Matthew 17
The Transfiguration: A Glimpse of Jesus’ Glory
In Matthew 17, we encounter one of the most awe-inspiring moments in the Gospels: the Transfiguration of Jesus. In this dramatic scene, Jesus takes three of His closest disciples—Peter, James, and John—up a mountain. There, His appearance is transformed before them. His face shines like the sun, and His clothes become dazzlingly white. This stunning display of divine glory is accompanied by the appearance of Moses and Elijah, two towering figures from Israel’s history, who speak with Jesus.
This moment is not just a spectacle; it reveals profound truths about who Jesus is and the mission He came to fulfill. Let’s explore why this event is so significant for the disciples—and for us.
A Moment of Revelation
The Transfiguration is a pivotal moment for Peter, James, and John. These three disciples had already seen Jesus perform miracles, heal the sick, and teach with authority. They had witnessed His humanity up close—sharing meals, walking, and talking with Him. But now, they are given a rare opportunity to see His divinity in full display. Jesus, whom they knew as a man, reveals Himself in His full, glorious form.
This glimpse of Jesus' divine nature wasn't just for the disciples’ amazement; it was essential for their future understanding. They would soon witness His crucifixion—a humbling, sorrowful event that could easily cause them to question everything they had believed. But the Transfiguration would be a touchstone for them, reminding them that Jesus was no ordinary man. He was, and is, fully God. This vision of glory would help them hold onto the truth of who Jesus is, even when the cross seemed to say otherwise.
Jesus Fulfills the Law and the Prophets
In the Transfiguration, Moses and Elijah appear alongside Jesus, talking with Him. Moses represents the Law, and Elijah the prophets—two foundational aspects of the Old Testament. Their appearance here is a powerful symbol that Jesus is the fulfillment of everything the Law and the Prophets pointed to. He is not just another teacher or prophet, but the very One they had been preparing the world for.
This revelation is crucial because it shows us that the entire Bible—both the Old and New Testaments—centers around Jesus. While some may be tempted to overlook the Old Testament as outdated or irrelevant, the Transfiguration reminds us that it is vital for understanding the fullness of God’s plan. Every part of the Bible points to Jesus, and in Him, all things find their fulfillment.
Faith: A Mustard Seed and a Mountain
After the Transfiguration, the disciples return to the challenges of their ministry. In the following verses, they struggle with casting out a demon. Jesus’ response to them is powerful: “Because you have so little faith… If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can move mountains.”
This teaches us an important lesson about faith. In the Reformed tradition, we often emphasize the object of our faith—who we are trusting in—rather than the size of our faith itself. Jesus, however, highlights that even a small amount of faith can accomplish great things if it is placed in the right object: God Himself. This is a reminder that our faith doesn’t have to be perfect or grand; it just needs to be real, anchored in the power of God.
It’s also a reminder that faith, like a muscle, can grow stronger over time. When the disciples struggled to cast out the demon, they were learning what it means to rely on God, even in the face of challenges. Just as physical muscles grow through exertion, our faith grows through challenges and reliance on God’s strength.
A Lasting Legacy
The Transfiguration was not just a moment of glory for Jesus, but also a moment that would impact the disciples’ entire lives. Peter, in his second letter, would later look back on this event, saying, “We were eyewitnesses of his majesty” (2 Peter 1:16). For Peter, James, and John, this experience was not just a remarkable event in their journey with Jesus; it became the foundation for their unshakable faith, even as they faced persecution and death for their testimony.
As we reflect on the Transfiguration, we too are invited to glimpse the glory of Jesus—the perfect union of His humanity and divinity. In this revelation, we find not only awe and wonder but also a deeper understanding of who Jesus is and what He has accomplished for us. He is both fully God and fully man, and in Him, we find the hope of the world.
In this moment of awe, we are reminded that faith, though it may start small, has the power to move mountains. And just as the disciples were called to trust in Jesus’ power, so too are we. Through all the ups and downs of life, the Transfiguration stands as a reminder: Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s plan, and He is worthy of our trust and worship.
The Disciples' Curiosity: A Call to Lean In
We encounter a powerful moment when the disciples, after being unable to drive out a demon, approach Jesus in private and ask, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” (verse 19). This question stood out to us as it speaks volumes about human nature—when we fail or fall short, we often want to understand why. It’s a vulnerable moment where the disciples, despite witnessing Jesus’ power firsthand, don't simply accept the outcome. Instead, they lean in with curiosity, asking for an explanation. This is an invitation for us to embrace a posture of learning and growth, even in moments of failure.
In our own lives, it’s easy to get discouraged when things don’t go as planned, whether it's a prayer unanswered or a goal unachieved. However, the disciples' example challenges us not to walk away in frustration, but to stay engaged, ask questions, and lean into the process.
The Invitation to Grow in Faith
As Jesus responds to the disciples in verse 20, He points out that their faith is too small, explaining that even faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains. This can feel like a harsh rebuke, but it is also a gentle invitation to grow. It highlights the importance of positioning ourselves to have big faith. For us, this means regularly stepping out in faith, engaging in practices that stretch us, and asking ourselves questions like, Am I seeking opportunities to exercise my faith?
Just like the disciples, we are on a journey from infant faith to giants in faith. The process can feel slow and frustrating at times, but as we continue to ask questions, seek understanding, and persist in our efforts, we, too, are being shaped. The reminder here is that God is patient with us, and even when we feel like we fall short, He is still present, teaching us, and encouraging us to press on.
The Power of Curiosity and the Need for Bigger Faith
Verse 19 also brings to light an important truth: our curiosity can lead us to deeper faith. The disciples’ desire for understanding prompts a conversation that challenges their belief system and brings them closer to the heart of God. This curiosity can be transformative. It’s not about being complacent with where we are but constantly asking, What more can I learn? What more can I believe?
In our own spiritual walk, we must ask ourselves if we are cultivating a curiosity that leads to deeper faith. Are we actively seeking God’s presence and asking for more belief? It's easy to get comfortable with where we are, but the disciples show us that true growth comes from pressing in, even when we don't have all the answers. Their persistence and curiosity serve as a model for us to follow as we continue our journey of faith.
As we look at the entirety of Matthew 17, we’re reminded that faith is a journey of progression, one that requires persistence, humility, and curiosity. Just like the disciples, we may stumble along the way, but if we continue to ask, seek, and grow, we will experience the depth of God’s grace and power. Our faith, no matter how small, is powerful when it is rooted in a relationship with Jesus. Let’s continue to lean in, ask questions, and trust that God is at work in us, even in the moments of uncertainty.
