Matthew 17:14-27
Q.1. What was the father’s complaint to Jesus? What did Jesus do with the boy? Are you surprised by the response of Jesus? What troubled Him about His disciples? (Mt.17:14-18)
Jesus had commissioned the Twelve with power and authority to cast out unclean spirits and to heal diseases, when He sent them out to proclaim the Kingdom of God (c.f. Mt.10:1; Lk.9:1-2). Even the Seventy other disciples reported joyfully – Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name (Lk.10:17). However, on coming down from the Mount of Transfiguration, Jesus and His disciples were greeted by a desperate father emerging from the crowd. He complained that the disciples had been powerless to set his afflicted son free (Mt.17:15-16). The response of Jesus is intriguing – You unbelieving and perverted generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring him here to Me (Mt.17:17). Mark’s account explained that Jesus had walked into an argument between His disciples and the Scribes (Mk.9:14-17). The man’s son was in a terrible state, and the factions were fighting about the right protocol (Mk.9:18). Jesus expressed His concern – How long shall I be with you? (c.f. Mk.9:19). He chided them for their insensitivity and failure to act. Demons were not defeated by a magic formula. To cast them out required dependence on the Living Christ. His disciples had been too easily side-tracked by the Scribes. Jesus then rebuked the demon, and the boy was immediately set free (Mt.17:18). Mark added some further insights on the incident. As may often be the case, even with Jesus present, things can become worse before they get better (c.f. Mk.9:20). Jesus spent more time checking the facts from the father, who cried – If You can do anything, take pity on us and help us (Mk.9:22). Jesus pointed out – All things are possible to him who believes (Mk.9:23). After years of suffering, the father responded honestly – I do believe; help my unbelief (Mk.9:24). This in no way hindered Jesus from casting out the deaf and mute spirit (Mk.9:25-27).
Q.2. How did Jesus explain the powerlessness of His disciples? What did Jesus mean by His reference to a mustard seed and a mountain? What was destined to happen to Jesus? – (Mt.17:19-23)
Power comes from our connection to Christ. The reason the disciples had failed was – 20 … Because of the littleness of your faith. For truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, `Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you. (Mt.17:20). Matthew 17:21 – But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting … is not in the earlier manuscripts but is in the original of Mark 9:29. The growth of even the tiny mustard seed is dependent on its faith in God. The New Testament highlighted the essentiality of faith in Christ since nothing is impossible with God (Mt.19:26; Lk.1:37 c.f. Heb.11:1-40). Here Jesus spoke figuratively about moving a mountain into the sea, to illustrate the staggering things that faith in Him can produce. However, there was no easy road ahead for Jesus, as He again predicted His coming death and resurrection at the hand of wicked sinners – 22 … The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men; 23 and they will kill Him, and He will be raised on the third day. And they were deeply grieved (Mt.17:22-23). His disciples could not imagine that such a One as Jesus would actually die. His claim that He would rise on the third day was hidden from them until later (c.f. Lk.24:8).
Q.3. Why would questions arise about Jesus’ paying tax? How did Jesus explain the place of believers in the world? What did the miracle reveal about Christ’s submission to authority? (Mt.17:24-27)
The question of paying taxes was raised with Peter by those who collected taxes (Mt.17:24). Peter responded that even the Son of God honoured the governing system of His day and paid taxes (Mt.17:25; 22:17-21; Rom.13:1, 6-7). Jesus overheard the conversation and drove home the point that the sons of the kingdom who were owners of the land should be exempt from paying customs and poll-tax (Mt.17:25-26). Nevertheless, He submitted Himself to the authorities to avoid causing offence and told Peter to – … go to the sea and throw in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for you and Me (Mt.17:27). God will provide whatever we need to do what is right.