DELIGHTING in the LORD

The one thing I ask of the Lord - the thing I seek most - is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord s perfections and meditating in his temple. Psalm 27:4 DAY 1: The Glory Of The Lord Matthew 17: The King Who Was And Is To Come So far in the book of Matthew we have seen many aspects about the Kingdom of God. Matthew 5 tells us how people of His kingdom live. In the chapters that followed, we saw the power of the King to heal, cast out demons, and control natural elements. Now in Chapter 17, we get a foretaste of the glory of the future kingdom as Jesus transfigures before three amazed disciples. However, what these men do not seem to understand yet, is that there will not be a future kingdom without a trip to Golgotha. There will not be a crown without the cross. This is another chapter full of Jesus power which starts with His transfiguration on a mountain (believed to be either Mt. Hermon or Mt. Tabor). He will then come down from this amazing mountain top experience to the desperate cry of a father wanting healing for his son. Finally, at the close of the chapter, Jesus demonstrates His ability to prophesy about the future when He tells Peter to put a hook in the water (to catch a fish) to pay the temple tax!! If you ever wonder about the power of Christ, this chapter is an exemplary testimony of not only his power but also of His glory! Before we get into Chapter 17, we will need to explore two Old Testament passages (in Exodus and 2 Kings) about the glory of the Lord. There are two men who appear before Jesus in chapter 17 and they are Moses and Elijah. These two had unique encounters with God and experienced His majesty firsthand while on earth. Their experiences are recorded for us in the Bible and will give us a glimpse into perhaps what the disciples saw and heard when Jesus transfigured before them on the mountain. R RECEIVING God s Word Open in Prayer Read Matthew 16:28-17:27 Today s Scripture Focus: Exodus 34:28-35 (Moses); 1 Kings 19:9-13 (Elijah) E EXPERIENCING God s Word 1. Read Exodus 34:28-35. What was unusual about Moses face after he came down with the 10 commandments? Matthew Chapter 17 Day 1

2. Why were people afraid of Moses appearance? What does this tell you about how He looked? The word shone/radiant means shining forth rays of light 3. Moses countenance changed every time he was in the Lord s presence. Knowing that, what does this mean to you as you think about spending time with the Lord? What should happen to your appearance (within and without) as you are in God s Word and in prayer? What happens when we don t spend time with God? 4. What does Psalm 3:3 tell us about what the Lord does for us? How does that encourage you? 5. Read 1 Kings 19:9-13. What were the three events that took place before the Lord passed by? What was Elijah to learn about God through this experience? What have you learned about God s presence from this? Matthew Chapter 17 Day 1

6. Describe how God spoke to Elijah and what was the physical response of Elijah? What does this tell you about how God sometimes speaks to us? 7. What have you learned about the glory of God and how it is manifested? A ACTING on God s Word God s glory cannot be contained in any way. He is bigger than our biggest thoughts toward Him and he is more glorious than the most amazing thing you can dream. However, we know that He is radiant and He is often a quiet whisper. Have you ever sensed God speaking to you? If so, describe it briefly. What are the ways God uses to speak to us today? Do you know God s voice? Matthew Chapter 17 Day 1

D in God s Word We have spent today learning about the two meetings God had with Moses and Elijah. Moses was left with a physical glow that shined forth from Him and Elijah heard the still small voice of the Lord. In Matthew 17 we are going to read about both the countenance of Jesus and words spoken from the voice of God. Keep in mind what you have learned today as you read Matthew 17 tomorrow. Pick a favorite verse that you read today and dwell upon it as you close in prayer. Close in Prayer NOTES Matthew Chapter 17 Day 1

The one thing I ask of the Lord - the thing I seek most - is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord s perfections and meditating in his temple. Psalm 27:4 DAY 2: Jesus Transfiguration Matthew 17: The King Who Was And Is To Come Today we will take a hike up Mt. Hermon with Jesus and three of His chosen apostles Peter, James and John. We will need to take a look at the two other accounts of this story found in Mark and Luke in order to get the full scope of all that happened on this extraordinary excursion. Did you know that Mt. Hermon has the richest butterfly species site in Israel, with no less than 100 different species? Mt. Hermon is the southernmost point of distribution for 30 of these 100 species, which do not fly to any other areas in Israel. (www.boeliem.com) I find this little fact quite interesting considering that Jesus transformation is believed to have occurred on Mt. Hermon! Just like a butterfly changes into something very different from the caterpillar that it starts out as, Jesus is about to change His appearance drastically before the select few that accompany Him. Jesus is certainly more glorious than a butterfly, but like a butterfly He will make a transformation. His glory will shine through from the inside out! What a beautiful representation of the transforming power of Jesus Christ as He works in the hearts and lives of His believers. As we spend time with Him, we too, are transformed into His image and radiate His glory. Hebrews 1:3 gives us an idea of what the disciples may have seen when Jesus made His transfomation when we read The Son is the radiance of God s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word What an incredible trip this must have been! R RECEIVING God s Word Open in Prayer Read Matthew 16:28 17:27 Today s Scripture Focus: Matthew 16:28-17:13 E EXPERIENCING God s Word 1. Read Mark 9:1-2. What do you notice that is different about the way the chapter is divided from Matthew s account (Matt. 16:29-17:1)? What does this tell you? (refer to the end of Chapter 16 if you need help) Matthew Chapter 17 Day 2

2. There may have been some confusion surrounding Matthew 16:28 regarding certain people who will not taste death until they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom. Clearly, since these men have already died, and in light of what you just read in Mark s account, what is Jesus really saying here regarding what these men are about to see? 3. Read Luke 9:28. What was the reason given for Jesus going up onto this mountain? Why is this important to notice? When did Moses countenance change? (See Day #1) 4. What transformation took place in Christ s face and clothing according to verse 2? What speaks to you about the description given? How does Mark add to the description in Mark 9:3? What about Luke in Luke 9:29? How does he describe Jesus appearance? Moses and Elijah appeared from heaven in some visible form and talked with Jesus, thus demonstrating that conscious existence follows death (The Bible Knowledge Commentary) Matthew Chapter 17 Day 2

Why Moses and Elijah? There are two schools of thought about why Moses and Elijah were chosen to appear to Jesus. The first school of thought is that they represent two categories of people who will be in Jesus kingdom in the future. There will be those who like Moses died in faith and then those who like Elijah will be taken into heaven without experiencing death (those raptured). The second school of thought is that Moses represents The Law and Elijah represents prophecy but Jesus represents them both! Personally, they both make sense to me and I m not convinced there is enough evidence to say that there is only one correct answer to this question. 5. What does Peter suggest to Jesus once Moses and Elijah show up? 6. This next moment is classic! God interrupts Peter while he is making suggestions about shelter making ideas!! What does God say? What is the response of the disciples once they hear the voice of God? Does their response give you any inkling about the authority with which the words were spoken, if so, how? 7. When have you heard God speak similar words before in the book of Matthew? What about these words authenticate Jesus as Messiah? 8. In verse 5, the words Listen to Him (NIV) and Hear Him! (NKJV) are recorded. What do you learn from this? Matthew Chapter 17 Day 2

9. How does Jesus respond to the disciples in verse 7? What qualities do you see demonstrated by Jesus in this response? What does this tell you about His character? 10. According to verse 9 when are the disciples allowed to tell others about their experience? What foreshadowing does this give the chosen three who accompanied Him on the mountain? Why is this important? 11. According to Malachi 4:4-6 how did Elijah come? Elijah is coming as the. (also Matthew 17:10-11) 12. According to Malachi 3:1, who was Jesus referring to when he said Elijah already came and was not recognized? Elijah came in the person of whom? 13. Read Luke 1:17. What does the angel tell Zechariah about his son John the Baptist? How does this help you answer the question the disciples are asking? Has Elijah already come? When will Elijah come to restore all things? Some people believe that Elijah will be one of the two witnesses whose ministry is described in Revelation 11. Others believe that the prophecy was fulfilled in the ministry of John the Baptist. (Weirsbe) Matthew Chapter 17 Day 2

A ACTING on God s Word D in God s Word The word transfigured gives us our English word metamorphosis. A metamorphosis is a change on the outside that comes from the inside. (Weirsbe). Whenever I think of watching Christ transfigure on the mountain, I picture a metamorphosis taking place (like a butterfly); His glory shining outward from what is inside Him. Can you picture this too? Now let s take that thought and to apply it to our lives. When you became a believer in Jesus Christ, a massive change occurred inside of you. You went from darkness to light! How would you describe your metamorphosis? What do you appreciate most about this change inside of you? Who noticed your change initially? How are you continuing to metamorphosis as you walk with the Lord post your salvation? How do you radiate His glory from within you? Romans 12:2 says Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Praise God that you are transforming your mind through the study of God s Word! Thank God that like we read in verse 5, we can listen to the words of Jesus, allow them to transform us, and then act upon what we hear! Close in Prayer Matthew Chapter 17 Day 2

The one thing I ask of the Lord - the thing I seek most - is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord s perfections and meditating in his temple. Psalm 27:4 DAY 3: From The Mountain Top To The Mission Field Matthew 17: The King Who Was And Is To Come There is nothing like a mountain top experience with God however, after every mountain top with God, a return back to the ground is inevitable. As much as Peter wanted to stay on the mountain top and enjoyed the splendor he witnessed there, eventually the group had to make their way back down the mountain to rejoin the other disciples and a man in desperate need of help. Our mountain top experiences are meant to be shared with others. If we are forever on the mountain top we miss the mission field. Let s go and rejoin those disciples who were left behind and see what has happened in the small group s absence. R RECEIVING God s Word Open in Prayer Read: Matthew 16:28-17:27 Today s Scripture Focus: Matthew 17:14-23 E EXPERIENCING God s Word 1. In Luke 9:27 he states that The next day, when they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met them. This is strictly an opinion question, but do you think there was anything different about the countenance of the men that had been with Jesus as they returned to the crowd in verse 14? Support your opinion one way or the other. 2. In verse 15, what did Jesus and His disciples immediately encounter? Matthew Chapter 17 Day 3

3. What happened when the disciples were asked to cast out the demon in verse 16? Sometimes Jesus followers fail, but Jesus never does. (Guzik) 4. Verse 17 seems a bit harsh perhaps upon the first read, but I want you to try and see it from Jesus perspective of long suffering and patience. What do you think Jesus is really saying here to the disciples? 5. This account is also given in Mark 9. Begin reading in verse 19 and read through 29. There are some key details about the father given here that are left out of Matthew s account. Answer the following after reading Mark: a. What does the father initially say in verse 22 that demonstrates his lack of faith in Jesus? b. How does Jesus respond to him? c. How is the father transparent in verse 24, revealing his heart? 6. The disciples take Jesus aside after He has cast out the demon and want to know why they could not cast out the demon. Mark 9:29 gives us one answer, what is it? Matthew Chapter 17 Day 3

7. Matthew 17:20 Jesus gives a second reason, what is it? Does this give you any insight about what the disciples were not doing while Jesus and the others were on the mountain top? 8. In verse 20 Jesus reminds them that they don t need much faith in order to be effective for Him, and if they have even a small amount what is possible for them? 9. A Jesus once again tries to prepare His disciples for the future. What does He tell them very plainly in verses 22-23? What is their response to this prophecy? ACTING on God s Word As we read in the introduction to this day, our mountain tops can often prepare us for what lies ahead in our mission fields. Whether you are on the mountain top (like Jesus, Peter, James and John were) or if you are on the ground (like the other 9 disciples were), we need to be about the business of prayer and faith! What does this look like for you? What are you doing so that you are equipped to fight the enemy who wants to attack you and those around you? How can you increase your prayer time and ask God (like the father in the account in Mark) I do believe; help my unbelief!? Are there areas of your life that lack faith? How much faith do you need to have in order to be effective? Reach out to someone this week that you can pray with and intercede together for your need. Matthew Chapter 17 Day 3

D in God s Word Matthew 17:20 says if you have faith as small as a mustard seed nothing will be impossible for you. This is a verse with a promise. As you seek the Lord today, remember His Spirit makes everything possible when it is in accordance with His will. Praise Him today for His strength for all of your needs and His ability to answer everything in His perfect timing! Close in Prayer NOTES Matthew Chapter 17 Day 3

The one thing I ask of the Lord - the thing I seek most - is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord s perfections and meditating in his temple. Psalm 27:4 DAY 4: A Picture Of The Coming Kingdom Matthew 17: The King Who Was And Is To Come As we read in Matthew 16:28, Jesus prophesied that just a few individuals would see the Son of Man coming into His Kingdom. Peter, James and John were these few individuals. As these men lived out Matthew 17:1-18 they actually witnessed the progression of prophecy that is yet to come! When Jesus makes His second advent to earth as recorded in Revelation 20, we see Jesus leaving heaven (like leaving the mountain top) and then defeating Satan (like driving out the demon in the boy). Today we will go to Revelation to see this incredible eye-opening connection! This day s work is short but since other days have been longer, I think it will all balance out over the course of this week. R RECEIVING God s Word Open in Prayer Read Matthew 16:28-17:27 Today s Scripture Focus: Revelation 20:1-3 E EXPERIENCING God s Word 1. Where does the angel (as described by John in Rev. 20: 1) come from? What heavenly experience did Jesus have in Matthew 17:1-5? 2. Who is the only one who holds the key to death and hell according to Revelation 1:17-18? 3. Who is bound in Revelation 20:2? Who does Jesus rebuke and cast out in Matthew 17:18? Matthew Chapter 17 Day 4

A ACTING on God s Word Revelation 1:8 tells us I am the Alpha and the Omega, says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty Jesus knows the beginning from the end because He is part of the trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit). When Jesus spoke prophecy, He spoke it with perfect accuracy because He knew all that was ahead and is yet to come in the future. I was listening to the Casting Crown s song Already There this past week and the words say this: From where I'm standing Lord it's so hard for me to see Where this is going And where You're leading me I wish I knew how All my fears and all my questions Are gonna play out In a world I can't control When I'm lost in the mystery To You my future is a memory Cause You're already there You're already there Standing at the end of my life Waiting on the other side And You're already there You're already there From where You're standing Lord, You see a grand design That You imagined When You breathed me into life And all the chaos Comes together in Your hands Like a masterpiece Of Your picture perfect plan One day I'll stand before You And look back on the life I've lived I can't wait to enjoy the view And see how all the pieces fit Matthew Chapter 17 Day 4

All of the pieces do fit together in our lives! Just as the disciples could not really put everything together at this point in Jesus ministry, the dots would connect later for them and they would become powerful men of God. Are you puzzled by your circumstances? Do things not fit together? What do you wish you understood more fully? Spend some time in prayer now committing to trusting God because He truly does have a plan and because He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, you can trust it is for your good and His glory! D in God s Word Just as the Casting Crowns song points out (and we read in Revelation), our future is a memory to God. That is so encouraging to me! It brings me peace knowing that He knows what is ahead and that I can trust Him with my future. And some day, at the end of my life, He will be waiting for me on the other side because He is already there! I don t know about you, but I am looking forward to the day I finally see Him face to face. Close in prayer Matthew Chapter 17 Day 4

The one thing I ask of the Lord - the thing I seek most - is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord s perfections and meditating in his temple. Psalm 27:4 DAY 5: The King s Knowledge of the Past, Present and Future Matthew 17: The King Who Was And Is To Come The series of events that unfold today will once again demonstrate Jesus knowledge of past and future events and it will all unfold in one fishing trip taken by Peter. As we have learned this week, Jesus knows everything and so nothing takes Him by surprise. His ability to tie events together is always perfect because He knows all! When I first read this account in Matthew, I tried to take in all the variables that made acquiring this coin possible and it is mind boggling! If you consider what the chances are of the first fish Peter caught having swallowed the exact amount of money that was required to pay the temple tax, the likelihood must be at least one in a 100,000 or higher! Crazy odds! Yet, because nothing is too difficult for God, it came to pass, just like He predicted. The other thing that strikes me about this passage is that Jesus could have blown with His breath a coin into existence. Why go through all this work to acquire the coin? I believe that He wanted to increase Peter s faith through this exercise of trust! So let s go take a fishing trip with Peter and see how our faith in Jesus grows as well! R RECEIVING God s Word Open in Prayer Read Matthew 16:28-17:27 Today s Scripture Focus: Matthew 17:24-27 E EXPERIENCING God s Word 1. Recall back to the introduction to Matthew. What was Matthew s profession? This account is not given in any of the other Gospels. Why do you think Matthew included it? 2. What do the tax collectors want from Jesus and why is this tax collected? Matthew Chapter 17 Day 5

3. In verse 24, the tax collectors asked Peter a question about Jesus actions and instead of asking Jesus what His answer would be, Peter answers for Him. Jesus knows what Peter has done and asks Peter about it when he comes into the home where they are. What is the question? (restate it in your own words) 4. Read Matthew 15:12. What has Jesus done to the Pharisees? 5. Why does Jesus chose to pay this tax according to verse 24? What do you notice about why Jesus responds one way to the Pharisees and one way to the tax collectors? Why do you think He does this? Directions to Peter: 7. Jesus Demonstration of His Knowledge of the Past Jesus Demonstration of His Knowledge of the Future What can be assumed regarding the outcome of this event even though it is not recorded for us? Matthew Chapter 17 Day 5

A ACTING on God s Word Jesus knows your past, your present and your future. How does this encourage you today? Record in the chart below event(s) that demonstrate God s knowledge of your past, present and future and include Biblical references if you can:. God s Faithfulness/Knowledge of my Past: D God s Faithfulness/Knowledge of my Present Circumstances: God s Faithfulness/Knowledge of my Future: in God s Word Psalm 139:17-18 says How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. I love this verse. God thinks about us! And those thoughts cannot be numbered! His thoughts are good and He knows intimately about my coming and going each and every day! Praise Him today for His love for you and that He knows your past, present and future! Close in Prayer Matthew Chapter 17 Day 5