Matthew 17

In this chapter we see the story of the Transfiguration, where Jesus is transformed into his glorified body for a brief time.   Peter, James, and John witness this amazing event, not to mention they get to see Moses and Elijah, arguably the two greatest Prophets in Israel’s history.   This experience is capped off when the voice of the Father comes out of heaven that repeats the same statement that was heard at Jesus baptism “This is my beloved son with whom I am well pleased.” But this time God adds the words “listen to Him.”  Which could also be translated as “obey Him.”  The only response that Peter, James and John were capable of is greatfear.  Oh, how that experience must have boosted their faith; or did it? 

            The very next story records Jesus frustration with the disciples for not having enough faith to cast out a demon.  Jesus rebukes them with the harsh statement: “O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you?. . . (v:17).  

            After this Jesus tells them in verses 22-23 what is ahead for him: “The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day.”   Now the response of the disciples is “and they were deeplygrieved.”  

            This chapter is a rollercoaster of emotions for the disciples: great fearat the voice from heaven, being rebuked for lack of faith, to being deeply grievedover Jesus soon-to-come death. What they seemed to have missed is Jesus statement “he will be raised on the third day.”  

As we finish Matthew over the next 2 weeks, pay attention to the emotional swings of the disciples as they experience and witness the trial, brutal beating, and death of their Master; all the while missing His teaching that He will rise again.