March through Matthew with Jesus:

Matthew 17

During Lent in March we continue reading through the Gospel of Matthew, one chapter a day--28 chapters--with points to ponder, background information and personal application. Pray God strengthens our faith on this spiritual journey in His Holy Word.

Some Points to Ponder as we read Matthew 17:

1. In Matthew 17:1-8 Jesus takes Peter, James and John up a mountain (likely Mt. Tabor or Herman) in northern Israel. Jesus is “transfigured” before them. He was changed--radiant and dazzling bright. The Greek word for “transfigured” here is metamorphoo, or metamorphasis as we use it in English. 

2. Moses and Elijah appear with Jesus. This shows us that there is eternal life after death, and that we have personal identity in heaven. Their appearance also magnifies that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s Law (represented by Moses) and Prophets/prophecy (represented by Elijah).

3. Personal reflection: Who would you enjoy meeting or seeing in everlasting Paradise? Some for me would include Abraham and Sarah, S/Paul and Martin Luther and my Grandparents.

4. As they came down the mountain Jesus points out to His at times dense and dull disciples that Elijah had essentially already returned in the person of John the Baptist (Mt. 17:9-13).  John is God’s final prophet who points to Jesus and serves as a connection between the old and new testaments.

5. Jesus continues to perform mighty miracles (casting out a demon from a boy). Jesus also demonstrates humility by paying human taxes. Throughout His Ministry Jesus distinguished that we live in two kingdoms—the physical/earthly civil realm and God’s spiritual/heavenly/faith-based realm. Soon in Matthew 22: ²¹  Jesus will say: “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.”

6. As we continue reading Matthew, we are mindful that the journey of Jesus is ultimately heading toward Jerusalem and His suffering, death, and resurrection for our salvation. The Lutheran Study Bible comments on Matthew 17:22-23 state:   Jesus has to tell His disciples repeatedly that He is going to suffer, die, and rise. Love prompts our Lord to repeat those things the disciples need to hear. Christians hear these same events proclaimed again and again. We annually observe the Lenten season and relive Christ’s suffering and death. Each year, we celebrate His glorious resurrection. We never grow weary of hearing this story of God’s love and our salvation.

+Prayer+ Dear Jesus, lead me to ponder and love those truths that declare my salvation. Amen.    (Lutheran Study Bible, p.1620)

APPLICATION: Notice how Jesus and His disciples were always “on the go” and always moving. They walked everywhere. They never had a permanent home. They were on a continual mission. Being a disciple of Jesus means that we are also on a mission with Him in our lives each day. How and where is Jesus leading me in life? In what way(s) can I share His love and Good News with others? 

We now read Matthew 17…    

Matthew 17 (ESV)

The Transfiguration

17 And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. 3 And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 4 And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 5 He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. 7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” 8 And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.

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.” 10 And the disciples asked him, “Then why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?” 11 He answered, “Elijah does come, and he will restore all things. 12 But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands.” 13 Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.

Jesus Heals a Boy with a Demon

14 And when they came to the crowd, a man came up to him and, kneeling before him, 15 said, “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he has seizures and he suffers terribly. For often he falls into the fire, and often into the water. 16 And I brought him to your disciples, and they could not heal him.” 17 And Jesus answered, “O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him here to me.” 18 And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him, and the boy was healed instantly. 19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” 20 He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.”

Jesus Again Foretells Death, Resurrection

22 As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men, 23 and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day.” And they were greatly distressed.

The Temple Tax

24 When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax went up to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the tax?” 25 He said, “Yes.” And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tax? From their sons or from others?” 26 And when he said, “From others,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. 27 However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself.”

+Prayer+ Dear Savior, keep me moving forward in life with growing faith and joy with You. In Your Saving Name I pray, Jesus. Amen.

Pastor Scott Schmieding

Senior Pastor

Immanuel Lutheran Church and School

115 S. Sixth Street

Saint Charles, MO 63301

636.946.2656