The Transfiguration of Christ
Jesus took Peter, James and John up to a mountain. There, Jesus was transfigured into a state of bright glory. There standing with Him were Moses and Elijah, Moses whose body was buried by God Himself, and Elijah who was taken up into Heaven by a chariot of fire. Two men who were close to God in power and might. Jesus had said to the 12 disciples prior to taking these 3 with Him to the mountain that there were some among them that would not taste death until they saw the Kingdom of God manifest with power. These 3 were privileged to see this.
The Disciples Unable to Cast Out a Demon
It seems that age know no bounds when it comes to evil spirits tormenting people. What could have caused a spirit to enter into this boy? We may never know why, but one thing we do know is that Jesus’ question to the Father about how long the boy had been tormented showed Jesus’ compassion. Can demons come in from sin of a parent? A child can see the sin of a parent which will open up the will of the child to accept such sin.
Jesus used the 9 disciples failure, who hadn’t gone with Jesus to the mount of Transfiguration, as a teaching tool. He will send us to do things that we don’t know anything about, knowing that we may fail, so that we can grow. Although the disciples had experience with casting out demons prior to this incident (Mark 6), they came against something that challenged their faith even further. Though they had the authority from Jesus, something prevented them from using it. Jesus rebuked His disciples. Their faith was lacking and that is why they couldn’t cast out the demon. We see that faith is the key to any miracle. Prayer and fasting awakens faith within us, so that when we do confront evil spirits, we will be filled enough to act in Jesus’ authority to send demons packing.
Jesus Again Prophesies His Death and Resurrection
During His time walking with the 12 disciples, He often would mention the true purpose of His destiny as the Anointed One of God: to suffer and die, but be resurrected 3 days later. The disciples response was always indifferent.
The Disciples Argue over Who Will Be the Greatest
Peter, James and John had just witnessed the the glory of Jesus, and returning with Jesus from the mountain of transfiguration, they encountered the other 9 disciples who couldn’t cast out a demon. Could competition have been stirred up among them because of this? They were arguing about who would be greatest. Jesus admonished them that there can be a greater: the one who is not vying for status, but humbly serves others. The disciples later told Jesus that there was someone casting out demons who wasn’t a part of their group, wanting them to stop. But Jesus again admonished His disciples not to think in such a way to degrade someone because as His parable of the milestone says, if they continued in their unnecessary rebuke and denigration of that soul, it would be better to have never been born than to face the judgement that their evil actions deserved.
Jesus spoke of sin being compared to everlasting hell fire if we don’t turn from our sin. He also uses fire to say that everyone will be “salted with fire.” John the baptizer said that Jesus baptizes with the Holy Ghost and fire. Fire for the believer is refining and purifying. Fire for the sinner is everlasting torment.
Summary
- Faith is the key that unlocks doors to miracles, 19
- Supernatural is natural when following Christ, 3-8
- Faith tried is faith true, 19, 23, 29
- It takes real faith to walk in Jesus ways, 18-19
- Greatness is found in serving others, 34-35
- Be sure you truly believe you believe, 24
- Its best to loose a limb today than let you soul be cast away, 43-48
- Your belief can affect change in others, 23-26
- Become seasoned in the Lord, 50
- Be not afraid to ask the Lord of His ways, 32
