Matthew 17 DEVO: Transfiguration, Great Faith and a Fishing Story

Chapter 17:
Another amazing chapter in Matthew! Don’t ya’ just love the Word o God?!~!
First off, Jesus takes His three closest buddies on mountain hike they’d never forget. Peter, James & John got to see Jesus “transfigured” = Metamorphoo = changed! In human form, Jesus was veiled, but not when He returns and these 3 disciples got a glimpse of that! And Moses & Elijah show up to! Why them? Possibly because they were examples of men of God and they represented the law & the prophets. Regardless, this was an invitation only view of the exalted Jesus!
Next up, we see Jesus heal a demon-possessed boy. Apparently the disciples has botched up trying to heal the boy – rookies – so Jesus rebukes the demon and it comes out of him. The disciples ask why they couldn’t and Jesus relates it to their faith. Some versions include fasting and prayer as the reason they couldn’t get this kind of demon out. As they continued in ministry with Jesus, He again predicts His death, which grieves his disciples.
The chapter finishes with a lesson on submission to authority. Apparently some tax collectors were miffed that Jesus hadn’t paid his taxes. Jesus asks Simon, “From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes—from their own sons or from others?" Ummm….others – the idea being Jesus is the King of Kings’ Son and should have to pay! “But so that we may not offend them, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours." This has to be the best fish story ever?! So he gets the coins and pays for Jesus & himself. Take note, nothing was paid for the other 11 disciples, indicating that they were below the tax paying age because they were TEENS! So here you had the first ever youth group: Jesus as leader, one adult volunteer in Peter and 11 students, one of which was really bad! Ha!~!
SO WHAT?!
*Some day we will truly see Jesus for all of who He is. Until then , we only get a “foretaste of glory divine.” (Blessed Assurance Hymn). What do you look forward to most in seeing Jesus?
*In what ways are you growing in your faith? God always accepts us where we are but never wants us to remain there. If you need help, talk with your pastor or spiritual mentor. I’m sure they’d love to help!
*I believe Jesus was a youth pastor – of sorts. I also believe it’s the best job in the world – bias. So, want to stay young in heart and affect lives for eternity? Volunteer in the student ministry at your church!!!!