Matthew 16-17

Introduction

Last week we saw Peter make the “Great Confession” where he declared that Jesus is “the Christ, the Son of the Living God”. This is a world changing statement and one that Jesus affirmed. It is also going to be a pivotal turn in the Lord’s ministry, as there is only about a year left and He is now going to be making his way to the cross.

Today’s lesson will see the Lord beginning to explain all of this to the disciples, but it won’t be that easy. It will take a certain mountaintop experience for (a few of) them to start understanding what is really going on.

16:21-28: So you get it?

Now that is has been established that Jesus in the Christ, Matthew tells us that the Lord “from that time” began to teach the disciples everything that had to happen to the Christ.

Notice the Lord’s progression of teaching here: establish identity > explain purpose. If he had tried to tell them what would happen to him before establishing his identity, they may not have believed him at all.

Since the disciples (via Peter) believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Lord assumes that now they are ready to here an “uncomfortable” truth. Jesus must go to Jerusalem, suffer, die, and be raised from the dead.

Remember, Peter declared Jesus’ identity in Caesarea Philippi, the place of Pan(ic). They all knew that if Jesus is the Christ, He brings an end to all panic. But as any believer knows, that not always the case. Sometimes we still let panic creep into our lives, and we see that happen with Peter.

This prediction by Jesus was a terrifying statement. I don’t think it really mattered that Jesus said, “and on the third day be raised” because the disciples quit listening after he said “suffer many thing…and be killed”.

This is why Peter, who had just made such great strides, now falls back into doubt and fear by rebuking Jesus (the audacity! Rebuking God!)

In a sense, his rebuke was honorable and loving, but it was misguided. So why did Peter thing he needed to say this to Jesus?

Well, they (like most 1st century Jews) still expected the Messiah to be a military king that would overthrow Rome and restore their people. They knew Jesus was the Christ, and so logically this would mean that a battle was coming and there was no way Jesus could lose.

Suffering and death had no place in this line of thinking. What kind of savior dies? (Spoiler: the one who defeats death)

This is still a major point of contention for religions like Islam. Most Muslims (who believe Jesus was a prophet) reject that Jesus even died, because for Jesus to die, and to die in such a way as he did, would mean that God failed his prophet.

This had to be a semi-frustrating moment of Jesus. He probably hoped Peter was finally getting it, but this rebuke demonstrated that he wasn’t quite ready. His response is pretty stern: He calls him Satan!

“Satan” means adversary, and in this case Peter is being adversarial, and perhaps the devil really was behind this thought.

Jesus also says Peter is being a hindrance or a stumbling block. This is a little ironic since Jesus had just given him the name Peter, which means rock. He’s living up to that name, but not in a good way!

Finally, the Lord tells him that he is not setting his mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”

This was a reoccurring problem for Peter (we saw it when he tried to walk on water and literally looked away from Jesus at other things).

But it’s a regular problem for us, too. A major theme in the Sermon on the Mount is to keep a singular focus on Christ and his Kingdom, aka “things of God”. But all too often we focus on the “things of man” instead.

This is why the Scriptures regularly warn us to keep our focus on God.

Romans 8:5 “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.”

Philippians 3:19 “Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.”

Colossians 3:2 “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”

I have to wonder how often our focus on the wrong things gets in the way or delays what God is wanting to do in our lives? Or just disrupts our lives in general? How often do we find ourselves back in places of panic because we are focused on earthly things instead of godly things?

Since Peter didn’t get it, the Lord realizes that all of the disciples need a hard reality check: it’s not just going to be Jesus who dies. But if they are willing to hear him out, he won’t be the only one who comes back to life, either.

Here we have one of the most famous sayings of Jesus, and the most difficult. It’s not new though, Jesus had already told them this in a sermon back in Chapter 10. But now the meaning is coming into focus.

Anyone who wants to follow Jesus has to be prepared to die with him, too. Modern eyes sometimes miss how shocking “take up his cross” sounds. It would be akin to saying, “strap himself to the electric chair”, except crucifixion would have been even more painful than that.

There aren’t many options with following Jesus: you either save your life or lose it. But paradoxically, the results are flipped. If you want to save your life, you will lose it. But if you lose your life, you will find it.

The word for “life” can either mean soul or life. The disciples (and people in general) were so concerned with the physical things, they had forgotten about the spiritual things. They feared the death of their body, but not the death of their souls.

And so Jesus is here warning them: what do you really get if you gain “the whole world” (save your body, ect.), but lose your soul? To follow Jesus, we must be willing to die for Him physically, but we must absolutely die for Him spiritually.

Jesus could also be alluding to Psalm 49:7–8 “Truly no man can ransom another, or give to God the price of his life, for the ransom of their life is costly and can never suffice,”

This could be a subtle reminder to them that Jesus has to die, because nobody else can ransom their souls.

But the good news is that death will not win, which is why we shouldn’t fear this command from the Lord. Remember, he told them that he must suffer and die, but then also rise! And if Christ rises, then we also will rise, too.

Romans 6:4 “We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.”

Colossians 2:12 “having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.”

I think the Lord alludes to this by telling them Matthew 16:27 “For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done.”

Some OT allusions here including Daniel 10, and Zechariah 14.

Notice also that the “repayment according to what he has done” seems universal. Putting faith in Jesus isn’t just a sparing of punishment for our sins. When we deny ourselves for him, that means we put to death the sins of the flesh. This leads to righteousness. And righteousness will be rewarded. Therefore 2 Corinthians 5:10 “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.”

Now this section ends with a very strange (and debated) saying. “Some standing here will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”

Many have wondered what that means. On the surface it sounds like the second coming....but all of the apostles have long since died. So they obviously did not live to see that happen.

Some say Jesus is referring to his exaltation through the resurrection and ascension.

Others the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD

But I think the most likely explanation is the Transfiguration. Why? Well, look what Matthew tells us about next.

17:1-13

Matthew says, “And after six days...” almost as if to say, “Jesus said some of them would see the Son of Man coming into his Kingdom, and it took all of a week to happen.”

He also tells us that Jesus only took three of the disciples - Peter, James, and John. This falls in line with Jesus saying, “Some standing here”.

Mark Scott once made the joke on this passage, “The disciples may have gotten jealous that Jesus took these three for something special. But as an educator, if I have to pull a few students away for a special lesson, it’s not because they are better than the others - it’s usually because they need a little more help!”

The Lord takes them up on this mountain, and He is transfigured before them. This is an incredible moment. For a few minutes (or however long it was), these three disciples are getting a glimpse of Christ in his godly and exalted form.

This is a form that John would once again see and record in Revelation 1.

Matthew says that the Lord’s face shone like the sun (Revelation 1:16 “In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength.”)

He also says the his clothes became white as light. This is a very common descriptor for holiness and majesty.

Daniel 7:9 ““As I looked, thrones were placed, and the Ancient of Days took his seat; his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames; its wheels were burning fire.”

Psalm 104:1–2 “Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, you are very great! You are clothed with splendor and majesty, covering yourself with light as with a garment, stretching out the heavens like a tent.”

It was important for these three men to see this happen. They knew Jesus was the Christ, but yet they had still been tripped up at the idea of him suffering and dying. The transfiguration showed them that Jesus was the real deal.

Jesus was also joined by two special guests: Moses and Elijah.

Considered the two greatest prophets in the OT by the Israelite people, it said something that these two men were joining Jesus. But it was only to display his greatness compared to them.

It’s also interesting that Moses (who died) and Elijah (who didn’t die/was taken up into heaven) are here in that regard. Someone came up from the grave, and another came down from heaven to talk with Jesus.

Peter (who’s been getting a lot of screen time these last few chapters!) is absolutely star struck (Mark says it was because he was terrified and din’t know what to say), and asks Jesus if he would like him to build three tents (booths) for the three men.

On the surface, this was kind of silly. But the idea of building booths was in line with the Festival of Booths from the OT. And so I think Peter really was just trying to do something honorable, and again he was also terrified. What would you have said?

All three Gospel accounts basically indicate that Peter was interrupted by God, which is kind of comical to think about. It’s almost like God the Father said, “Peter, I love you, but shut up.”

The fact that a bright cloud overshadowed them is a reference to Exodus 24:15–16 “Then Moses went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. The glory of the Lord dwelt on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days. And on the seventh day he called to Moses out of the midst of the cloud.”

In fact, this whole event could be a reference to this. But now it’s Jesus at the center (indicating he is God!). I have to wonder if Moses smiled and said, “I remember this.”

And then God spoke from the cloud, as he did in the days of old. And what does he say? “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”

This is very similar to what he said at the Lord’s baptism. But here, surrounded by Moses and Elijah, it’s important for the disciples to know that Jesus is no ordinary prophet like they were. He is someone greater. Peter was write - Jesus is the Son of God.

Since Jesus is God’s Son, it is absolutely imperative that we listen to Him.

Acts 3:22 “Moses said, ‘The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you.”

Hebrews 1:1–2 “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.”

Unsurprisingly, this led the three men to fall flat on their faces in terror. They were in the very presence of God. Gerald Griffin once said, “We all think we’re going to run up and hug Jesus when we first see Him. But I actually think the first thing we’ll do is fall flat on our faces.”

And this is a good thing. Because it gives Jesus control not us. What do I mean? Look what Jesus did - he came and touched them and said “Rise, have no fear”. This is extremely similar to what he does to John in Revelation 1:17 “When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last,”

This is also in line with what the Son of Man does to Daniel in Daniel 8 and Daniel 10.

Peter testifies to all these things in 2 Peter, as well.

Two final things happen as they make their way back down the mountain:

Jesus tells them not to tell anyone what they had seen until after his resurrection. I think this serves two purposes.

The other disciples won’t be bewildered by what the 3 disciples are saying.

On the other hand, when things begin to happen, those three disciples can steady the whole group. Essentially they can say, “Trust us, what Jesus is saying is true, and everything is going to be okay.”

The other thing that comes up is the status of Elijah. Because of Malachi 4:5, it was believed that Elijah must return before the Messiah does. (This is why the religious leaders taunt Jesus on the cross about calling out to Elijah.)

Jesus confirms this is the case, but he teaches the disciples how to properly interpret that passage. In this case, “Elijah” had come - it was John the Baptist fulfilling that prophecy “in the spirit of Elijah”.

This also sets up an understanding of why the Lord himself will die. They didn’t recognize John the Baptist as “Elijah”, so they killed him. In the same way, they won’t recognize Jesus as the Messiah, so they will kill him, too.

What this has all pointed to is that Jesus is the Messiah, but he’s just not the Messiah anyone expected. He still fulfils all prophecy, just not in the way people might have expected.

17:14-20: Healing of a boy with a demon

I want to cover this story, too, because Mark tells us it happened immediately after they came down from the Mountain.

When they get there they find a crowd of people and the other disciples overwhelmed. A troubled father comes out of the crowd and pleads with Jesus to save his son from this demon, something the disciples couldn’t do.

Matthew’s theme here is how little faith the disciples and the people had. Jesus expresses his frustration by saying, “O faithless and twisted generation”. But I also like the conversation Mark adds between Jesus and the father.

Mark 9:22–24 “And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” And Jesus said to him, “ ‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!””

A few verses later Mark 9:26 “And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, “He is dead.””

I point this out, because Mark tells us the emotion that was going on here. The same word used to describe the father “cried out” is the same used to describe the demon also “crying out”. The pain the demon felt over being cast out by Jesus was the same pain the father felt for his child!

Despite the lack of faith among everyone present (except perhaps the father), Jesus heals the boy instantly and uses this as a teaching moment for the disciples.

After all the miraculous things they themselves had done to this point, including casting out demons, this one was apparently “too difficult”, and the Lord attributes it to their lack of faith.

He tells them that even a grain of mustard seed would contain enough faith to move mountains. This is obviously hyperbole (the Lord himself never did such a thing), but the point still stands - if they had had even a modicum of more faith, this demon wouldn’t have been an issue.

Some manuscripts at a vs 21 which basically copies what Mark says - that Jesus tells them, “These can only come out by prayer and fasting”. Prayer and fasting are good ways to increase our faith daily!

Conclusion

We come to a good bookend with this passage. Today’s lesson started with the disciples freaking out over the Lord revealing his suffering, death, and resurrection. But after the transfiguration, and another healing, Jesus once again tells them what must happen. The outcome? “They were greatly distressed”. That’s better than before!

If we let Him, the Lord will continue to teach us and grow our faith through His Holy Spirit. But we have to be willing to let him, and engage with Him, on a regular basis. The Son of God wants to speak to us, so let’s listen to him.