Mateus 17
Charles Spurgeon · Citado em PreceptAustin
Mateus 17
Spurgeon - “Saints long departed still alive; live in their personality; are known by their names; and enjoy near access to Christ.” R C H
Mateus 17
Spurgeon - They ‘appeared unto them‘ but they ‘talked with him‘: the object of the two holy ones was not to converse with the apostles, but with their Master. Although saints are seen of men, their fellowship is with Jesus. Broadus - It is not clear whether the disciples heard this conversation; at any rate it was partly designed for the Saviour’s own benefit, that he might be supported in view of the sufferings and death to which his mind was now especially turning. (Luke 12:50.) Michael Andrus has an interesting thought about what they were talking about - In Luke 9:31+ it says, “They spoke (imperfect tense - graphic picture of an ongoing conversation) about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem.” The Greek word for departure is exodos, or exodus in English. I believe this is a deliberate allusion to the greatest moment in Israel’s history. In Moses’ day the people of God were delivered by God’s power from slavery in Egypt. That was the original Exodus. Now through Jesus the people of God will be delivered by God’s power from a far worse bondage, the bondage of sin. This will happen when Jesus dies on a Cross in Jerusalem and is resurrected from the dead three days later. This is the focus of conversation between Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. (Matthew 17:1-8 The Transfiguration of Christ: Preview of the Resurrection) Robert Stein - Do these men represent (1) the law (Moses) and the prophets (Elijah)—cf. Luke 16:29, 31; 24:27; (2) heavenly figures who were expected to return at the end time; or (3) two OT prophetic figures who had not experienced death? The first possibility seems best. The reference to “two men” ties together the transfiguration, resurrection (Lk 24:4), and ascension (Acts 1:10). The presence of Moses and Elijah refutes the incorrect guesses about Jesus’ identity given in Luke 9:8, 19. (See Luke: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition) Steven Cole on Moses and Elijah - Scholars debate the significance of Moses and Elijah appearing with Christ, but it seems to me that the natural connection is that Moses represents the Law and Elijah the Prophets. As such, the entire Old Testament (the Law and the Prophets) bears witness to Jesus as Lord and Christ. Beyond this association, Moses also had a mountaintop experience where his face shone (Ex 34:30). In the exodus, he led the people of God out of bondage. Our text states that Moses and Elijah were talking with Jesus about the exodus (literal Greek transliteration of “departure”) that He was about to accomplish in Jerusalem (Lu 9:31). Elijah is associated with the future coming of Messiah, when he would appear to turn the hearts of the people back to God and to prepare the way of the Lord (Mal 3:1; Mal 4:4-6; Mt 11:9-14). It is also interesting that both Moses and Elijah had unique departures from this earth. Moses died on the mountain and God buried him (De 34:6). Elijah was carried to heaven without dying in a chariot of fire (2Ki 2:11). Jesus also had a unique departure: angels guarded His tomb and then, after His resurrection, He ascended bodily into heaven. But even though Moses and Elijah were two of the greatest men of God in the Old Testament, Jesus is far superior to them. We see this in Peter’s inept comment and the response from the heavenly voice. Peter, perhaps to prolong the glorious occasion, suggests celebrating the Feast of Tabernacles by building three booths, one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. While he meant well, Peter’s comment was off because it put Jesus on the same footing as Moses and Elijah. The voice from heaven corrects this by removing Moses and Elijah and by stating emphatically, “This is My Son, My Chosen One; listen to Him!” (Lu 9:35). These words also fulfill De 18:15, where Moses predicts that God will raise up another prophet and commands, “You shall listen to him.” Thus, the glory of Christ shows His superiority to and fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. (Luke 9:27-36) NET Note is slightly different on Moses and Elijah - Commentators and scholars discuss why Moses and Elijah are present. The most likely explanation is that Moses represents the prophetic office (Acts 3:18-22) and Elijah pictures the presence of the last days (Mal 4:5-6), the prophet of the eschaton (the end times). Henry
Mateus 17
Spurgeon reminds us that "Behold is a word of wonder; it is intended to excite admiration. Wherever you see it hung out in Scripture, it is like an ancient sign-board, signifying that there are rich wares within, or like the hands which solid readers have observed in the margin of the older Puritanic books, drawing attention to something particularly worthy of observation." I would add, behold is like a divine highlighter, a divine underlining of an especially striking or important text. It says in effect "Listen up, all ye who would be wise in the ways of Jehovah!" F B Meyer -Matthew 17:3 Behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with Him. Luke tells us that they “spoke of his decease which He should accomplish at Jerusalem.” Moses as representing the Law, would remind Him that if as God’s Lamb He must die, yet as God’s Lamb He would redeem countless myriads. Elijah, as representative of the prophets, would dwell on the glory that would accrue to the Father. These thoughts were familiar enough to the mind of our blessed Master; yet they must have gladdened and strengthened Him, as they fell from other lips: the more so when they conversed together on the certain splendor of the resurrection morning that should follow his decease. And where could there have been found greater subjects than this wondrous death, and his glorious resurrection? Here the attributes of God find their most complete and most harmonious exemplification. Here the problems of human sin and salvation are met and solved. Here the travail of Creation meets with its answer and key. Here are sown the seeds of the new heavens and earth, in which shall dwell righteousness and peace. Here is the point of unity between all ages, all dispensations, all beings, all worlds. Here blend men and angels; departed spirits and the denizens of other spheres; Peter, James, and John, with Moses and Elijah, and all with the great God Himself, whose voice is heard falling in benediction from the opened heaven. We, too, must often climb the mount of transfiguration in holy reverie; for the nearer we get to the Cross, and the more we meditate upon the decease accomplished at Jerusalem, the closer we shall come into the center of things; the deeper will be our harmony with ourselves and all other noble spirits and with God Himself. This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. - Matthew 17:5 TODAY IN THE WORD An Awesome Sight - The legendary missionary-explorer David Livingstone was the first European to see Africa's great Victoria Falls, the world's largest waterfalls. Christian History magazine quoted from Livingstone's description of the awesome sight: ""Five columns of smoke [i.e., mist] arose....The whole scene was extremely beautiful...scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight."" It's hard for us to imagine the scene Livingstone witnessed when he first came upon the mighty waterfalls. He had to borrow heavenly imagery in his attempt to convey the effect the experience had made on him. In much the same way, the Gospel writers drew on the loftiest language they could think of to describe a scene so dazzling that no earthly experience can compare. Jesus was transfigured in the presence of Peter, James, and John. Something of His eternal nature was revealed as these three disciples saw a preview of Jesus' future glory. Mark said that Jesus' clothes became dazzling, ""whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them"" (Mark 9:3). Add to this the appearance of Moses and Elijah and the voice of God speaking from heaven, and the disciples were so overwhelmed they fell on their faces. For the disciples, the Transfiguration was an unforgettable testimony to the deity of Jesus Christ and the truth of His claims. God knew these men would need this heavenly witness in future days. When Jesus was gone, they would be called to bear witness for Him in the face of suffering and persecution. It's hard to blame Peter for wanting to stay on this mountain of glory--especially when, as we will see tomorrow, the real world with all its problems waited below. Years later, Peter drew on the Transfiguration to verify the truth of the message the apostles preached (2 Pet. 1:16-18). This event had to be especially reassuring for him, coming just a few days after Jesus' stinging rebuke (Matt. 16:23, 17:1). As Jesus' disciples, if we learn and grow from His rebukes, we too will be all the more ready to share in His glory. TODAY ALONG THE WAY Every parent knows that rebuke is a painful but necessary part of discipline. The joy comes in the reassurance of love that needs to follow. If you are a parent, does your discipline reflect this balance of correction and affirmation? Too much of either one without the other can leave children either frustrated and uptight or lacking in proper boundaries. Let's pray today for God's help in dealing with children the way He deals with us, balancing firm correction with reassuring love. And if you're not a parent, is there someone in your life who needs a word either of correction or affirmation right now? Ask God to help you meet that need in a way pleasing to Him. Matthew 17:4 Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, I will make three tabernacles here, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” Peter said to Jesus: Mk 9:5,6 Lu 9:33 it is good for us: Ex 33:18,19 Ps 4:6 16:11 63:1-5 Isa 33:17 Zec 9:17 Jn 14:8,9 Jn 17:24 Php 1:23 1Jn 3:2 Rev 21:23 22:3-5 The Transfiguration - James Hastings (The Setting, The Significance, The Suggestions) The Transfiguration - Alfred Edersheim Matthew 17 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Mark 9:5+ And Peter answered and *said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” Luke 9:32-33+ Now Peter and his companions had been overcome with sleep; but when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men standing with Him. 33 And it came about, as these were parting from Him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah”–not realizing what he was saying. PETER'S OFFER TO BUILD "THE TRANSFIGURATION RETREAT CENTER" Peter said to Jesus, “Lord (kurios; Mk 9:5 Rabbi-rhabbi; Lk 9:32 - Master-epistates), it is good (kalos) for us to be here - Only Lk 9:32+ records they were "overcome with sleep" but then were "fully awake" and saw Jesus' glory. It is interesting that there is no record that Moses and Elijah's appearance was glorified. As usual Peter is the lead spokesman. The previous time Peter had called Jesus "Lord" was when he rebuked Him (Mt 16:22) and prior to that when he stepped onto the water and cried "Lord save me." (Mt 14:28-31). Peter was sidetracked, and the Father had to open heaven and speak to him. 'This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear Him.'" God put the focus where it belonged, on Christ. if You wish (thelo) , I will make (poieo) three tabernacles (skene) here, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah - One implication of Peter's offer is that it would put the three on basically the same plane, even though neither Moses' and Elijah's face or garments displayed glory. The focus was not to be on three men (two who were great men but sinners) but only on One Man, the only One Who was transfigured! Although Peter had addressed his request for a "building permit" to Jesus, it is not Jesus Who gives an answer, but God the Father in the next verse. The Father would bring the focus of Peter (and the other two disciples) back onto the only One it should be on, the glorified Son of Man. Phil Newton points out that "The writer of Hebrews had to deal with similar mindsets fostered by the Jewish love and admiration for the Law and the Prophets, or in that case, the Priesthood, and blindness to the greater glory of Christ. He proves the greatness of Christ to be far greater than angels, Moses, and the whole Aaronic and Levitical priesthoods. A summary declaration is found in Hebrews 2:1-6. (Matthew 17:1-13 Transfigured!) Liefeld - While the word looks back to the tabernacle in the wilderness, forerunner of the temple, the idea of building “tabernacles” also reflects the Feast of Tabernacles, when Jews built shelters for themselves and lived in them for seven days (cf. Lev 23:42–43). The feast had eschatological overtones. So Peter may have been saying that in gratitude for witnessing Jesus’ transfiguration and recognizing the imminent dawn of the Messianic Age, he would build three “tabernacles” one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. (borrow Expositor's Bible Commentary page 80) Spurgeon's Commentary - The sight spoke to the three beholders, and they felt bound to answer to it. Peter must speak: “Then answered Peter.” That which is uppermost comes out: “Lord, it is good for us to be here.” Everybody was of his opinion. Who would not have been? Because it was so good, he would fain stay in this beatific state, and get still more good from it. But he has not lost his reverence, and therefore he would have the great ones sheltered suitably. He submits the proposal to Jesus: “If thou wilt.” He offers that, with his brethren, he will plan and build shrines for the three holy ones: “Let us make here three tabernacles.” He does not propose to build for himself, and James, and John; but he says, “One for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.” His talk sounds rather like that of a bewildered child. He wanders a little; yet his expression is a most natural one. Who would not wish to abide in such society as this? Moses, and Elias, and Jesus: what company! But yet how unpractical is Peter! How selfish the one thought, “It is good for us”! What was to be done for the rest of the twelve, and for the other disciples, and for the wide, wide world? A sip of such bliss might be good for the three, but to continue to drink thereof might not have been really good even for them. Peter knew not what he said. The like might be said of many another excited utterance of enthusiastic saints. NET NOTES - Peter apparently wanted to celebrate the feast of Tabernacles or Booths that looked forward to the end and wanted to treat Moses, Elijah, and Jesus as equals by making three shelters (one for each). It was actually a way of expressing honor to Jesus, but the next verse makes it clear that it was not enough honor. Daniel Akin - Mountain top experiences are wonderful and we need them from time to time for spiritual nourishment and the recharging of our spiritual batteries. However, God never intended for us to stay there. He wants us “down here” preaching the gospel to and ministering among the hurting and suffering. He wants us living with and serving real people devastated by the ravages of the Fall and sin. And, as His agents of redemptive love, we go in His Name and with the promise of His presence. To forget this is to open ourselves up to all sorts of difficulty, challenges, and even failure, as 9 of His disciples with pain and humiliation discovered. Peter wanted to stay on the mountain top (Mk 9:5), but Jesus was headed to Jerusalem and the cross (Mk 8:32). He leads them down the mountain (Mk 9:9) to rejoin the other disciples and to minister to the hurting on the way to Jerusalem and His passion (Mk 9:30) QUESTION - Was it bad that Peter wanted to make three tabernacles for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah (Matthew 17:4)? ANSWER - Sometimes when God shows us something extraordinary, we miss the point entirely. At His transfiguration, Jesus presented His three closest disciples (Peter, James, and John) with a stunning sneak preview of His resplendent glory: “His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus” (Matthew 17:2–3). Ever the impulsive one, Peter jumped into action, saying, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah” (Matthew 17:4, NKJV). Peter wanted to honor Jesus, Moses, and Elijah by building three tabernacles—sacred shrines—one for each of them. But God interrupted the well-intentioned, albeit misguided, disciple: “While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!’” (Matthew 17:5). Peter had missed the point, and God intended to clear up all confusion. First and foremost, the disciples needed to understand the superiority of Jesus Christ as the Son of God, far above Moses and Elijah. The presence of Moses and Elijah (who respectively represent the Law and the Prophets) was to signal the arrival of their long-awaited Messiah and the ushering in of the last days. Everything in Israel’s history had been pointing to the time when the Messiah would fulfill the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 5:17; Luke 24:27; Hebrews 1:1–2). God’s command, “Listen to him!” exalted the words of Christ above those of Moses and Elijah. Only Jesus was worthy of worship. The focus is not to be Jesus and anyone else; it is to be Jesus alone. When the three disciples heard God’s voice, they fell to the ground in terror. Jesus calmed their fears, and when they opened their eyes again, Moses and Elijah were gone. Only Jesus stood in their midst, and their focus was back on Him alone (Matthew 17:6–8). As they walked down from the mountain, Jesus instructed Peter, James, and John, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead” (Matthew 17:9). The news of the transfiguration was reserved for a later time, after the resurrection. If Peter had constructed three tabernacles at the site, keeping the revelation concealed until after the resurrection would have become impossible. And if Jesus’ closest disciples struggled to comprehend the significance of the transfiguration, how much more would others exploit and misunderstand it? Jesus knew the spectacle would only distract from His mission as He prepared to suffer and die on the cross. Peter, James, and John would later testify boldly about the transfiguration after the resurrection. Peter never forgot seeing the “majestic splendor” of God’s glory with his own eyes, an experience that inspired him to preach confidently (see 2 Peter 1:12–21, NLT). Many years later, John would write, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). Peter wanted to make three tabernacles and stay there for an extended mountaintop experience. He wished to capture God’s presence in an earthly tent. But until the time of the future millennial kingdom, God’s kingdom is a spiritual kingdom, separate from the material things of this world (John 18:36; Romans 14:17). Peter’s desire to build three tabernacles revealed a common misconception among the Jews, who thought their Messiah would come and reign on earth as a triumphant king and not a suffering servant. Jesus knew His mission (and the mission of His followers) was to deny Himself and take up His cross. Peter would later preach that the Christian path to glory traverses trials and suffering (1 Peter 1:6–8, 11; 1 Peter 4:12–19). C. H. Spurgeon expresses it beautifully in his daily devotional Morning and Evening, “The cross must be carried before the crown can be worn. We must follow our Lord in his humiliation, or we shall never rest with him in glory” (Evening, November 14). Indeed, the three men who witnessed Christ’s glory would follow in His footsteps. James would die by the sword as the first of the apostles to be martyred for Jesus (Acts 12:1–2). Peter would suffer greatly and eventually give his life for the Lord (John 21:15–19). John would be the last of the three to die, experiencing a life of extreme persecution and exile (Revelation 1:9). Norman Geisler - When Cultist Ask MATTHEW 17:4—Does the disciples’ encounter with Moses and Elijah on the Mount of Transfiguration indicate that we should pray to the dead? MISINTERPRETATION: Roman Catholic scholars appeal to the fact that Moses and Elijah appeared with Christ on the Mount of Transfiguration to support their belief that we should pray to the dead. CORRECTING THE MISINTERPRETATION: The disciples never even spoke to Moses and Elijah, let alone prayed to them. Moses and Elijah were speaking with Jesus (Matt. 17:3) and with each other, not with the disciples. The text explicitly says, “Peter said to Jesus” (Matt. 17:4), not to Moses or Elijah. This was a miraculous contact, not representing any normal way we can be in contact with the departed. In addition, it does not follow that, simply because we should serve each other, we must do it by praying for the dead. There are other ways to serve fellow believers than talking to them. We can do many things in honor of the dead and their memory without attempting to communicate with them. The dead may be praying for us (cf. Rev. 6:9–10), but there is nothing in Holy Writ that says we should be praying to them. Finally, there are good reasons why we should not pray to the dead. The most basic is that only God is the proper object of prayer. Nowhere in all of Scripture is a prayer actually addressed to anyone but God. Prayer is an act of religious devotion, and only God is the proper object of such devotion (Rev. 4:11). We witness prayers from Genesis (4:26) to Revelation (22:20), but not one of them is ever addressed to a saint, angel, or any other creature. Jesus taught us to pray, “Our Father who art in heaven.” The God of Isaiah the prophet emphatically declared, “Turn to me and be safe, all you ends of the earth, for I am God; there is no other!” Indeed, there is no other person but God to whom anyone anywhere in the Holy Scriptures ever turned in prayer. James Smith - PETER The Biography of Peter is singularly instructive for every follower of Christ. 1 His Call. The first of the Twelve, Matt. 10:2 2 His Courage, Matt. 14:28 3 His Confession, Matt. 16:15-16 4 His Impulsiveness, Matt. 17:4; John 18:10 5 His Self-Confidence, Mark 14:29-31 6 His Indifference, Mark 14:37 7 His Cowardliness, Mark 14:54 8 His Denial, Mark 14:68-71 9 His Repentance, Mark 14:72 10 His Forgiveness, Mark 16:7 11 His Faith, John 20:2-4 12 His Love, John 21:7 13 His Devotion, John 21:15 14 His Boldness, Acts 2:14; 4:19-20 15 His Power, Acts 3:6, 5:3 He was a man of like passions as we are: Be of good cheer. Seeking Jesus- Henry Blackaby - Experiencing God Day by Day - Page 5 Simon and his companions went searching for Him.—Mark 1:36 Simon Peter is well known to us for his foolish, extemporaneous statements throughout the Gospels (Matt. 16:22; 17:4; 26:33). But Peter was always seeking after Jesus. Peter followed Jesus from afar during the night of Jesus' crucifixion (Matt. 26:58). Peter ran to the tomb when he heard Jesus had risen (Luke 24:12). Peter swam in the sea in his haste to get to Jesus (John 21:7) and even walked on water in order to join Jesus (Matt. 14:29). Peter did not always say or do the right things, but he did constantly seek to be with Jesus. Because of this, he was continually encountering his Lord and growing to be a more faithful disciple. Whenever we see Peter coming to Jesus he is always accompanied by others. Because Peter was seeking Jesus, others sought Him too. What are you known for by those who know you best? Do they see you searching for fame, power, success, or happiness? Are you known as a person who seeks after Jesus? God promises: “And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jer. 29:13). Did you begin today intent on encountering Jesus? Is your search for Him halfhearted, or are you seeking Him with all your heart? Have others grown closer to Jesus because they followed your example and sought Jesus? If your heart is set on pursuing Jesus, you will always find Him. “And the Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!' And let him who hears say, 'Come!' And let him who thirsts come” (Rev. 22:17). John Butler - PETER’S COMMENTS Matthew 17:4 (Butler's Sermon Starters) “Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here; if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, one for Moses, and one for Elias [Elijah]” (Matthew 17:4). Our text is a record of the comment that Peter made after he witnessed the transfiguration and Moses and Elijah speaking with Christ. FIRST—THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE COMMENTS “Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here.” The first part of what Peter said is okay. We note three things about this first part that made it a good comment. • Men. “It is good for us [he and the other two disciples] to be here.” The association of the three disciples with Jesus, Moses and Elijah was indeed “good.” Unfortunately few people value such company as “good.” They prefer the bunch at the bar to the godly men on the mount. Who you prefer will predict your eternal fellowship. • Manifestation. “It is good for us to be here.” Peter, James and John were given a very special spiritual privilege in viewing the transfiguration of Jesus Christ. With the crucifixion and Christ’s utter rejection by the people on the horizon, it was a privilege to know Christ in all His glory. It was, therefore, good for them to be at this event. • Message. “It is good for us to be here.” In Luke’s account of the transfiguration, we learn that the conversation of Moses, Elijah and Jesus was about the crucifixion. It is always good to hear such a message. When Christians get together today, they are more likely to speak about carnal matters (sports, business, weather, politics) than spiritual matters. So it was good for Peter and his fellow disciples to be present where the conversation was on spiritual matters. SECOND—THE PROPOSAL IN THE COMMENTS “If thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, one for Moses, and one for Elias [Elijah].” This part of Peter’s comments we could do without. We note some observations of his comments. • Defining. “Tabernacles.” This means booths, tents, houses, for each of the three (Moses, Elijah, and Christ) to dwell in. • Deference. “If thou wilt.” This was the best thing Peter said in the proposal. We should always seek to do God’s will. Oftentimes we become very enthused about some project, but never check with God to see if He was for the project of not. • Dishonor. “One for thee, one for Moses, and one for Elias [Elijah].” Peter’s proposal put Christ on the same level as Moses and Elijah. It is true that Moses and Elijah were great giants spiritually, but at their best they were not equal to Christ. Christ is far superior. • Dumbness. “If thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, one for Moses, and one for Elias [Elijah].” This proposal would keep Moses and Elijah from a better abode and would end the ministry of Christ. It was a totally worthless proposal, like some of the impractical proposals made in church business meetings. Patrick Morley - IMPULSIVENESS: GOOD IDEAS VERSUS GOD IDEAS - Borrow Devotions for the man in the mirror : 75 readings to cultivate a deeper walk with Christ - page 116 Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” Matthew 17:4 The natural inclination in Christian living is to act on the impulse of a good idea. Not every good idea is from God. Sometimes good ideas get in the way of God ideas. Where does your inspiration come from? The vision of the transfigured Christ inspired Peter: “‘Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah’” (Matthew 17:4). Our natural impulse is to do something good for Him. We make a plan to do something good for God and suggest it to Him. The tendency of the well-meaning person is to prepare a plan to do some good idea, and then pray, “Jesus, this is my plan. It is a good plan. It hurts no one, and I want it to please You. Lord, please bless my plan.” It is plan, then pray. So many of our ideas are impetuous. They are not what the Lord wants to do. They do not resemble in any way the things which concern Him. We have good ideas, but they are not God ideas. His agenda and our agenda conflict. We want to build Him a shelter, but that is not what He wants. “While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them” (Matthew 17:5, emphasis added), and God spoke, ignoring Peter as though he were not even there. Peter’s idea was so impetuous that God interrupted Peter—didn’t even let him finish. When Peter, James, and John heard the voice of the Lord, “they fell facedown to the ground, terrified” (Matthew 17:6). They abandoned their inventive-but-self-made idea. The presence of the Lord magnified, and His holiness brought them to their senses. Jesus gained their attention, not by subduing them with a stern scolding, but by magnifying His presence until all the genius of their human ideas was bleached out by His refulgent face. When they abandoned their good idea and fell facedown before the Lord, He could work with them again. “But Jesus came and touched them. ‘Get up,’ he said. ‘Don’t be afraid’” (Matthew 17:7). When you and I abandon our good idea and fall to our face before the Lord, then He will come and touch us, too. When we pursue our own plan, He cannot use us. We must abandon our good idea and fall face down before Him. Then He will be able to use us again. Then He will reveal what He is doing—a God idea. “As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them” (Matthew 17:9). It is pray, then plan. Through prayer, Jesus instructs of His plan, a God idea. Prayer removes the impulse of the good idea, the good idea born of human ingenuity but not of God. Pray, then plan. It is the habit of the surrendered saint. I SURRENDER Lord, I must confess that my way has been “plan, then pray.” I have wanted to do good things for You; my motives have been to please You. But I realize that I have built shelters You didn’t need and never used. I have wasted so much valuable time on matters that don’t matter. I surrender all my plans to You, Lord. I will forget them. I will pray, then plan. I will pray and wait for You to come and touch me and say, “Get up. Don’t be afraid.” I am listening now, Lord. Instruct me with Your plan. Amen. David Rudolph - The Voice of the Lord: Messianic Jewish Daily Devotional Kefa (ED: PETER) said to Yeshua, “It’s good that we’re here, Lord. I’ll put up three shelters if you want—one for you, one for Moshe and one for Eliyahu” (Matt. 17:4). It’s encouraging to see that even Kefa (Peter) could come up with a bad idea. After all, who could blame him for wanting to help? There he was, standing before Moshe (Moses), Eliyahu (Elijah) and the glorified Messiah. I certainly would have been at a loss for something interesting to say, wouldn’t you? What could any earthly person say in conversation with these three men? Perhaps I would have asked Moshe where his body was secretly buried. Or Eliyahu, “Why did you panic after the Mount Carmel victory?” I would have sounded more foolish than Kefa. Kefa’s suggestion was a terrible idea because these men were in the heavenly realm; they needed shelters about as much as a fish needs a raincoat. God’s advice to Kefa, after the dust of his mistake cleared, coincides with advice he gave earlier to mankind in general, “Even a fool, if he stays silent, is thought wise” (Prov. 17:28). To Kefa, he said, “This is my Son, whom I love.… Listen to him!” (Matt. 17:4) Sometimes, the last thing needed is for us to say something. Thank God for Kefa. He walked on water; yes, but he also had moments of glorious fallibility. There is hope for us all! Today I Will … let go of perfectionism and allow the human errors of the godly ones in Scripture encourage me. L B E Cowman - Matt. 17:1-2, 4 Springs in the Valley: 365 Daily Devotional Readings - Page 68 The mariner does not expect to see the sun and stars every day, but when he does, he takes his observations and sails by their light for many days to come. It is good to be the possessor of some mountaintop experience. Not to know life on the heights is to suffer an impoverishing incompleteness. Those times when the Lord’s presence is marvelously manifest to you—the moments of self-revelation—do not despise them. But beware of not acting upon what you see in your moments on the mount with God! Horizons broaden when we stand on the heights. There is always, we find, the danger that we will make of life too much of a dead-level existence; a monotonous tread of beaten paths; a matter of absorbing, spiritless, deadening routine. Do not drop your life into the passing current, to be steadily going you scarcely know where, or why. Christian life, writes one, is not all a valley of humiliation. It has its heights of vision. Abraham saw in the glorious depths of the starry firmament visions that no telescope could ever have revealed! Jacob’s stony pillow led up to the ladder of vision! Joseph’s early dreams kept him in the hours of discouragement and despair that followed! Moses, who spent one-third of his life in the desert, we find crying out: “I beseech thee, show me thy glory!” Job’s vision showed him God and lifted him out of himself! The mariner does not expect to see the sun and stars every day, but when he does, he takes his observations and sails by their light for many days to come. God gives days of special illumination that we may be able to call to memory in the days of shadow, and say: “Therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar.” In the life of Paul, we find a few of these blessed interludes—when the Lord gave to him words of promise to remember in his days of trial that followed. If these special experiences came too often they would lose their flavor! On the back of the pulpit in the church I used to attend were printed these words: "Sir, we would see Jesus!" They were a reminder to the minister that he must never allow anything--no matter how good or interesting--to distract him from focusing on the Savior. Peter, James, and John needed this reminder too when they witnessed Jesus' transfiguration and the appearance of Moses and Elijah. Commenting on this account, J.B. Nicholson suggests that when Peter said, "Lord, it is good for us," he was focusing on the wonderful experience. Nicholson then says, "Peter was sidetracked, and the Father had to open heaven and speak to him. He said, 'This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear Him.'" God put the focus where it belonged, on Christ. Sin diverts some believers from focusing on Jesus. Too much study and feverish activity distracts others. Such things as doctrines and church attendance, good as they are, must not become our main concerns. We are to keep Jesus at the center of our spiritual attention. Is the Lord Jesus Christ the primary object of your love and devotion? UNLESS CHRIST IS THE CENTER OF INTEREST,YOUR LIFE WILL BE OUT OF FOCUS. WITHOUT A HEART FOR GOD, WE CANNOT HEAR HIS WORD. Matthew 17:5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice out of the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!” behold: Ex 40:34,35 1Ki 8:10-12 Ps 18:10,11 Lu 9:34 Ac 1:9 Rev 1:7 a voice: Ex 19:19 De 4:11,12 5:22 Job 38:1 Ps 81:7 Jn 5:37 12:28-30 Ac 9:3-6 This: Mt 3:17 Mk 1:11 9:7 Lu 3:22 9:35 Jn 3:16,35 5:20-23 Eph 1:6 Col 1:13 *marg: 2Pe 1:16,17 in whom: Mt 12:18 Isa 42:1,21 Jn 15:9,10 hear: Dt 18:15,19 Ac 3:22,23 7:37 Heb 1:1,2 Heb 2:1-3 Heb 5:9 Heb 12:25,26 The Transfiguration - James Hastings (The Setting, The Significance, The Suggestions) The Transfiguration - Alfred Edersheim Matthew 17 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Mark 9:6-7+ For he did not know what to answer; for they became terrified. 7 Then a cloud formed, overshadowing them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is My beloved Son, listen (akouo - present imperative) to Him!” Luke 9:34-35+ And while he was saying this, a cloud formed and began to overshadow them; and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My Son, My Chosen One; listen (akouo - present imperative) to Him!” Matthew 3:17+ and behold, a voice out of the heavens, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.” Deuteronomy 18:15+ “The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your countrymen, you shall listen to him. Acts 3:22-23+ “Moses said, ‘THE LORD GOD SHALL RAISE UP FOR YOU A PROPHET LIKE ME FROM YOUR BRETHREN; TO HIM YOU SHALL GIVE HEED in everything He says to you. 23‘And it shall be that every soul that does not heed that prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.’ Acts 7:37+ “This is the Moses who said to the sons of Israel, ‘GOD SHALL RAISE UP FOR YOU A PROPHET LIKE ME FROM YOUR BRETHREN.’ PETER'S SPEECH CUT SHORT BY THE FATHER'S PROCLAMATION While he was still speaking, a bright (shining, full of light) cloud (nephele) overshadowed (episkiazo) them, and behold (idou), a voice out of the cloud (nephele) said, “This is My beloved (agapetos) Son, with whom I am well-pleased (eudokeo) listen (akouo -present imperative - keep listening) to Him - Peter's speech is interrupted by God the Father! Only Matthew describes the cloud as bright which reminds one of the Shekinah glory cloud, which always symbolized the very presence of God (cf Ex 13:21–22; Ex 34:5–7; 1Ki 8:10–13). God the Father directly affirms Jesus' identity as His beloved Son, reiterating His declaration at Jesus’ baptism (Mt 3:17+), and in essence placing Him above Moses and Elijah, both revered by the Jews. The Father does not say "listen to Me," but "listen to Him!" The command to listen (akouo - present imperative) to Him recalls the Messianic prophecy in Dt 18:15+ which said "you shall listen to him." The disciples would likely have recognized that Jesus was indeed the OT Prophet foretold by Moses. When bright cloud overshadowed them only the transfigured Lord remained standing, emphasizing the perception that Jesus was superior to Moses and Elijah. We cannot be certain if the cloud was simply over them all or whether Jesus, Moses and Elijah were enveloped by the cloud. The fact that the voice came out of the cloud a voice out of the cloud suggests that the disciples were not within the cloud. As an aside there will be three more cloud appearances - At the ascension of Jesus into Heaven (Acts 1:9+), at the rapture of the saints (1Th 4:17+), and at the Second Coming (Mt 24:30+, Rev 1:7+, Mk 13:26+, Lk 21:27+) Da 7:13 also describes Son of Man with the clouds of heaven. Ligon Duncan calls this "the first step forward in the Christian life," listening to Christ. In his sermon Duncan says "Now when the Father says to Peter, ‘Listen to what the Son is saying,’ He is saying, ‘Peter, the first act of a disciple of My Son, in view of His glory, is to listen to what He says, to trust what He says, to believe what He says, and to obey what He says.’ Now Peter, you rebuked My Son for telling you that He was going to die. You listen to My Son. You stop talking, you be quiet for a moment, and you listen to My Son. The Father Himself reinforces the importance of the disciples listening to the truth which Christ was teaching, however uncomfortable it was, about His mission, because it was at the very center of His work on their behalf. God says in effect, this is who My Son really is, this is what He looks like, and so you listen to His teaching about the cross, and about His suffering, about the exodus He is going to accomplish, about the resurrection from the dead. And of course, these words are a striking lesson to the whole church. We all have a tendency to want to speak ourselves, or to listen to what men have to say. Here is God the Father saying, ‘No, you listen to what the Son has to say.’ That is the first step forward in the Christian life." (The Transfiguration) Spurgeon on the cloud - “When God draws near to man it is absolutely necessary that his glory should be veiled. No man can see his face and live. Hence the cloud, in this instance, and in other cases.” D A Carson - The Transfiguration was largely for the disciples (Jesus brought the inner three to it; he was transfigured before “them”; the Voice spoke to “them”. (The Expositor's Bible Commentary) Spurgeon's Commentary - “While he yet spake.” Such wild talk might well be interrupted. What a blessed interruption! We may often thank the Lord for stopping our babbling. “A bright cloud overshadowed them.” It was bright, and cast a shadow. They felt that they were entering it, and feared as they did so. It was a singular experience; yet we have had it repeated in our own cases. Do we not know what it is to get shadow out of brightness, and “a voice out of the cloud”? This is after the frequent manner of the Lord in dealing with his favoured ones. The voice was clear and distinct. First came the divine attestation of the Sonship of our Lord, “This is my beloved Son,” and the Father’s declaration of delight in him,—“in whom I am well pleased.” What happiness for us that Jehovah is well pleased in Christ, and with all who are in him! Then followed the consequent divine requirement, “Hear ye him.” It is better to hear the Son of God than to see saints, or to build tabernacles. This will please the Father more than all else that love can suggest. The good pleasure of the Father in the Lord Jesus is a conspicuous part of his glory. The voice conveyed to the ear a greater glory than the lustre of light could communicate through the eye. The audible part of the transfiguration was as wonderful as the visible; in fact, it would seem, from the next verse, to have been more so. NET NOTES - This cloud is the cloud of God’s presence and the voice is his as well. Grk “my beloved Son,” or “my Son, the beloved [one].” The force of ἀγαπητός (agapētos) is often “pertaining to one who is the only one of his or her class, but at the same time is particularly loved and cherished” (L&N 58.53; cf. also BDAG 7 s.v. 1). The expression listen to him comes from Deut 18:15 and makes two points: 1) Jesus is a prophet like Moses, a leader-prophet, and 2) they have much yet to learn from him. Spurgeon - “If the Father says, ‘This is my Son,’ observe the graciousness of our adoption! With such a Son the Lord had no need of children. He did not make us his children because he needed sons, but because we needed a father.” (cf 1Jn 3:1+) Adrian Rogers - three disciples, two participants, but only one Jesus. Don’t forget that: only one Jesus. And if you miss that, you’re going to miss the impact of everything that He’s saying: “This is my beloved Son … hear ye him.” Peter must have been a Baptist: he wanted to start a building program up there on the mountaintop. But the Lord was not interested in that right then. There’s nothing wrong with a building program. But that wasn’t the time. God’s plan for this world can be put into two words; God’s plan for your life can be put into two words: Jesus only—verse 8—“Jesus only.” If you miss that, you miss the whole thing. You see, Jesus only is the clue to everything. You want to understand the meaning of things? It’s in these words: Jesus only. It’s true in creation. All creation was made by Him, all creation was made for Him, and all creation returns back to Him. And the tiniest electrons or the mightiest planet that has ever been swung into space has just one reason for existence. Do you want me to tell you what it is? Jesus only—Jesus only. It’s true, dear friend, in redemption and in salvation. The gospel is simply good news about Jesus: that’s all it is. You see, the gospel is not a program; the gospel is not a plan; and it is not a philosophy that saves. It is Jesus—one person—Jesus only. It’s true in the Bible. Do you want to understand the Bible? Do you want me to give you the key to the Bible? The key to the Bible is Jesus only. You have to understand the Bible in the light of Christ, and understand Christ in the light of the Bible. Jesus only is the clue to the Bible. It’s true in prophecy. You want me to tell you the meaning of prophecy? Why, we’re not looking for something to happen; we’re waiting for Someone to come. Jesus only is true in the Church. The Bible says, “Unto him be glory in the church” (Ephesians 3:21). What does the Church exist for? Jesus only, and that’s it. “This is my beloved Son, hear ye him” (Matthew 17:8).(See page 1312) Overshadowed (1982) episkiazo from epi = upon + skia = shadow) "literally, as darkening by partially blocking out a source of light" (Friberg) and so to throw a shadow upon as in Acts 5:15. To cover as with a cloud as in the cloud of Shekinah glory (Exodus 40:34). Even as the Shekinah glory cloud was a visible manifestation of the glory and holy, powerful presence of God, this same divine power which was with Moses and others in the Old Testament was now going to do a unique work in the life of Mary! The more common literal use of episkiazo is used in all three accounts of the transfiguration where a cloud formed (probably the Shekinah glory cloud from Hebrew = shakan) and overshadowed Jesus and the 3 disciples Peter and John and James (Matt. 17:5; Mark 9:7; Luke 9:34). Then the voice came out of heaven identifying God’s Son, but here an angel identified Him. John
Mateus 17
Spurgeon - Voices from the excellent glory (Full sermon Voices from the Excellent Glory) ‘And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’ Matthew 3:17 ‘and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.’ Matthew 17:5 ‘Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.’ John 12:28 God has three times with audible voice spoken out of heaven to bear witness to Jesus. These are historical facts. Then receive with assured conviction the truth to which God bears witness. The Man of Nazareth is the Son of the Highest; the Son of Mary is the Saviour appointed to bear human sin; he is the way of salvation, the only way. Doubt not this truth; accept the Saviour, for God declares that he is well pleased in him. Hear him then with profound reverence, accept the teaching and invitations of Jesus not as the mere utterances of fallible men, but as the instructions and the loving expostulations of God. Respect every word and command of Christ. Listen to him as spirits listen to the voice of the Most High when they bow before the throne; he says, ‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest’, hear him and lovingly obey the command. Hear him with unconditional obedience. God attests him as being sent from heaven. ‘Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.’ Since he bids you believe him, be not unbelieving. He has told us to say in his name, ‘He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.’ Despise not that double command. Attend, sinner, for the Son of God speaks to you. Trust and be baptized, and you will be saved. There stands the gospel stamped with the authority of deity; obey it now. May the Holy Spirit lead you to do so. Hear him, lastly, with joyful confidence. If God has sent Jesus, trust him; if he bears the glory of God’s seal upon him, joyfully receive him. You who have trusted him, trust him better from this day forth. Leave your souls confidently in the hand of him of whom Jehovah, thrice speaking out of heaven, declares that he is the only Saviour. Spurgeon Study Bible - Mt 17:5 “Suddenly a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said: ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased. Listen to him!’ ” There was a question among the Jews about who the Messiah would be. They believed in the Messiah, but they did not know when he would come, or where, or how. Therefore, when he did come, they made a mistake and missed him. The Father pointed to Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Mary as to his flesh, and said that this one is his Son. It was a statement of demonstration and distinction, by which the Father marked Jesus out from all others as his own nearest and dearest one. By this he also identified him as being present then and there, not as yet to come but as actually with them, their Master and friend. The Father did not look back into history but laid a hand on the true Messiah, who in flesh and blood stood before them, and three of them witnessed this (see v. 1; 2Pt 1:17–18). They could have made no mistake whatever about whom the Father meant since the word of the Lord so distinctly pointed to him. While it thus pointed to him personally as being present, it also separated him from all others and set him apart as the one and only Son. Moses and Elijah were his servants; only Jesus was his Son. By his being called Son, we are taught that Jesus is of the same nature as God and is indeed God. A man is the father of a man; a man is not the father of that which he makes with his own hands, such as a statue or a painting. But a man is the father of another who is of the same nature as himself, and the Lord Jesus Christ is of the same nature as God in all respects—a true Son. The Lord Jesus Christ is equal in nature to the Father and receives the same honor and worship as the Father. TODAY IN THE WORD This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. - Matthew 17:5 An Awesome Sight - The legendary missionary-explorer David Livingstone was the first European to see Africa's great Victoria Falls, the world's largest waterfalls. Christian History magazine quoted from Livingstone's description of the awesome sight: ""Five columns of smoke [i.e., mist] arose....The whole scene was extremely beautiful...scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight."" It's hard for us to imagine the scene Livingstone witnessed when he first came upon the mighty waterfalls. He had to borrow heavenly imagery in his attempt to convey the effect the experience had made on him. In much the same way, the Gospel writers drew on the loftiest language they could think of to describe a scene so dazzling that no earthly experience can compare. Jesus was transfigured in the presence of Peter, James, and John. Something of His eternal nature was revealed as these three disciples saw a preview of Jesus' future glory. Mark said that Jesus' clothes became dazzling, ""whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them"" (Mark 9:3). Add to this the appearance of Moses and Elijah and the voice of God speaking from heaven, and the disciples were so overwhelmed they fell on their faces. For the disciples, the Transfiguration was an unforgettable testimony to the deity of Jesus Christ and the truth of His claims. God knew these men would need this heavenly witness in future days. When Jesus was gone, they would be called to bear witness for Him in the face of suffering and persecution. It's hard to blame Peter for wanting to stay on this mountain of glory--especially when, as we will see tomorrow, the real world with all its problems waited below. Years later, Peter drew on the Transfiguration to verify the truth of the message the apostles preached (2 Pet. 1:16-18). This event had to be especially reassuring for him, coming just a few days after Jesus' stinging rebuke (Matt. 16:23, 17:1). As Jesus' disciples, if we learn and grow from His rebukes, we too will be all the more ready to share in His glory. TODAY ALONG THE WAY Every parent knows that rebuke is a painful but necessary part of discipline. The joy comes in the reassurance of love that needs to follow. If you are a parent, does your discipline reflect this balance of correction and affirmation? Too much of either one without the other can leave children either frustrated and uptight or lacking in proper boundaries. Let's pray today for God's help in dealing with children the way He deals with us, balancing firm correction with reassuring love. And if you're not a parent, is there someone in your life who needs a word either of correction or affirmation right now? Ask God to help you meet that need in a way pleasing to Him. P G Matthew - This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!—Matthew 17:5 Just before Jesus’ transfiguration, Peter had told Jesus, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matt. 16:16). This revelation was given to Peter by God the Father. In response to Peter’s confession, Jesus taught his disciples that he was soon going to Jerusalem to suffer many things, be killed, and on the third day be raised to life again. All of this had been eternally ordained by God, and Jesus knew it was God’s will for him. Peter, however, could not bear the thought of a suffering Messiah. In rebellion against God’s plan, he rebuked Jesus for speaking about his death. Jesus, in turn, reproved Peter severely and said his disciples must deny themselves, take up the cross daily, and follow him to death, losing their lives in order to gain them when he returns in power and great glory. So in Matthew 17, Jesus did something to encourage his disciples. He took Peter, James, and John to a high mountain and gave them a preview of the glory that was to follow his suffering on the cross. There, for a brief time, Jesus’ body shone with the light and resplendence of his heavenly divinity. Once again, Peter spoke without thought: “Lord, it is good for us to be here” (v. 4). He preferred basking in the glory of God on the mountaintop to going down to Jerusalem with Jesus and resuming a life which, in time, would lead also to his own death. So God commanded him, “Listen to my Son!” The disciples had to learn that glory comes after death, not before. Hebrews 12:2 says, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” The transfiguration gave to Jesus and to the disciples, and also to us now, a foretaste of the joy and glory that awaits those who obey God. This understanding of the transfiguration helped the disciples face the hardships of the days ahead. And it is this understanding of the glory that is to come which ought to motivate us also to persevere as we take up our cross and follow Christ. Charles Stanley - On the Mountain with Jesus Into His Presence: An In Touch Devotional - Page 288 SCRIPTURE READING: Mark 9:1–9 KEY VERSE: Matthew 17:5 While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” Peter, James, and John followed Jesus up the high mountain. They must have been mystified, knowing somehow it was a journey during which something important would happen. Suddenly, Jesus was transformed before their eyes into a dazzling figure, “Shining, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them” (Mark 9:3). And to add to their astonishment, Elijah and Moses appeared beside Jesus, talking with Him. Peter’s reaction was much as ours would probably be: “He did not know what to say, for they were greatly afraid” (Mark 9:6). He wanted to build the radiant figures tabernacles right there on the mountain, to preserve the beautiful moment and keep the vision before their eyes. But Jesus did not answer the request, and the heavenly spectacle was over almost as soon is it had begun. In fact, Jesus even told them not to speak about it until after He had risen from the dead. When God gives you a special glimpse of His holiness—an intimate view of Himself—He doesn’t let you remain in that place indefinitely. He wants you to come back down from the mountain and let His glory fill your heart as you go about the business of daily living. A deeper understanding of His greatness will give you encouragement and energy, and He wants His glory to shine forth from your life as you draw closer to Him. Father, help me reflect in the valleys of everyday life what I receive in the mountaintop experiences with You. Halley's Bible Handbook (page 1316) - What Others Said About Jesus - • Mark called Jesus “the Son of God” (Mark 1:1). • John called Jesus “the Son of God” (John 3:16, 18; 20:31). • John the Baptist called Jesus “the Son of God” (John 1:34). • Nathanael called Jesus “the Son of God” (John 1:49). • Peter called Jesus “the Son of God” (Matthew 16:16). • Martha called Jesus “the Son of God” (John 11:27). • The disciples called Jesus “the Son of God” (Matthew 14:33). • The angel Gabriel called Jesus “the Son of God” (Luke 1:32, 35). • God Himself called Jesus His own “beloved Son” (Matthew 3:17 KJV; 17:5; Mark 1:11; 9:7; Luke 3:22; 9:35). • Evil spirits called Jesus “the Son of God” (Matthew 8:29; Mark 3:11; 5:7; Luke 4:41). • It was commonly recognized that Jesus claimed to be the Son of God: • “If you are the Son of God …” (Matthew 4:3, 6). • “Truly you are the Son of God” (Matthew 14:33). • “If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross” (Matthew 27:40 KJV). • “He said, ‘I am the Son of God’ ” (Matthew 27:43). • “Surely he was the Son of God!” (Matthew 27:54). • “He claimed to be the Son of God” (John 19:7). • The Rock on which Jesus said He would build His church (Matthew 16:18) was the truth that He is the Son of God. • Jesus Himself called God (John 1:1; 10:33; 20:28; Romans 9:5; Colossians 1:16; 2:9; 1 Timothy 1:17; Hebrews 1:8; 1 John 5:20; Jude 25). J C
Mateus 17
Spurgeon - Jesus only (See full sermon Jesus Only) ‘And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only.’ Matthew 17:8 I do desire for my fellow Christians and for myself, that more and more the great object of our thoughts, motives and acts may be ‘Jesus only.’ I believe that whenever our religion is most vital, it is most full of Christ. Moreover, when it is most practical, downright and common sense, it always gets nearest to Jesus. I can bear witness that whenever I am in deeps of sorrow, nothing will do for me but ‘Jesus only.’ I can rest in some degree in the externals of religion, its outward escarpments and bulwarks, when I am in health; but I retreat to the innermost citadel of our holy faith, namely, to the very heart of Christ, when my spirit is assailed by temptation, or besieged with sorrow and anguish. What is more, my witness is that whenever I have high spiritual enjoyments, rich, rare and celestial, they are always connected with ‘Jesus only’; other religious things may give some kind of joy, and joy that is healthy too, but the most sublime and divine of all joys must be found in ‘Jesus only.’ In short, I find if I want to labour much, I must live on ‘Jesus only’; if I desire to suffer patiently, I must feed on ‘Jesus only’; if I wish to wrestle with God successfully, I must plead ‘Jesus only’; if I aspire to conquer sin, I must use the blood of ‘Jesus only’; if I pant to learn the mysteries of heaven, I must seek the teachings of ‘Jesus only.’ I believe that anything which we add to Christ lowers our position, and that the more elevated our souls become, the more nearly like what they are to be when they shall enter into the region of the perfect, the more completely everything else will sink and die out; and Jesus, ‘Jesus only’, will be first and last, the Alpha and Omega of every thought of head and pulse of heart. May it be so with every Christian! Matthew 17:9 As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, “Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man has risen from the dead.” ESV Matthew 17:9 And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, "Tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead." NIV Matthew 17:9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, "Don't tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead." NLT Matthew 17:9 As they went back down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, "Don't tell anyone what you have seen until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead." MIT Matthew 17:9 While they were descending the mountain, Jesus issued orders to them, "Make no reference to this phenomenon until the human one has been raised from the dead." GWN Matthew 17:9 On their way down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, "Don't tell anyone what you have seen. Wait until the Son of Man has been brought back to life." BBE Matthew 17:9 And when they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus gave them orders, saying, Let no man have word of what you have seen, till the Son of man has come again from the dead. RSV Matthew 17:9 And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, "Tell no one the vision, until the Son of man is raised from the dead." Jesus: Mt 16:20 Mk 8:30 9:9,10 Lu 8:56 9:21,22 until: Mt 17:23 16:21 Lu 18:33,34 24:46,47 The Transfiguration - James Hastings (The Setting, The Significance, The Suggestions) The Transfiguration - Alfred Edersheim Matthew 17 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Mark 9:9+ And as they were coming down from the mountain, He gave them orders not to relate to anyone what they had seen, until the Son of Man should rise from the dead. Luke 9:36+ And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent, and reported to no one in those days any of the things which they had seen. KEEP SILENT REGARDING THE MOUNTAIN TOP EXPERIENCE As they were coming down (katabaino) from the mountain (oros), Jesus commanded (entellomai) them, saying, “Tell the vision (horama) to no one until (marks end of something and beginning of something else, in this case testifying to the transfiguration after) the Son of Man has risen (egeiro) from the dead (nekros) - They had just witnessed the Son of God in His glory. Luke records their obedience to Jesus' command for they "they kept silent, and reported to no one in those days any of the things which they had seen." (Lk 9:36+) Jesus' is pointing out that the resurrection is central to understanding His life and mission and not until the resurrection would the three disciples understand the vision well enough to speak about it intelligently. While we cannot be absolutely certain why Jesus commanded silence, it is very possible that if the three disciples had described the transfiguration, there would have been attempt to crown Jesus King THOUGHT- Jesus calls for the disciples to obey despite not having full understanding. We too must obey God's commands even when His plan is not obvious in our present circumstances and we do not understand what He is doing in our life. And this means that often, like the disciples, we too will have to wait on God, relying on His perfect wisdom and timing, to reveal His full purpose for our current circumstances. We need a Pr 3:5-6 mindset "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight." Psalm 46:10 adds "Be still and know that I am God," which calls for us to rest in the assurance that He is in full control and will be faithful to fulfill all of His promises to us (including Ro 8:28). The idea of God coming down (the God-Man Jesus) reminds us of Moses' in Exodus... Exodus 3:8+ “So I have come down to deliver them from the power of the Egyptians, and to bring them up from that land to a good and spacious land, to a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanite and the Hittite and the Amorite and the Perizzite and the Hivite and the Jebusite. Comment: Little did the crowd or the disciples for that matter comprehend that this is indeed what Jesus had come down to do, to deliver sinners from the power of sin, Satan and self! Thank You Lord! David
Mateus 17
Spurgeon - Little faith can accomplish great things; but great faith can accomplish even greater things. What matters most is what our faith is in, the object of our faith. “The eye cannot see itself. Did you ever see your own eye? In a mirror you may have done so, but that was only a reflection of it. And you may, in like manner, see the evidence of your faith, but you cannot look at the faith itself. Faith looks away to itself to the object of faith, even to Christ.” Could (1410)(dunamai) conveys the basic meaning of that which has the inherent ability to do something or accomplish some end. Thus dunamai means to be able to, to be capable of, to be strong enough to do or to have power to do something. It is usually translated able (50x), can (61x and cannot 58x) or could. Matthew 17:17 And Jesus answered and said, “You unbelieving and perverted generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring him here to Me.” You unbelieving and perverted generation: Mt 6:30 8:26 13:58 16:8 Mk 9:19 16:14 Lu 9:41 24:25 Jn 20:27 Heb 3:16-19 how long shall I be with you: Ex 10:3 16:28 Nu 14:11,27 Ps 95:10 Pr 1:22 6:9 Jer 4:14 Ac 13:18 Related Passages: Mark 9:19, 23-24+ And He *answered them and *said, “O unbelieving generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring him to Me!”.....23 And Jesus said to him, “‘If You can!’ All things are possible to him who believes.” 24 Immediately the boy’s father cried out and began saying, “I do believe; help my unbelief.” Luke 9:41+ And Jesus answered and said, “O unbelieving and perverted generation, how long shall I be with you, and put up with you? Bring your son here.” 42 And while he was still approaching, the demon dashed him to the ground, and threw him into a convulsion. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. 43 And they were all amazed at the greatness of God. But while everyone was marveling at all that He was doing, He said to His disciples Acts 2:40+ And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation!” Acts 13:18+ “For a period of about forty years He put up with them in the wilderness. Mark 6:6+ And He wondered at their unbelief. And He was going around the villages teaching. Numbers 14:27+ “How long shall I bear with this evil congregation who are grumbling against Me? I have heard the complaints of the sons of Israel, which they are making against Me. JESUS CASTIGATES THE GENERATION And Jesus (Iesous) answered and said, “You unbelieving (apistos) and perverted (diastrepho - twisted, crooked) generation (genea), how long shall I be with you? How long shall I put up (anechomai) with you? - Note the order - first unbelieving and then the fruit of unbelieving which is perversion. Luke 9:41 adds how long shall I be with you and put up with (anechomai) you? Since Jesus used the designation generation (genea), He is addressing the entire nation, but in the present context He is also clearly alluding to the "littleness" of the faith of His 9 disciples. Why was their faith so little? First, they had been clearly told they had power to cast out ALL demons (Lk 9:1+), with no qualifications about whether it was a stronger (like the present case) or weaker demon. Second, they themselves had experienced the power. They had believed Jesus' bestowal of power and authority (Lk 9:1) and they had acted with faith on that word as described in Mt 10:8+. Perverted is in the perfect tense which describes their state or abiding condition of unbelief, in this case, most in total unbelief but others like the father and the 9 disciples (Peter, James and John get a pass on this one since they were on the mount of transfiguration!) with some degree of unbelief. How long...how long? Not long at all! These two questions are an allusion to the Cross which is soon to become His reality. Jesus expresses His exasperation. Other places He says “You of little faith!” (Mt. 6:30; Mt 14:31) and, “You men of little faith! (Mt. 8:26; Mt 16:8). Hiebert - the repeated how long, “until when,” indicates His disappointment and weariness. He questions until what time it will be necessary for Him to remain “with you” in a relationship of intimacy and fellowship before His mission is realized. Put up with gives the picture of holding one’s self up under a load to support another; it indicates that their spiritual dullness was a heavy load to the Lord. (Gospel of Mark - An Expositional Commentary) Leon Morris on how long - "The question, how long? (cf. Nu. 14:27), shows that Jesus was concerned at the lack of faith and purpose of which He speaks. People were seeing the miracles as wonders, but not as signs of God’s presence and of His demand for repentance." (Borrow The Gospel According to St. Luke: An Introduction and Commentary) D A Carson - "The contrast between the glory of the Transfiguration and Jesus' disciples' tawdry unbelief (see v. 17) is part of the mounting tension that magnifies Jesus' uniqueness as he moves closer to his passion and resurrection." (See Matthew) Osborne on to whom unbelieving refers - The antecedent of the “faithless” (apistos [NIV: “unbelieving”]) is quite difficult to determine. It could be the crowd and the scribes who were debating with the disciples, or the disciples who were unable to cast out the demon, or everyone present then as emblematic of the unbelief of the nation. I believe that it is both the disciples and the people as a whole, but the nearest context describes the failure of the disciples (“I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not” [v. 18]), so Jesus is especially exasperated with the “unbelief” (= “hardness of heart” in Mk 6:52; 8:17) of his own followers. (Teach the Text - Mark)
Mateus 17
Spurgeon - Morning and Evening - “Bring him unto me.” Despairingly the poor disappointed father turned away from the disciples to their Master. His son was in the worst possible condition, and all means had failed, but the miserable child was soon delivered from the evil one when the parent in faith obeyed the Lord Jesus’ word, “Bring him unto me.” Children are a precious gift from God, but much anxiety comes with them. They may be a great joy or a great bitterness to their parents; they may be filled with the Spirit of God, or possessed with the spirit of evil. In all cases, the Word of God gives us one receipt for the curing of all their ills, “Bring him unto me.” O for more agonizing prayer on their behalf while they are yet babes! Sin is there, let our prayers begin to attack it. Our cries for our offspring should precede those cries which betoken their actual advent into a world of sin. In the days of their youth we shall see sad tokens of that dumb and deaf spirit which will neither pray aright, nor hear the voice of God in the soul, but Jesus still commands, “Bring them unto me.” When they are grown up they may wallow in sin and foam with enmity against God; then when our hearts are breaking we should remember the great Physician’s words, “Bring them unto me.” Never must we cease to pray until they cease to breathe. No case is hopeless while Jesus lives. The Lord sometimes suffers his people to be driven into a corner that they may experimentally know how necessary he is to them. Ungodly children, when they show us our own powerlessness against the depravity of their hearts, drive us to flee to the strong for strength, and this is a great blessing to us. Whatever our morning’s need may be, let it like a strong current bear us to the ocean of divine love. Jesus can soon remove our sorrow, he delights to comfort us. Let us hasten to him while he waits to meet us Spurgeon excerpt from his sermon A Desperate Case – How to Meet it How different the spirit of Moses and Jesus! When Moses comes down from the mountain, it is to purge the camp. He seems to grasp the fiery sword; he breaks the golden calf; he smites the idolaters; but when Jesus comes down from the mountain, he finds a strife in the camp, as Moses did; he finds his own apostles worsted and beaten, just as Aaron had been defeated by the clamours of the people; but he has not a word of cursing; there is a gentle rebuke—“O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you?” His actions are actions of mercy—no breaking in pieces, but healing; no cursing, but blessing: love sits smiling on his brow, as he touches the poor wretch who is almost dead with diabolical possession, and restores him to life and health. Go you then, to Jesus; leave the law and your own self-righteousness, for these can do nothing but curse you. Fly to Jesus, for be you whomsoever you may, there are pardons on his lips; there are blessings in his hands; there is love in his heart; and he will not disdain to receive even you. Spurgeon - Hope in hopeless cases (Full sermon Hope in Hopeless Cases) ‘Bring him hither to me.’ Matthew 17:17 How is it that Satan has the impudence to make men despair? Surely it is a piece of his infernal impertinence that he dares to do it. Despair, when you have an omnipotent God to deal with you? Despair, when the precious blood of the Son of God is given for sinners? Despair, when God delights in mercy? Despair, when the silver bell rings, ‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest’? Despair, while life lasts, while mercy’s gate stands wide open, while the heralds of mercy beckon you to come, while ‘though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool’? I say again, it is infernal impertinence that has dared to suggest the idea of despair to a sinner. Christ unable to save? Never can it be. Christ outdone by Satan and by sin? Impossible. A sinner with diseases too many for the great Physician to heal? I tell you that if all the diseases of men were met in you, and all the sins of men were heaped on you, and if blasphemy, murder, fornication, adultery and every sin that is possible or imaginable had all been committed by you, yet the precious blood of Jesus Christ, God’s dear Son, ‘cleanseth us from all sin.’ If you will but trust my Master, who is worthy to be trusted and deserves your confidence, he will save you even now. Why delay, why raise questions, why debate, why deliberate, mistrust and suspect? Fall into his arms; he cannot reject you, for he has himself said, ‘him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.’ Yet, I do despair of converting you unless the Master does it. It is mine to tell you this, but I know you will not hear it, or, hearing it, will reject it unless Christ shall come with power by his Spirit. O may he come today. Walter Kaiser - Faith Moves Mountains? (See Hard Sayings of the Bible - scroll to page 406) Of these sayings, or varieties of an original saying, emphasizing the limitless possibilities open to faith, Mark’s form (followed in Mt 21:21) has a life setting in the neighborhood of Jerusalem, during Holy Week; Luke’s form may be from the Q collection, in which case the form in Matthew 17:20 (an amplification of Jesus’ words to the disciples after the healing of the epileptic boy at the foot of the mountain of transfiguration) combines features from Mark and Q. In any case, Jesus illustrates the power of faith by analogies from the natural world. If faith is present at all, even if it is no bigger than a mustard seed, it can accomplish wonders: think what a large plant springs from something as tiny as a mustard seed. “We are not afraid when the earth heaves and the mountains are hurled into the sea”—so Psalm 46:2 (NEB) describes a convulsion of nature that leaves men and women of God unshaken because he is their refuge and strength. It may be that Jesus is using such a form of words figuratively to describe the incalculable effects of prevailing faith. But in Mark’s account there may be some more explicit point in the form of words. In that account the words are addressed to the disciples after the incident of the cursing of the fig tree. There may not seem to be much to connect that incident with a lesson on the power of faith. The connection, however, may be provided by the place where, according to Mark, the words were spoken. They were spoken in the morning, as Jesus and his disciples made their way from Bethany to Jerusalem, crossing the Mount of Olives. So, in Mark’s account, “this mountain” in the saying would be the Mount of Olives. Now, in current expectation regarding the time of the end, the Mount of Olives played a special part. It would be the scene of a violent earthquake on the day of the Lord. “On that day,” said one of the prophets (referring to the day when the God of Israel would take final action against the enemies of his people), “his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half of the mountain moving north and half moving south” (Zech 14:4). If Jesus had this and related Old Testament prophecies in mind on his way across the Mount of Olives, his meaning might have been, “If you have sufficient faith in God, the day of the Lord will come sooner than you think.”17 See Hard Sayings of the Bible (scroll to page 383) for discussion of the related topic - How Much Faith Do We Need? Oswald Chambers - Discernment of faith Faith as a grain of mustard seed.… Matthew 17:20 We have the idea that God rewards us for our faith, it may be so in the initial stages; but we do not earn anything by faith. Faith brings us into right relationship with God and gives God His opportunity. God has frequently to knock the bottom board out of your experience if you are a saint in order to get you into contact with Himself. God wants you to understand that it is a life of faith, not a life of sentimental enjoyment of His blessings. Your earlier life of faith was narrow and intense, settled around a little sun-spot of experience that had as much of sense as of faith in it, full of light and sweetness; then God withdrew His conscious blessings in order to teach you to walk by faith. You are worth far more to Him now than you were in your days of conscious delight and thrilling testimony. Faith by its very nature must be tried, and the real trial of faith is not that we find it difficult to trust God, but that God’s character has to be cleared in our own minds. Faith in its actual working out has to go through spells of unsyllabled isolation. Never confound the trial of faith with the ordinary discipline of life. Much that we call the trial of faith is the inevitable result of being alive. Faith in the Bible is faith in God against every thing that contradicts Him—‘I will remain true to God’s character whatever He may do.’ “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him”—this is the most sublime utterance of faith in the whole of the Bible. Bring The Boy To Me - [Jesus] answered him and said, “. . . Bring him to Me.” —Mark 9:19 “I don’t believe in God and I won’t go,” Mark said. Amy struggled to swallow the lump in her throat. Her son had changed from a happy boy to a surly and uncooperative young man. Life was a battleground, and Sunday had become a day to dread, as Mark refused to go to church with the family. Finally his despairing parents consulted a counselor, who said: “Mark must make his own faith journey. You can’t force him into the kingdom. Give God space to work. Keep praying, and wait.” Amy waited—and prayed. One morning the words of Jesus that she had read echoed through her mind. Jesus’ disciples had failed to help a demon-possessed boy, but Jesus had the answer: “Bring him to Me” (Mark 9:19). The sun shone through the window at Amy’s side, making a pool of light on the floor. If Jesus could heal in such an extreme situation, then surely He could also help her son. She pictured herself and Mark standing in that light with Jesus. Then she mentally stepped back, leaving her son alone with the One who loved him even more than she did. Father, I lift my beloved to You, knowing that You love him even more than I do and You understand just what to do to meet his need. I commit him to Your care. Prayer is the voice of faith trusting that God knows and cares. Matthew 17:18 And Jesus rebuked him, and the demon came out of him, and the boy was cured at once. And Jesus rebuked him: Mt 12:22 Mk 1:34 5:8 9:25-27 Lu 4:35,36,41 8:29 9:42 Ac 16:18 19:13-15 the demon came out of him: Mt 9:22 15:28 Jn 4:52,53 Related Passages: Mark 9:25+ And when Jesus saw that a crowd was rapidly gathering, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You deaf and dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him and do not enter him again.” 26 And after crying out and throwing him into terrible convulsions, it came out; and the boy became so much like a corpse that most of them said, “He is dead!” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and raised him; and he got up. And Jesus (Iesous) rebuked (epitimao) him - Mark 9:25+ says "He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You deaf and dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him and do not enter him again.” Mark 9:25-27+ adds detail - "When Jesus saw that a crowd was rapidly gathering, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You deaf and mute spirit, I command you, come out of him and do not enter him again. After crying out and throwing him into terrible convulsions, it came out; and the boy became so much like a corpse that most of them said, “He is dead!” But Jesus took him by the hand and raised him; and he got up.” Rebuked (epitimao) also conveys the sense of to command or warning which includes an implied threat. We again see the compassion of Christ as in Luke 7:15+ where "The dead man sat up and began to speak. And Jesus gave him back to his mother." The devil tried one last throw (a wrestling term in the Greek), but Jesus rebuked the demon and cast him out." (Wiersbe)
Mateus 17
Spurgeon - Brethren, why do you think that the Lord allows his servants to be beaten at all? Well, of course, the chief reason in this case was—and of that we will speak presently,—because God gives the victory to faith, and if we will not believe, neither shall we be established. If we fall, as those disciples probably had fallen, into an unspiritual frame of mind and a low state of grace, our commission will not be worth much, our former qualifications will be of little value, and all successes we have had in earlier days will not take away the effect of present failures. We shall be like Samson, who went out and shook himself as he had done aforetime; but the Spirit of God had departed from him; and the Philistines soon overcame him,—those very Philistines whom, if his Lord had still been with him, he would have smitten hip and thigh with great slaughter. If we are to do the Lord’s work, and to do it successfully, we must have faith in him, we must look beyond ourselves, we must look beyond our commission, we must look beyond our personal qualifications, we must look beyond our former successes, we must look for a present anointing by the Holy Spirit, and by faith we must hang upon the living God from day to day. Excerpt from his sermon The Secret of Failure (Recommended) Nothing Is Impossible with God When shadows loom and doubts arise, When hope seems dim beneath the skies, Remember this, both near and broad: Nothing is impossible with God. The mountains high, the oceans deep, The promises He swore to keep, Are held by Him, the staff, the rod, For nothing is impossible with God. A barren womb, a parted sea, A shepherd boy with victory. A stone rolled back, a Savior awed— Yes, nothing is impossible with God. When chains of fear your soul confine, When paths are dark, no clear design, Look up! The way the saints have trod— Proclaims: Nothing is impossible with God. He speaks, and worlds are brought to be, He calms the storms, commands the sea. His hand creates, His voice unflawed, Declares, “Nothing is impossible with God.” So trust Him in the fiercest fight, He turns the wrong to make it right. With faith, step forward, ground unshod— For nothing is impossible with God. Let this truth echo in your soul, When life feels broken, hard, not whole. Through every trial, every prod, Believe: Nothing is impossible with God. FEED YOUR FAITH AND STARVE YOUR DOUBT! - Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. Mark 9:24. This father of a demonized boy had both faith and unbelief, but he took sides with his faith against his unbelief. Whatever we feed grows stronger. What we starve dies eventually. Your faith may be small, even as a grain of mustard seed, but feed it on the Word and exercise it unto godliness and it will gain strength by the day. Pay no attention to your doubts, no matter how feelings may clamor, and they will grow weaker. It is as simple as that. I did not say as easy as that, for Christian maturity is not reached easily, but it is as plain as that if we but follow it. (Vance Havner) J J Knapp - Faith that Moves Mountains Mt. 17:20 What a contrast: a mustard seed and a mountain! Elsewhere Jesus called the mustard seed the smallest of all herb seeds, and a mountain belongs to the imposing and great things of the earth. The smallest is here contrasted with the greatest. Yet, the grain of seed, that is taken along by the wind, is more than the anchored majestic mountain, if it is only a grain of a mustard seed of faith. Spiritual power is contained in faith and the slightest amount of spiritual power shall finally triumph over all material powers, even if they are as immovable as a deep-rooted mountain. Mountains of objections arise before us in connection with God’s providential government. As long as everything in our lives goes according to our wish, we usually can accept the thought that the Almighty One holds the reigns of government. However, how do matters stand when God makes us to walk in riddles? Then the questions pile up as high as a mountain. Why do the godly go so often in black while the godless have no bonds until death? Why is there in our lives so much bitter sorrow? Why are we chastised so severely? Why does God allow so much unrighteousness, while He has the power to stop it? Why is there so much misery and sickness in the world? Mountains of objections also arise before us in connection with the redemption by Christ, even if we have found a place of rest in the redeeming blood of the cross. What a number of questions of little faith! If it became apparent that we sinned against duty and light,.… and then not to doubt grace? If we have fallen into sins that we had renounced in solemn earnest, … and then still to flee to Christ as a penitent? Behold, here applies the admonishing word of Christ: “If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you!”The true faith in God’s providence, even if it is as small as a grain of seed, has such a trust in God that it calls the most crooked paths straight and the darkest nights day. True faith in the redeeming grace of Christ casts all the listed objections to the side; yes, even if our own conscience would raise mountains and close off access to the throne of grace, saying that there was no hope for us to be accepted again after so many stumblings,—we would not allow us to be withheld by these hurdles; we would remove all those mountains into the heart of the sea; we would make them move by the living trust in Him who does not reject the penitent, even if he had sinned seven, yes, even seventy times seven times. Henry Blackaby - Genuine Faith - Borrow The experience : a devotional and journal : day by day with God page 78 “I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20 Faith is measured by quality, not quantity. It’s not how much faith we have that counts, but where we put our faith. Sometimes we put our faith in faith, instead of in God. We think if we just believe hard enough we’ll get whatever we want. That’s trusting in ourselves rather than in God. Faith by itself is as worthless as a solar-powered flashlight or an inflatable dartboard. The power to move mountains is in God, not in our faith. When the disciples asked why they’d been unable to cast a demon out of a boy, Jesus pointed to their faith. The disciples had false confidence in their own faith. Jesus explained that they had grown to believe in themselves and their ability to do things for God, instead of believing in God’s ability to work through them. They were treating their faith like a magic wand that they pulled out whenever they needed another miracle. They had placed their faith in faith rather than in God. Be careful you don’t fall under that same misconception. Don’t even try to work up enough faith, thinking that at some point God will say, “You’ve reached the minimum faith requirement; now you can move a mountain.” Instead, put your faith where it belongs: not in yourself, but in God. Then stand aside and watch him move the mountain! A Woman of Little Faith - A woman who was known for her deep trust and calmness of soul was asked by a person who wanted to learn her secret, “Are you the woman with the great faith?” “No,” she replied, “I am the woman with the little faith in the great God!” F B