Matthew 17 reminds me of a TV show called Undercover Boss. The premise is that the Owner of a large company dresses as a grunt, to see how the real employees live and to understand their working conditions. At the end of each episode, the owner is revealed and struggling low-level people are given rewards for their dedication. In today’s chapter we see that faith and free will are closely related. The chapter begins with Peter, James and John following Jesus to the desolate mountain; “There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light”. This is the Messiah described in the Second Coming and the Redeemer anticipated by the Hebrew nation. We read, additionally they saw “before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus”. At the same time, the very voice of God spoke, “This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!” The disciples “fell facedown to the ground, terrified” until Jesus touched them saying, “Don’t be afraid”. Peter’s reaction helps us understand why the Majesty had to be wrapped in humanity. Peter immediately wanted to build shrines to commemorate the event. Jesus response was shocking to them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead”. The Jewish mind could not comprehend how or why Messiah should die. How could the Boss become a sacrifice?
In the aftermath of terror and reverence, Jesus repeated His purpose, “the Son of Man is going to suffer”. Only a sinless man could make atonement for the sin of Adam, and only God can be sinless. The apostle Paul, a Hebrew student of the Law of Moses, expressed it this way, “For just as through the disobedience of the one man (Adam) the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one Man (Jesus) the many will be made righteous” (Romans 5:19). We cannot be made righteous by our own efforts because our efforts fall short of perfection. This job requires faith.
The rest of the chapter teaches that it does not matter how much faith we have, but in Whom we place our faith! First a man “approached Jesus and knelt before Him” saying “Lord, have mercy on my son… He has seizures and is suffering greatly… Your disciples… could not heal him”. This man was desperate. Jesus reacted emphatically, “You unbelieving and perverse generation…how long shall I stay with you?” What’s the issue? I believe He is correcting His leadership. Guys, you cannot fix spiritual problems with human efforts. “Jesus rebuked the demon” and the boy “was healed at that moment”. The disciples wanted to know why they failed, and Jesus replied, “Because you have so little faith… if you have faith as small as a mustard seed… Nothing will be impossible for you”. Wait, doesn’t that contradict itself? I think He is saying that after we find success, we often begin to trust in our own abilities, but some tasks can only be done by the owner. His next statement confirms that, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill Him, and on the third day He will be raised to life”. Friend, this is the key to faith. All of the charitable deeds and unselfish acts will not elevate you above the cross of the boss. He alone can pay the debt of your sin. Notice the promise includes BOTH death and resurrection to new life. Do you believe that? Our only job is to accept that and give it to others. Do you know Who you work for?