I’m dying and they’re worried about…

Jesus would have them know about his sacrificial death; but the disciples argue about positions of authority.

Mark 9:30-32, Luke 9:43-45

• Jesus knew far in advance that he would be arrested and crucified.  In fact, we was willing to allow it.
• He also told his disciples that this cruel death would not be his end; but instead he would rise from the dead three days afterward.
• The disciples were saddened by news of his impending death; but they did not comprehend the joy of resurrection. And they were afraid to ask him for further explanation.

Matthew 17:24-27

• Peter, when asked whether Jesus paid temple tax, quickly affirmed that he did.
• Jesus asked whether sons of the king are expected to pay tax. Peter rightly answered that sons are free from such obligation.
• Implying that he the Son of God was, therefore, free from obligation to pay temple tax; Jesus nevertheless chooses to pay it rather than offend. Peter is sent fishing for enough money to pay the tax for himself and Jesus.

Mark 9:33-37, Matthew 18:1-5

• Speaking of offending others, the disciples were engaged in a conversation that offended Jesus and he warned them that such attitudes would be offensive to others and ruinous to their souls.
• A little child is used as an object lesson to teach the necessity of conversion, humility and faith.

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Powerless Apostles

While Jesus was on the mountain with Peter, James and John, the other nine apostles were proving that without Jesus they (and we) can do nothing.

Mark 9:14-29

• As Jesus arrived, he was quickly surrounded by the nine and a multitude of inquirers and inquisitors.
• A man from the crowd advanced to elicit Jesus’ help with a demon-possessed son. The evil spirit not only kept the boy from speaking, it also brought on convulsions and self-destructive tendencies. The disciples were not able to help.
• “Faithless and perverse generation.” Was Jesus speaking of the crowd or of the nine?
• Jesus pointedly asked the father if he believed. “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief” was his reply.
• Meanwhile the people were bringing the boy. As they approached, the demon tormented the boy. Jesus rebuked the evil spirit. The spirit left the boy lifeless; but Jesus lifted him up.
• Why couldn’t the disciples cast out the spirit? They had cast out spirits in the past, why not now? In a word, unbelief.
• They couldn’t muster enough faith to cast out the demon. And only a seed-sized quantity of faith would move a whole mountain. How pitiful their unbelief!

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John the Baptist is Elijah

At Jesus’ instruction, Peter, James and John did not tell anyone about the transfiguration until after the Resurrection.

Matthew 17:9-13

• But the three were curious. Speaking of resurrection, they had just seen Moses and Elijah. Malachi had spoken about Elijah coming before the Messiah. Is this appearance what the prophet meant?
• Jesus confirms the accuracy of the prophecy of Malachi, but he denies that the recent appearance of Elijah along with Moses was the fulfillment.
• Instead, Jesus says that “Elijah” had already come and he was mistreated. So also must Jesus suffer many things and be treated with contempt.
• The disciples, uncharacteristically, understood that Jesus was saying John the Baptist was the fulfillment of Malachi’s Elijah prophecy.

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The Transfiguration

Jesus told his disciples that some of them would see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom. About a week later, he is transfigured before them.

Matthew 17:1-8 (See also Luke 9:28-36)

• Peter, James and John accompany Jesus to a high mountain. The other disciples remain behind. Is it wrong for Jesus to choose these three and not any or all of the others?
• Transfigured. Changed. His appearance was altered. His face shined. His clothing shined. White, like snow. Whiter than any launderer can get white clothing. White and glistening.
• Moses and Elijah appeared in glory and talked with Jesus about his coming death in Jerusalem.
• Peter suggested that three booths be erected, shrines to the occasion. He should have remained silent; for his suggestion was totally out of place and evidence that he didn’t comprehend the event.
• God corrected him by saying to listen to Jesus the Son. Too often saints are honored along with or in place of Jesus. Too often Jesus is ignored and we build our own memorials. Too often we speak and act when we should be reverent and silent.
• Moses and Elijah disappeared; and Jesus calmed their fears.

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