One could imagine that with all the things that happened in chapter 17, the disciples would have considered all they experienced to be nothing short of glorious, other worldly mysteries. We get a glimpse into what it looks like when the Kingdom of Heaven invades Earth with the supernatural powers of that glorious, other worldly place manifesting in their midst in the form of miracles and Jesus’ dazzling transfiguration.
Jesus’ Glorious Transfiguration
The disciples were fearful at this supernatural event when Elijah & Moses, who represent the holiness and deliverance of Jesus, appeared before them as Jesus became a bright, shining light in their presence. Peter’s initial response to make them the three of them tabernacles revealed that he acted in a natural way of thinking. Its a reminder not to go back into your own way of thinking like Peter. This event also shows us not to be fearful when Jesus is near. The fact that 3 disciples Peter, James and John were the only of the 12 chosen is significant. What’s more is that they were all told on strict order from Jesus not to tell anyone of what they’d just experienced until Jesus’ resurrection from the dead.
Unbelief Stops Healing
A father seeks for help for his child, but do we as Jesus disciples have the means to help him? Do we even know we have unbelief in us that would prevent someone from experiencing God healing power? If you allow unbelief to be a part of you how much you prevent Him from working through you. You need to believe but be connected to the Lord to know if you need to pray and fast for certain healings.
The Miracle of the Coin in a Fish’s Mouth
Sometimes we think that we need to defend Jesus when people question His authority, as Peter did when He spoke in the spur of the moment. Yet Jesus, even in this situation, demonstrated humility when He miraculously proved the tribute money for both Himself and Peter.
Summary
Here are a list of things we learned from Matthew Chapter 17:
- Unbelief gives you grief (20)
- Reveal visions when its time (9)
- Following in the footsteps of humility (25-27)
- Don’t refuse the rebuke of Christ (7, 20)
- Remember what God has done through His Son (2-5)
- True prophets will suffer persecution (12)
- Jesus’ death and resurrection bring you to perfection (9, 12, 22)
- With faith anything is possible (20)
