READ:
Matthew 17
At the end of chapter 16 Jesus says, “I tell you the truth, some who are
standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his
kingdom.” Chapter 17 begins with the fulfillment of this promise as He takes
Peter, James and John up a mountain to see His glory – “His face shone like the
sun, and his clothes became white as light.” We should be fascinated with the
glory of Jesus! The disciples were and especially by the inclusion of Moses and
Elijah. What an experience! However, there is more to the story than an
emotional high and glorious manifestation.
The voice of the Father declares from heaven; “This is my Son, whom I
love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!” What a statement! Yes, He is
glorious! Yes, the history of Israel includes incredible figures and faithful
men such as Moses and Elijah. And yes, He will be wonderfully raised from the
dead. However, our most incredible response to all of this amazing stuff is to
listen to Jesus and obey Him. God showed Jesus’ glory to His inner core so that
they would have the courage to keep following. That’s what it’s all about.
Jesus reminds them that He will suffer. Matthew also reminds us that
faith continues to be a problem for His followers through the story of the
demonized boy. Finally, Jesus refused to be trapped by the complexities of
living in this world, yet truly living for another kingdom. He deals with the
issue related to the temple tax in a very unique way. As His followers we must
seek His heart on the many things that we face as children of the kingdom of
God, while we still reside in a difficult world. There’s no exact formulas, but
praise Jesus, He has all the wisdom we need! Let’s not be rash and respond
without first consulting Him. Others will see this wisdom and glorify God, or
at the least, be stopped in their tracks in their efforts to discredit us.
Journaling
and Prayer
1.
Jesus is glorious! Think about the description of Jesus in this passage,
throughout Matthew and the rest of the Bible. Spend some time simply worshiping
Him for who He is!
2.
We are told by the Father to listen to Jesus. Think back to the Sermon
the Mount, even turn there in your Bible. Glance over the headings. Let this be
a time of reflection and confession – have you been listening to and obeying
what He taught in there? Ask Him to reveal any areas of disobedience. We
certainly don’t need to constantly search our hearts, but it is a useful practice
to help us move closer and closer to wholeness. Remember this glory of Jesus?
Ask Him to help you to become one who is a better “listener”.
3.
Is there any area in your life where you’re struggling to live as a
Christian because of opposition from others? Where your “kingdom of God values”
clash with the values of the world? Ask God for wisdom, and for a strategy to
navigate this complexity.
