Matthew 17

The section title in my Bible calls the first part of chapter 17 The Transfiguration. Wouldn’t a more accurate title be the Reconfiguration? Or the Reestablishment? Or the Restoration? This is the first time that Jesus’ glory is allowed to come through in His earthly body. He is being restored to the state He was in before Mary birthed Him.

I find it interesting that the heavenly declaration given here is the same as the one given immediately following His baptism, save for the admonition “Listen to Him!” Evidently the listening wasn’t getting done. If Jesus is beginning to speak about His death and we are told to listen to Him, then perhaps His death is an important thing. (It is!)

Maybe it’s a little bit of schadenfreude, but I helps me to see the constant reprimanding of the disciples for their lack of faith. Knowing that the ones in Jesus’ inner circle still had their moments of humanity eases the guilt of the same struggle in myself. It doesn’t excuse it, but I can see that Jesus was graciously patient with them and He will do the same with me.

The temple tax story is an odd one. Only Matthew recorded it. From what I’ve read, this is the only miracle Jesus performed for His own benefit. It’s also the only one involving money. I’m not really sure what conclusion to draw from that, I just found it interesting.