The transfiguration of Christ. (1–13)
Jesus casts out a dumb and deaf spirit. (14–21)
He again foretells his sufferings. (22, 23)
He works a miracle to pay the tribute (24–27)
money.Verses 1–13
Now the disciples beheld somewhat of Christ's glory, as of the only begotten of the Father. It
was intended to support their faith, when they would have to witness his crucifixion; and would
give them an idea of the glory prepared for them, when changed by his power and made like him.
The apostles were overcome by the glorious sight. Peter thought that it was most desirable to
continue there, and to go no more down to meet the sufferings of which he was so unwilling to
hear. In this he knew not what he said. We are wrong, if we look for a heaven here upon earth.
Whatever tabernacles we propose to make for ourselves in this world, we must always remember
to ask Christ's leave. That sacrifice was not yet offered, without which the souls of sinful men could
not have been saved; and important services were to be done by Peter and his brethren. While Peter
spoke, a bright cloud overshadowed them, an emblem of the Divine presence and glory. Ever since
man sinned, and heard God's voice in the garden, unusual appearances of God have been terrible
to man. They fell prostrate to the earth, till Jesus encouraged them; when looking round, they beheld
only their Lord as they commonly saw him. We must pass through varied experiences in our way
to glory; and when we return to the world after an ordinance, it must be our care to take Christ with
us, and then it may be our comfort that he is with us.
Verses 14–21
The case of afflicted children should be presented to God by faithful and fervent prayer. Christ
cured the child. Though the people were perverse, and Christ was provoked, yet care was taken of
the child. When all other helps and succours fail, we are welcome to Christ, may trust in him, and
in his power and goodness. See here an emblem of Christ's undertaking as our Redeemer. It
encourages parents to bring children to Christ, whose souls are under Satan's power; he is able to
heal them, and as willing as he is able. Not only bring them to Christ by prayer, but bring them to
the word of Christ; to means by which Satan's strong-holds in the soul are beaten down. It is good
for us to distrust ourselves and our own strength; but it is displeasing to Christ when we distrust
any power derived from him, or granted by him. There was also something in the malady which
rendered the cure difficult. The extraordinary power of Satan must not discourage our faith, but
quicken us to more earnestness in praying to God for the increase of it. Do we wonder to see Satan's
bodily possession of this young man from a child, when we see his spiritual possession of every
son of Adam from the fall!
Verses 22 , 23