Matthew 16:21-17:13
Dear RTB’ers,
All four gospels have specific “turning points” in Jesus’ earthly ministry. Here’s Mark 8:31: And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again. Luke’s turning point is in 9:51, When the days drew near for Him to be taken up, He set his face to go to Jerusalem. John has his turning point in 12:23, And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Finally, today’s first verse has Matthew’s turning point, very similar to Mark’s: From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. (v. 16:21) This is the first note that we get from Matthew of Jesus’ death and resurrection. And, not surprisingly, in the very next verse we see that the disciples don’t get it – in this case, specifically Peter!
Then, Jesus’ Transfiguration is the first incident after his turning point in Matthew’s gospel. I think it would have been tough to be Peter. First we saw Jesus rebuking him in the previous chapter. (v. 16.23) Then Jesus takes Peter up with Him to the top of the mountain for His Transfiguration. In the midst of that glory, Peter stumbles again, wanting to build tents and hang around a while. (v. 17:4) Then on His way down Jesus tells these three disciples not to speak of this revelation until He has been raised. How could they possibly keep quiet at what they just saw!! Then He tells them again of the suffering that He must undergo: But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands. (v. 17:12) Another message of suffering, after seeing Jesus in all His glory! Yes, for Peter, confusion. For us, salvation!
Blessings!
Fred