of belief in what Jesus is going to do

they are greatly distressed in that they refuse to believe that their savior is going to allow himself to die

Temple Tax

Jesus asks Peter a question that directly relates to what he has seen before

Jesus has just been revealed as the son of God the Father

he asks the one who believes all of this and has seen all of it what he thinks about the sovereignty of the Christ and his followers

Jesus still gives the tax not to be offensive

but he is pointing out that he is the direct offspring of God and therefore he is free of the tax for the temple

Application

what do you have faith in?

faith in the words of those who came before him

faith in the power they once had given to him

faith in the rulers of the time to keep the power where it is

faith in the Christ who rises above all of those things

even just a little faith can grow quickly and make large changes