Matt. 17:1-8 – It bothers me sometimes that when I picture Jesus in my mind I so often recall the famous paintings of Him. The inner three, Peter, James, and John, were blessed to see a glimpse of Jesus’ heavenly majesty on top of this mountain. I must always remember that I am serving the “I AM,” not a fabricated picture of an earthly man. Peter in 2 Pet. 1:16-17 recalled this event in Matthew as undeniable proof that Jesus is everything He claimed to be and that his testimony about Him was true. When Jesus returns, He will not look like the artists’ drawings. The brightness of His glory will capture us all and bring us to our knees, and the safety of His loving embrace will comfort us eternally!
Matt. 17:14-20 – I have often wondered how my life would be different had I demonstrated more faith in my younger years. How we underestimate the power of prayer and the power of faith! Jesus’ use of a hyperbolic metaphor in moving mountains is not to suggest that we can do a miracle that even He did not choose to do. It is a figure of speech to help His disciples and us as disciples to walk and live by faith. Can churches that are stagnant in growth and vitality come alive and “move mountains” so to speak in making disciples like never before in their history? OF COURSE THEY CAN! Hebrews 11 is filled with people who, against all logic and odds, did mighty works through the power of God when coupled with their faith. Mighty Father in heaven, help our unbelief!