Matthew 16:27-17:9 – GLORY!
There are different things that motivate us at motivate us at different times in our lives.
Sometimes we are motivated by a deadline, such as a date a paper is due for school, or the date our taxes need to be paid, such as April 15th in the United States.
Sometimes we are motivated by a sense of responsibility. We do something, such as attend our children’s school activities, because it’s the right thing to do.
Sometimes we are motivated by fear, such as exiting quickly a building that is on fire.
Sometimes we are motivated by a sense of appreciation. This is what motivates cities to have parades in honor of heroes.
Sometimes we are motivated by an even higher sense of calling.
Sometimes we are motivated by the glory of God.
Such was the case of Peter, James and John when they saw the transfiguration of our Lord Jesus Christ. Seeing the transfiguration literally changed their lives (John 1:14, 2 Peter 1:16-18).
Studying this passage should also make us motivated by the glory of our Lord.
BACKGROUND – MATTHEW 16:13-17:1
THE WONDER OF HIS GLORY – Vs. 2
The word that is translated “transfigured” is the word from which we get our English word “metamorphosis”. A metamorphosis is a change that takes place from inside out.
When Jesus was transfigured, he showed us that the glory of God resided within him.
He let in radiate from the inside out. 1 John 1:5, Psalm 104:2, Malachi 4:2, Revelation 1:12-17
THE WITNESSES FROM SCRIPTURE – Vs. 3
Out of the pages of God’s Word come two of its heroes, Moses and Elijah.
Moses represents the law that Jesus satisfied by his godly life and death.
Elijah represents the prophets, whose words Jesus fulfilled.
These two men discussed the future events concerning Jesus’ death. Luke 9:30-31.
THE WORD OF THE FATHER – Vss. 4-5
In the Scriptures a cloud often indicates the presence of God, as it does here. Exodus 13:21,
1 Kings 8:10, Ezekiel 1:4
God the Father speaks to these men. He gives verification as to what they have already believed. He says, “This is my beloved Son.” He also states that Jesus is doing what is right with the words, “in whom I am well pleased.” Then, He gives a specific instruction, “Hear ye Him.” To hear Him meant to obey Him as well. We need to hear and heed what Jesus has to say about salvation, discipleship, prayer, abiding in Him, and a host of other subjects.
THE WORTH OF THE EXPERIENCE – Vss. 7-9
There are at least three lessons that we can glean from this passage.
- If our faith is in Christ, we have nothing to fear. Vs. 7
- We are to see Jesus alone. Vs. 8
He alone is to be the focus of our lives and faith.
- We have a testimony. Vs. 9
Just as the disciples would testify later, we need to give testimony of our experiences with the Lord.