Matthew 17 - 19

Revelation, Transfiguration

Before writing about 17-19, I want to go back to 16:13-9, Peter's great revelation experience.  Jesus asks his disciples two questions, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" (v. 13) and "Who do you say I am?"  I think these questions are significant and didactic in and of themselves. I believe the Lord wanted His disciples to start thinking about Who He was in a larger and more spiritual context than the empiric experiences afforded them by constantly traveling with Him. First, He ask them to look at others and see what others think about Jesus. This provides an opportunity to compare their first-hand experiences with the more remote experience of others. Secondly, He wanted them to formulate and examine their own conclusions concerning Him.

Although Jesus directed the question to all of His disciples, this Gospel only records Peter's answer. It is impossible to know if Peter realized the full import of his reply, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God." (v. 16). The King James states it, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God." Peter's reply (and we can only assume the other disciples were of a similar mind since there are no objections recorded) pleased the Lord greatly. "You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven." (vs. 17-19). This exclamation by Jesus to Peter is full of meaning and is prophetic (v. 19).

Peter is blessed because God has revealed the truth to him.  He did not learn this from human teaching, but knows the truth of who Jesus is by revelation. To me, this is what the Lord means when He states, "...upon this rock I will build my church."  It is not Peter upon whom the church is built - Peter was rebuked a mere 6 verse later for being yielded to Satan. Jesus also does not build His church Himself as is commonly taught in most Christian churches. He builds His church upon Divine revelation from God. This will be more fully explained when we get to Acts.  And Acts 2:38 is the fulfillment of Matthew 16:19.

Today's reading starts with another tremendous experience - the transfiguration of Jesus. This takes place on a mountain - indicating it was a heavenly event. There are three earthly witnesses - Peter, James, and John typing Faith, Hope, and Charity (based on their Epistles). There are three Heavenly witness - Moses, Elijah, Jesus representing Law, Justice, and Grace. Three on Earth and three in Heaven confirmed the testimony of God "This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him." (v. 5, KJV).

Chapter 18 is the fourth major discourse of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew.  This discourse is a teaching sermon to His disciples. He is preparing them to lead His church. He brings out 5 key guidelines they must follow:

1. They must be like children. Humble, willing to listen and take correction. (v. 3).
2. They must not mislead or cause others to sin. (vs. 6-10).
3. They must be good shepherds and find the lost sheep. (vs.12-14).
4. They must attempt to bring the backslider back into fellowship with the Lord. (vs. 15-19).
5. They must forgive others - continuously. (vs. 21-35).

May God bless you and bless the reading of His Word.