REFLECTIONS ON MATTHEW 17
Today, we study the Book of Matthew chapter seventeen where the TRANSFIGURATION of Jesus was recorded.
REFLECTIONS:
“THE GLORY OF JESUS”
Key Scripture
“And He was transfigured before them. His face showed like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.” (Matthew 17:2).
Transfiguration describes a change of form or appearance.
The TRANSFIGURATION of Jesus was reported in Matthew 17 :1-13. Also corroborated in the accounts of Mark (Mk 9:2-8) and Luke (Lk:28-36)
No doubt, the event is SIGNIFICANT!
IMPLICATIONS
“The Beloved Son”
TRANSFIGURATION validated the Divine identity that JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD.
“Hear him,”
TRANSFIGURATION directed us to “Hear him” which implies that God speaks henceforth through His Son and His Word.
“as affirmed by Hebrews 1: 1.
Glory
TRANSFIGURATION validated the truth of the GLORY OF JESUS” “Who being in the form God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God”
(Philippians 2:6-9)
“We shall be like Him.”
A major implication is that THE TRANSFIGURATION OF JESUS gave hope to our promised TRANSFORMATION: “but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2)
The Rapture
The TRANSFIGURATION also assures us
of The Rapture.
PRAYER
Blessed Holy Spirit, we pray for your power to be transformed into the image of Christ.
Amen.
Practical Applications
Embrace the Glory of Christ
Reflect on the majesty and divinity of Jesus as revealed in the Transfiguration and let it deepen your worship and reverence for Him.
Listen to Jesus
Heed the command from the Father to Listen to Him! by prioritizing Jesus’ teachings in your daily life.
Exercise Faith
Cultivate a faith that trusts in God’s power to overcome obstacles, no matter how insurmountable they seem.
Prepare for Trials
Like the disciples, be prepared for trials and challenges, knowing that Jesus has already overcome the world.
Trust in God’s Provision
Rely on God’s provision in all circumstances, trusting that He will meet your needs in unexpected ways.
Thoughts on Matthew chapter 18
Matthew 18:35 AMP
My heavenly Father will also do the same to [every one of] you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart.”
Matthew 18:35 TPT
In this same way, my heavenly Father will deal with any of you if you do not release forgiveness from your heart toward your fellow believer.”
Today’s chapter leaves us with various keys to ponder with respect to our discipleship.
The disciples had become so preoccupied with the organisation of Jesus’ earthly kingdom that they had lost sight of its divine purpose. Instead of seeking a place of service, they sought positions of esteem.
One would think that with the Lord’s emphasis on the criteria for greatness, the body of Christ today would fair better. That men in ministry will not be classified as to position and outward rewards. But the scenario is still very much with us today.
Jesus did not rebuke the disciples for expecting a literal earthly kingdom or for wanting to be in it, but He made it clear that the criteria for entrance and position in it are on a different basis from that of the world.
The way of greatness in the world is to go up by every means, at the expense of all others, but the way of the gospel is to go down to become least and the servant of all, considering the other the better man (1Pet 5:3-7).
Christ used a little child as an emblem of true disciples. We are not to be childish (like His disciples arguing over petty issues) but childlike, in our faith, trust and blamelessness.
We must be careful not to lose our eternal perspective and begin to compete for promotions or status in the church whereas the way to greatness in the kingdom is by the humility of a child, expressed in humble service.
In verses 6 to 7, Jesus proclaims the severe consequences of causing another or oneself (vs 8-9) to sin. He does not prescribe self- mutilation but demands a rigid, moral self-denial.
Verses 15-20 outline the proper procedure for disciplining an erring member. 3 steps are specified (in private, with witnesses, and before the church). It is important to note that the onus is on the person offended to initiate reconciliation.
When the church administers discipline, under the lordship of Jesus, heaven sanctions the action.
In wrapping up the reading, the Parable of the unforgiving servant is highlighted in verses 22-35.
The parable illustrates the principle of forgiveness, a vital element in the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:12). God has freely forgiven our trespasses. We should also practice forgiveness.
The key verse for today, vs 35, is not a scare tactic. But highlights the seriousness of responsible forgiving and demonstrates how un-forgiveness clogs the channel of communication and sanctification between God and His people.
May the Holy Spirit empower us to obey His commands and be doers of all He has revealed to us in His Word today.
In whatever area we are still struggling, may we be strengthened with might in our inner man in Jesus name. Amen 🙏
Reflection on Matthew 19
Highlights
The Sanctity of Marriage
Jesus emphasizes the original design for marriage, quoting Genesis, For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh (Matthew 19:5).
He underscores that marriage is a divine union that should not be separated by human intervention.
Divorce and Hardness of Heart
Jesus acknowledges Moses’ allowance for divorce due to the hardness of human hearts but clarifies that it was not God’s original intention (Matthew 19:8). He teaches that divorce, except in cases of sexual immorality, leads to adultery (Matthew 19:9).
The Value of Childlike Faith
Jesus welcomes little children, saying, Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these (Matthew 19:14). He highlights the importance of humility and trust in entering the kingdom of heaven.
The Rich Young Man
Jesus challenges the rich young man to sell his possessions and follow Him, illustrating the difficulty for the wealthy to enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 19:21-24).
This encounter teaches about the dangers of material wealth and the call to prioritize eternal treasures.
The Reward of Discipleship
Jesus assures His disciples that those who sacrifice for His sake will receive a hundredfold and inherit eternal life (Matthew 19:29). He concludes with the paradoxical statement, But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first (Matthew 19:30).
Prayer
Dear Lord, grant us a sincere heart to honour you, replicate your teachings and follow you obediently in Jesus name AMEN🙏
Practical Applications
Commit to Your Marriage
Reflect on the sanctity of marriage and seek to strengthen your relationship with your spouse, honoring the covenant you made before God.
Cultivate Childlike Faith
Embrace humility and trust in your relationship with God, approaching Him with the openness and sincerity of a child.
Evaluate Your Priorities
Consider what possessions or pursuits may be hindering your relationship with God, and be willing to let go of anything that competes with your devotion to Him.
Embrace Sacrifice
Recognize the cost of discipleship and be willing to make sacrifices for the sake of following Jesus, trusting in His promise of eternal reward.
