Matthew 17 – Transfiguration, Jesus Heals Because of Little Faith, Foretelling of His Death & Resurrection, Paying Taxes

Matthew 17 – Transfiguration, Jesus Heals Because of Little Faith, Foretelling of His Death & Resurrection, Paying Taxes

Jesus took Peter, James and John with Him up a high mountain by themselves. Jesus was transfigured – face shone like the sun, clothes white as light. Moses and Elijah appeared talking with Jesus.Peter offered hospitality and a bright cloud overshadowed them, and they heard, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” The disciples fell on their faces terrified. Jesus said, “Rise, have no fear,” and they saw Jesus only. Jesus told them not to tell until He is raised from the dead. They asked about Elijah coming first, Jesus said Elijah (John the Baptist) already came, and Jesus said He will suffer at the hands of those who killed John as well. A man came up and asked Jesus to heal his son. Jesus cast out the demon because of his little faith. Jesus said with the faith of a mustard mountains will be moved, and nothing will be impossible for you. Jesus foretold of his death and resurrection. Tax-collectors asked if Jesus pays taxes. Peter said, “Yes.” Jesus said the sons are free in regard to taxes, and he told Peter to catch a fish and a coin will be in it’s mouth to give to the tax-collectors for Jesus and Peter.

Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. Moses (the law) and Elijah (figurehead of the prophets) are here to see with their own eyes how what they believed from long ago has finally come to pass in Christ. Their eyes are beholding what God promised them. A little faith in Christ will move mountains, so trust in His death and resurrection. Also, Jesus paid taxes (temple tax here). He gave to the very system that would unjustly kill Him (he advocated paying tax to the Roman government too – Mark 12:13-17). God miraculously provided in the way Jesus told Peter it would happen. We can trust God’s providence even if all we see in this world is injustice. God is just. When history comes to a close God work perfect justice. So friends, we can submit to authority in our government, because our hope is not in the government, but God. Government will fail us, but God never will. And think of the irony. The money Jesus paid in taxes paid for the salary of those who killed Him (both Jewish leadership pagan government). And think of God’s kindness to crush Jesus so that we could have hope for the future.