Matthew 17
The Transfiguration
At the close of Jesus’ sermon on “cross-bearing†in the previous chapter He promised that some of the disciples would “see the son of man coming in His kingdom†(Matt. 16:28). He chose Peter, James and John as witnesses to this event. This text does not say fo …
Jesus Heals an Epileptic Boy
As Jesus came down from the mountain to the crowd, He found embarrassed disciples and a needy father and son. The father had brought his epileptic, demon possessed son to the disciples begging them to deliver him, but they couldn’t (vv. 14-16). Jesus rebuked the crowd (which included the …
Christ’s Transfiguration
Discipleship involves a cost (vv. 24-26). Jesus said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (v.24). To deny self does not necessarily mean to give up things but to give yourself wholly to Christ and identify in His shame and death …
Jesus Pays The Temple Tax
When Jesus and His disciples arrived back at Capernaum, the tax collectors were waiting for them (v. 24). Every Jew 20 years or more of age was required to pay a temple tax of half a shekel (Exodus 20:13-24). Apparently Peter and Jesus had not yet paid their tax for that ye …