R³ Devotional - Day 294
R³ Devotional - Day 294 - Matthew 17 & Mark 9
By: Paul Hicks
The 17th chapter of Matthew begins with the Transfiguration on the Mountain, which was a vision, a brief glimpse of the true glory of the King. This was a special revelation of Jesus’ divinity to three of the disciples, and it was God’s divine affirmation of everything Jesus had done and was about to do.
The Transfiguration was a foretaste of heaven; the participants were doing something worth noting – talking together. In God’s world, interactions count highly. People are individuals, with minds, hearts, and opinions. People are also part of a wider whole, connected by relationships built on sharing between whole persons. Friendship is the key. Make time and opportunities to talk with others. Good conversations act as training for eternity.
Matthew 17 continues as Jesus heals a demon-possessed boy, followed by Jesus predicting His death a second time. Then in verses 24 through 27, Peter answers a question without really knowing the answer, putting Jesus and the disciples in an awkward position. Jesus used this situation, however, to emphasize His kingly role. Just as kings pay no taxes and collect none from their family. Jesus, the King, owed no taxes. But Jesus supplied the tax payment for both Himself and Peter rather than offend those who didn’t understand His kingship. Although Jesus supplied the tax money, Peter had to go and get it. Ultimately, all that we have comes to us from God’s supply, but He may want us to be active in the process.
As God’s people, we are foreigners on earth because our loyalty is always to our real King – Jesus. Still, we have to cooperate with the authorities and be responsible citizens. An ambassador to another country keeps the local laws in order to represent well the one who sent him. We are Christ’s ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20). Are you being a good foreign ambassador for Him to this world?
Let’s now examine Mark Chapter 9 and we see that this chapter account almost mirrors Matthew 17, but in verses 33 –37, the disciples argue who would be the greatest, but Jesus explains that ambition should not be the disciples aim, but obedience and service should be their main concern.
In verses 38 -41, the disciples forbid others to use Jesus’ name to perform miracles. Jesus was not saying that being indifferent or neutral toward Him is as good as being committed. As He explained in Matthew 12:30, “Anyone who is not with Me is against Me.” In both cases, Jesus was pointing out that neutrality toward Him is not possible.
The chapter concludes with Jesus warning against temptation.
The Transfiguration was a foretaste of heaven; the participants were doing something worth noting – talking together. In God’s world, interactions count highly. People are individuals, with minds, hearts, and opinions. People are also part of a wider whole, connected by relationships built on sharing between whole persons. Friendship is the key. Make time and opportunities to talk with others. Good conversations act as training for eternity.
Matthew 17 continues as Jesus heals a demon-possessed boy, followed by Jesus predicting His death a second time. Then in verses 24 through 27, Peter answers a question without really knowing the answer, putting Jesus and the disciples in an awkward position. Jesus used this situation, however, to emphasize His kingly role. Just as kings pay no taxes and collect none from their family. Jesus, the King, owed no taxes. But Jesus supplied the tax payment for both Himself and Peter rather than offend those who didn’t understand His kingship. Although Jesus supplied the tax money, Peter had to go and get it. Ultimately, all that we have comes to us from God’s supply, but He may want us to be active in the process.
As God’s people, we are foreigners on earth because our loyalty is always to our real King – Jesus. Still, we have to cooperate with the authorities and be responsible citizens. An ambassador to another country keeps the local laws in order to represent well the one who sent him. We are Christ’s ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20). Are you being a good foreign ambassador for Him to this world?
Let’s now examine Mark Chapter 9 and we see that this chapter account almost mirrors Matthew 17, but in verses 33 –37, the disciples argue who would be the greatest, but Jesus explains that ambition should not be the disciples aim, but obedience and service should be their main concern.
In verses 38 -41, the disciples forbid others to use Jesus’ name to perform miracles. Jesus was not saying that being indifferent or neutral toward Him is as good as being committed. As He explained in Matthew 12:30, “Anyone who is not with Me is against Me.” In both cases, Jesus was pointing out that neutrality toward Him is not possible.
The chapter concludes with Jesus warning against temptation.
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