Matthew 18:10-14
10 “See that you don’t look down on one of these little ones, because I tell you that in heaven their angels continually view the face of My Father in heaven.

• Children have guardian angels.

[11 For the Son of Man has come to save the lost.] 12 What do you think? If a man has 100 sheep, and one of them goes astray, won’t he leave the 99 on the hillside and go and search for the stray? 13 And if he finds it, I assure you: He rejoices over that sheep more than over the 99 that did not go astray. 14 In the same way, it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones perish.[1]

• Jesus loves the little children
• God loves and protects the children

 
Matthew 18:15-35
15 “If your brother sins against you, go and rebuke him in private. If he listens to you, you have won your brother. 16 But if he won’t listen, take one or two more with you, so that by the testimony of two or three witnesses every fact may be established.

• Deuteronomy 19:15 - “One witness cannot establish any wrongdoing or sin against a person, whatever that person has done. A fact must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.[2]
• Numbers 35:30 - “If anyone kills a person, the murderer is to be put to death based on the word of witnesses. But no one is to be put to death based on the testimony of one witness.[3]
• John 8:17 - Even in your law it is written that the witness of two men is valid.[4]
• 2 Corinthians 13:1 - Every fact must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.[5]
• 1 Timothy 5:19 - Don’t accept an accusation against an elder unless it is supported by two or three witnesses.[6]
• Hebrews 10:28 - If anyone disregards Moses’ law, he dies without mercy, based on the testimony of two or three witnesses. [7]

 
17 If he pays no attention to them, tell the church.
- Extreme cases today… social networking… lawsuits… far-sided opinions
But if he doesn’t pay attention even to the church, let him be like an unbeliever and a tax collector to you.
 - Romans16:17-18 - Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause dissensions and obstacles contrary to the doctrine you have learned. Avoid them, 18 for such people do not serve our Lord Christ but their own appetites. They deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting with smooth talk and flattering words.[8]
2 Thessalonians 3:6 - Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from every brother who walks irresponsibly and not according to the tradition received from us.[9]
1 Corinthians 5:1-5 - It is widely reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and the kind of sexual immorality that is not even tolerated among the Gentiles —a man is living with his father’s wife. 2 And you are inflated with pride, instead of filled with grief so that he who has committed this act might be removed from your congregation. 3 For though I am absent in body but present in spirit, I have already decided about the one who has done this thing as though I were present. 4 When you are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus with my spirit and with the power of our Lord Jesus, 5 turn that one over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the Day of the Lord. [10]
2 Corinthians 2:5-8 - If anyone has caused pain, he has caused pain not so much to me but to some degree—not to exaggerate —to all of you. 6 The punishment inflicted by the majority is sufficient for that person. 7 As a result, you should instead forgive and comfort him. Otherwise, this one may be overwhelmed by excessive grief. 8 Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him.[11]
 
18 I assure you: Whatever you bind (forbid) on earth is already bound in heaven, and whatever you loose (permit) on earth is already loosed in heaven. 19 Again, I assure you: If two of you on earth agree about any matter that you pray for, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there among them.”
 

• Jesus is teaching an atmosphere in the community that breads humility and honesty.

 
21 Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how many times could my brother sin against me and I forgive him? As many as seven times?”
22 “I tell you, not as many as seven,” Jesus said to him, “but 70 times seven.
1 Corinthians 13:5 – Love keeps no record of wrong.
23 For this reason, the kingdom of heaven can be compared to a king who wanted to settle accounts with his slaves. 24 When he began to settle accounts, one who owed 10,000 talents was brought before him. 25 Since he had no way to pay it back, his master commanded that he, his wife, his children, and everything he had be sold to pay the debt.
26 “At this, the slave fell facedown before him and said, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you everything!’ 27 Then the master of that slave had compassion, released him, and forgave him the loan.
28 “But that slave went out and found one of his fellow slaves who owed him 100 denarii. He grabbed him, started choking him, and said, ‘Pay what you owe!’
29 “At this, his fellow slave fell down and began begging him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’ 30 But he wasn’t willing. On the contrary, he went and threw him into prison until he could pay what was owed. 31 When the other slaves saw what had taken place, they were deeply distressed and went and reported to their master everything that had happened.
32 “Then, after he had summoned him, his master said to him, ‘You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. 33 Shouldn’t you also have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?’ 34 And his master got angry and handed him over to the jailers to be tortured until he could pay everything that was owed. 35 So My heavenly Father will also do to you if each of you does not forgive his brother from his heart.”[12]

• It is critical to be able to separate identity and behavior.

 
John 7:2-9
2 The Jewish Festival of Tabernacles was near, 3 so His brothers said to Him, “Leave here and go to Judea so Your disciples can see Your works that You are doing. 4 For no one does anything in secret while he’s seeking public recognition. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world.” 5 (For not even His brothers believed in Him.)
6 Jesus told them, “My time has not yet arrived, but your time is always at hand. 7 The world cannot hate you, but it does hate Me because I testify about it—that its deeds are evil. 8 Go up to the festival yourselves. I’m not going up to the festival yet, because My time has not yet fully come.” 9 After He had said these things, He stayed in Galilee. [13]

• Jesus knew that the message the disciples would bring to the people was enough.
• Jesus didn’t need to do any great miracle at this time.

[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mt 18:6–14). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Dt 19:15). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Nu 35:30). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[4] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Jn 8:17). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[5] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (2 Co 13:1). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[6] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (1 Ti 5:19). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[7] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Heb 10:28). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[8] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ro 16:17–18). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[9] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (2 Th 3:6). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[10] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (1 Co 5:1–5). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[11] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (2 Co 2:5–8). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[12] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mt 18:15–35). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[13] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Jn 7:2–9). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.

Matthew 17:24-27

• Matthew is the only letter that includes this story
• Matthew was a former tax collector

24 When they came to Capernaum, those who collected the double-drachma tax approached Peter and said, “Doesn’t your Teacher pay the double-drachma tax?”
25 “Yes,” he said.

• The temple tax was paid by all Jews at the time of the Passover.
• This is now 6 months later (Festival of Booths)
• Jesus and Peter were overdue on their taxes

When he went into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, “What do you think, Simon? Who do earthly kings collect tariffs or taxes from? From their sons or from strangers?”
26 “From strangers,” he said.
“Then the sons are free,” Jesus told him. 27 “But, so we won’t offend them, go to the sea, cast in a fishhook, and take the first fish that you catch. When you open its mouth you’ll find a coin. Take it and give it to them for Me and you.”[1]

• The only miracle we recorded that dealt with money.
• The only miracle that is not confirmed that it actually happened. Jesus only told Peter what to do. No recorded results.
• This miracle seems like it was for the benefit of Jesus which would be the first.
• The payment of the temple tax was actually for the benefit of the Jews (so they would not be offended).
• While Jesus did not hesitate to break the man-made traditions of the Pharisees, He was careful to obey the Law of God.[2]
• How the other disciples paid their taxes, we are not told.
• This was one of many miracles that Jesus performed for Peter. He healed Peter’s mother-in-law (Mark 1:29–34), helped Peter to catch fish (Luke 5:1–11), enabled him to walk on the water (Matt. 14:22–33), healed Malchus’ ear (Matt. 26:47–56), and delivered Peter from prison (Acts 12:1ff). No wonder Peter wrote, “Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).[3]
• Son of the King yet was so poor he didn’t even have a half a shekel (double drachma)
• Adam and Eve once had dominion over the animals (until the fall)
• Jesus displays dominion over a fish in this miracle.
• Adam and Eve lost their dominion over animals because of their disobedience.
• Jesus has dominion over the animals because of His obedience.
• First, someone had to lose a coin in the water. Then, a fish had to take that coin in its mouth and retain it. That same fish then had to bite on Peter’s hook—with an impediment in its mouth—and be caught.
• You cannot explain all of this in a natural way. It is too complex for an accident, and too difficult for human management.[4]

 
Matthew 18:1-5
1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, “Who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
2 Then He called a child to Him and had him stand among them. 3 “I assure you,” He said, “unless you are converted and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child—this one is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoever welcomes one child like this in My name welcomes Me. [5]
 
Mark 9:33-37

• This story took place after the transfiguration where Peter, James & John got to do see something the other disciples did not.
• There was a pride issue going on here.

33 Then they came to Capernaum. When He was in the house, He asked them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” 34 But they were silent, because on the way they had been arguing with one another about who was the greatest.

• There is dissention in the ranks.
• Still thinking of themselves.
• When Christians are living for themselves and not for others, then there is bound to be conflict and division[6]
• This is just how kids respond to parents.

 
Matthew 18:2-5
2 Then He called a child to Him and had him stand among them. 3 “I assure you,” He said, “unless you are converted and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child—this one is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoever welcomes one child like this in My name welcomes Me. [7]

• Children were without status in the ancient world and at the mercy of adults.[8]
• An unspoiled child has the characteristics that make for humility: trust (Matt. 18:6), dependence, the desire to make others happy, an absence of boasting or selfish desire to be greater than others. [9]

 
Mark 9:35
35 Sitting down, He called the Twelve and said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” 36 Then He took a child, had him stand among them, and taking him in His arms, He said to them, 37 “Whoever welcomes one little child such as this in My name welcomes Me. And whoever welcomes Me does not welcome Me, but Him who sent Me.” [10]
 
Luke 9:46-48
46 Then an argument started among them about who would be the greatest of them. 47 But Jesus, knowing the thoughts of their hearts, took a little child and had him stand next to Him. 48 He told them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in My name welcomes Me. And whoever welcomes Me welcomes Him who sent Me. For whoever is least among you—this one is great.”[11]
 
Matthew 18:6-14
6 “But whoever causes the downfall of one of these little ones who believe in Me—it would be better for him if a heavy millstone were hung around his neck and he were drowned in the depths of the sea! 7 Woe to the world because of offenses. For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes. 8 If your hand or your foot causes your downfall, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or lame, than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into the eternal fire. 9 And if your eye causes your downfall, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye, rather than to have two eyes and be thrown into hellfire!
 
10 “See that you don’t look down on one of these little ones, because I tell you that in heaven their angels continually view the face of My Father in heaven.  [11 For the Son of Man has come to save the lost.] 12 What do you think? If a man has 100 sheep, and one of them goes astray, won’t he leave the 99 on the hillside and go and search for the stray? 13 And if he finds it, I assure you: He rejoices over that sheep more than over the 99 that did not go astray. 14 In the same way, it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones perish.[12]
 
Mark 9:38-50
38 John said to Him, “Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in Your name, and we tried to stop him because he wasn’t following us.”

• This man was not one of the 12 (or the elite 3)
• Think about it… he said this on the heals of the 9 not being able to cast out the mute demon.

39 “Don’t stop him,” said Jesus, “because there is no one who will perform a miracle in My name who can soon afterward speak evil of Me. 40 For whoever is not against us is for us. 41 And whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because of My name, since you belong to the Messiah —I assure you: He will never lose his reward.

• Theology should not divide
• Virgin birth of Jesus
• Jesus came to earth in human form but was still God.
• Jesus died on the cross.
• Jesus was resurrected.
• But who do I want to align with? Broken… humble men.
• We are on the same team.
• There should be no competition in the body of Christ.

42 “But whoever causes the downfall of one of these little ones who believe in Me —it would be better for him if a heavy millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. 43 And if your hand causes your downfall, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than to have two hands and go to hell—the unquenchable fire, [44 where
Their worm does not die,
and the fire is not quenched.]
45 And if your foot causes your downfall, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than to have two feet and be thrown into hell— [the unquenchable fire, 46 where
Their worm does not die,
and the fire is not quenched.]
47 And if your eye causes your downfall, gouge it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, 48 where
Their worm does not die,
and the fire is not quenched.

• Jesus is saying that sin is like cancer.
• It would be better to get rid of it.

49 For everyone will be salted with fire. 50 Salt is good, but if the salt should lose its flavor, how can you make it salty? Have salt among yourselves and be at peace with one another.”[13]

• The Jews were not allowed to put leaven or honey on their sacrifices, but they were required to use salt (Lev. 2:11, 13).
• Salt speaks of purity and preservation.
• Salt was a symbol for the incorruptible.
• It was used in Old Testament days in the establishing of covenants.
• The disciples were God’s salt (Matt. 5:13), but they were in danger of losing their flavor and becoming worthless.[14]

 
Luke 9:49-50
49 John responded, “Master, we saw someone driving out demons in Your name, and we tried to stop him because he does not follow us.”
50 “Don’t stop him,” Jesus told him, “because whoever is not against you is for you.”[15]

[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mt 17:24–27). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 63). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[3] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, pp. 63–64). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[4] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 63). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[5] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mt 18:1–5). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[6] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 64). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[7] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mt 18:1–5). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[8] Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., … Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (Mt 18:2). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
[9] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 64). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[10] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mk 9:33–37). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[11] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Lk 9:46–48). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[12] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mt 18:6–14). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[13] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mk 9:38–50). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[14] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 143). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[15] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Lk 9:49–50). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.

Matthew 17:1-8
1 After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother John and led them up on a high mountain by themselves. 2 He was transformed in front of them, and His face shone like the sun. Even His clothes became as white as the light. 3 Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him.
4 Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it’s good for us to be here! If You want, I will make three tabernacles here: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
5 While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said:
This is My beloved Son.
I take delight in Him.
Listen to Him!
6 When the disciples heard it, they fell facedown and were terrified.
7 Then Jesus came up, touched them, and said, “Get up; don’t be afraid.” 8 When they looked up they saw no one except Him —Jesus alone.[1]
 
Matthew 17:9-13
9 As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Don’t tell anyone about the vision until the Son of Man is raised from the dead.”
10 So the disciples questioned Him, “Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”

• Malachi 4:5-6 - Look, I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome Day of the Lord comes. 6And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers. [2]
• Based upon Pharisaic teachings (scribes)… Elijah must come first.
• Malach 3:1 - 1 “See, I am going to send My messenger, and he will clear the way before Me.[3]
  
  

11 “Elijah is coming and will restore everything,” He replied. 12 “But I tell you: Elijah has already come, and they didn’t recognize him. On the contrary, they did whatever they pleased to him. In the same way the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands.” 13 Then the disciples understood that He spoke to them about John the Baptist.[4]

• John 1:19-21 - 19 This is John’s testimony when the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who are you?”
• He did not refuse to answer, but he declared: “I am not the Messiah.”
• “What then?” they asked him. “Are you Elijah?”

“I am not,” he said.[5]

• Jesus had previously told them that John the Baptist was the Elijah to come… “if accepted”.
• Matthew 11:11-14 – (addressing the multitudes) 11 “I assure you: Among those born of women no one greater than John the Baptist has appeared, but the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been suffering violence, and the violent have been seizing it by force. 13 For all the prophets and the Law prophesied until John; 14 if you’re willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who is to come. 15 Anyone who has ears should listen! [6]
• John the Baptist would have been Elijah if he would have been accepted as Elijah.
• They didn’t recognize him as Elijah or Jesus as the Messiah.
• God knew all this through His foreknowledge.

 
Mark 9:9-13
9 As they were coming down from the mountain, He ordered them to tell no one what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 10 They kept this word to themselves, discussing what “rising from the dead” meant.
11 Then they began to question Him, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”
12 “Elijah does come first and restores everything,” He replied. “How then is it written about the Son of Man that He must suffer many things and be treated with contempt? 13 But I tell you that Elijah really has come, and they did whatever they pleased to him, just as it is written about him.” [7]
 
Luke 9:36
36 After the voice had spoken, only Jesus was found. They kept silent, and in those days told no one what they had seen.[8]
 
Matthew 17:14-20
14 When they reached the crowd, a man approached and knelt down before Him. 15 “Lord,” he said, “have mercy on my son, because he has seizures and suffers severely. He often falls into the fire and often into the water. 16 I brought him to Your disciples, but they couldn’t heal him.”
17 Jesus replied, “You unbelieving and rebellious generation! How long will I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring him here to Me.” 18 Then Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him, and from that moment the boy was healed.
19 Then the disciples approached Jesus privately and said, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”
20 “Because of your little faith,” He told them. “For I assure you: If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.[9]

• After coming down off the mountain (an incredible experience) they entered into chaos.
• Similar to when Jesus was baptized and affirmed by God and then went into the wilderness and was tempted.

Mark 9:14-29
14 When they came to the disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and scribes disputing with them.

• There was a public scene occurring.
• God’s timing

15 All of a sudden, when the whole crowd saw Him, they were amazed and ran to greet Him.

• The crowd ran to Jesus
• But they had to take the focus off themselves, look up and see Jesus.

16 Then He asked them, “What are you arguing with them about?”
17 Out of the crowd, one man answered Him, “Teacher, I brought my son to You. He has a spirit that makes him unable to speak. 18 Wherever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid. So I asked Your disciples to drive it out, but they couldn’t.”
 - How come your disciples can’t do what you do?
19 He replied to them, “You unbelieving generation! How long will I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring him to Me.”
 - Who is Jesus speaking to? The unbelievers…
 - Jesus is not condemning his disciples.
20 So they brought him to Him. When the spirit saw Him, it immediately convulsed the boy. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. 21 “How long has this been happening to him?” Jesus asked his father.
“From childhood,” he said. 22 “And many times it has thrown him into fire or water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”

• Personal need

23 Then Jesus said to him, “ ‘If You can’? Everything is possible to the one who believes.”
24 Immediately the father of the boy cried out, “I do believe! Help my unbelief.”

• Personal faith

25 When Jesus saw that a crowd was rapidly coming together, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you: come out of him and never enter him again!”
26 Then it came out, shrieking and convulsing him violently. The boy became like a corpse, so that many said, “He’s dead.” 27 But Jesus, taking him by the hand, raised him, and he stood up.
28 After He went into a house, His disciples asked Him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”
29 And He told them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer [and fasting].”[10]
 
Matthew 17:19-20
19 Then the disciples approached Jesus privately and said, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”
20 “Because of your little faith,” He told them. “For I assure you: If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.
 
Luke 9:37-43
37 The next day, when they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met Him. 38 Just then a man from the crowd cried out, “Teacher, I beg You to look at my son, because he’s my only child. 39 Often a spirit seizes him; suddenly he shrieks, and it throws him into convulsions until he foams at the mouth; wounding him, it hardly ever leaves him. 40 I begged Your disciples to drive it out, but they couldn’t.”
41 Jesus replied, “You unbelieving and rebellious generation! How long will I be with you and put up with you? Bring your son here.”
42 As the boy was still approaching, the demon knocked him down and threw him into severe convulsions. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, cured the boy, and gave him back to his father. 43 And they were all astonished at the greatness of God.[11]
 
Matthew 17:22-23
22 As they were meeting in Galilee, Jesus told them, “The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men. 23 They will kill Him, and on the third day He will be raised up.” And they were deeply distressed. [12]
 
Mark 9:30-32
30 Then they left that place and made their way through Galilee, but He did not want anyone to know it.
 - Didn’t Jesus come to share the Gospel?
- He wanted quality time with His disciples.
31 For He was teaching His disciples and telling them, “The Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill Him, and after He is killed, He will rise three days later.” 32 But they did not understand this statement, and they were afraid to ask Him.[13]

• They realized they were not getting it but probably should be.

 
Luke 9:43-45
43 While everyone was amazed at all the things He was doing, He told His disciples, 44 “Let these words sink in: The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men.”
45 But they did not understand this statement; it was concealed from them so that they could not grasp it, and they were afraid to ask Him about it.[14]

[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mt 17:1–8). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mal 4:5–6). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mal 3). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[4] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mt 17:9–13). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[5] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Jn 1:19–21). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[6] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mt 11:11–15). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[7] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mk 9:9–13). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[8] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Lk 9:36). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[9] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mt 17:14–20). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[10] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mk 9:14–29). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[11] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Lk 9:37–43). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[12] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mt 17:22–23). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[13] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mk 9:30–32). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[14] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Lk 9:43–45). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.

Matthew 16:21-26
21 From then on Jesus began to point out to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders, chief priests, and scribes, be killed, and be raised the third day.
 - Jesus had to die in Jerusalem
 - Where was the Passover lamb sacrificed?
22 Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, “Oh no, Lord! This will never happen to You!”
 - Rebuked his Lord… way to go Peter!
23 But He turned and told Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me because you’re not thinking about God’s concerns, but man’s.”
 - Jesus was not calling Peter Satan.
 - Peter was trying to take care of Jesus’ problem.

• Jesus implied that Peter was doing the work of Satan.
• Pretty interesting that Jesus had just given Peter the keys to the Church and now He is rebuking him.
• Why is He rebuking Peter? He knows that He must go through with the Father’s plan and it includes pain.
• Why do we always try to eliminate the pain?
• If we never go through the pain… we never learn and we just keep repeating the lesson.
• Pain and suffering is a teacher.
• Sometimes it is the avenue to get where we need to be.

 
24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.

• Perspective: Christianity is really hard… lotta work…
• We begin working for God… then burnout…
• Hebrews 4:9 – There is a sabbath rest to come.
• Matthew 11:30 – “My yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
• You must give up everything you have?
• How do you reconcile?
• Wake up and appropriate “I am dead”.
• There was only one cross to take up.
• His cross became my cross.
• Galatians 2:20 - I was crucified with Christ.
• Romans 6:6 – For we know that our old self was crucified with Him[1]
• Romans 7:4 - Therefore, my brothers, you also were put to death in relation to the law through the crucified body of the Messiah, so that you may belong to another—to Him who was raised from the dead—that we may bear fruit for God.[2]
• Once you admit that you have died, you realize that you are still living.
• How am I still living? I was resurrected with Christ.
• It is no longer me living but Christ who lives in me.
• I am now living my life by another source.
• Now I am not doing things in my own strength.
• Phillipians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
• That doesn’t mean I can do all things… It means everything I do… I can do through Christ.

 
25 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of Me will find it.

• This is what I hear all the time…
• The 10 Commandments were never intended for us as Gentiles… It puts us under the Law.
• The 10 Commandments only cause us to sin more.
• Romans 5:20 - The law came along to multiply the trespass.[3]
• You have to learn to live your life by trusting and walking by the Spirit.
• Or…
• Jesus died one time for all sin (except unbelief)
• Past, present future…
• I am forgiven one time…
• You are teaching a license to sin… Therefore you can’t teach that.
• You must work on not sinning or else you have cheap grace.
• Now who is missing the Gospel?
• The person who is trusting themselves not to sin?
• Or the person who wakes up every morning realizing they have died and are now living their life through Christ and trusting Him to not let us sin?
• People who tell me I am teaching license have never connected the Truth that Jesus says… “Hey… let Me do this for you”…
• Then actually trust Him to do it in you.
• You want to hold onto your life… you will never walk victorious
• Romans 6:4-11 - 4 Therefore we were buried with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in a new way of life. 5 For if we have been joined with Him in the likeness of His death, we will certainly also be in the likeness of His resurrection. 6 For we know that our old self was crucified with Him in order that sin’s dominion over the body may be abolished, so that we may no longer be enslaved to sin, 7 since a person who has died is freed from sin’s claims. 8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with Him, 9 because we know that Christ, having been raised from the dead, will not die again. Death no longer rules over Him. 10 For in light of the fact that He died, He died to sin once for all; but in light of the fact that He lives, He lives to God. 11 So, you too consider yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus[4]
• You call it a license to sin… I call it trusting Christ in me.

26 What will it benefit a man if he gains the whole world yet loses his life? Or what will a man give in exchange for his life?[5]
 
Mark 8:31-37
31 Then He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, be killed, and rise after three days. 32 He was openly talking about this. So Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him.
33 But turning around and looking at His disciples, He rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind Me, Satan, because you’re not thinking about God’s concerns, but man’s!”
 
34 Summoning the crowd along with His disciples, He said to them, “If anyone wants to be My follower, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me. 35 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of Me and the gospel will save it. 36 For what does it benefit a man to gain the whole world yet lose his life? 37 What can a man give in exchange for his life?[6]
 
Luke 9:22-25
22 saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, be killed, and be raised the third day.”
 
23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me. 24 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of Me will save it. 25 What is a man benefited if he gains the whole world, yet loses or forfeits himself?[7]
 
Matthew 16:27-28
27 For the Son of Man is going to come with His angels in the glory of His Father, and then He will reward each according to what he has done. 28 I assure you: There are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.”[8]
 
Mark 8:38 – 9:1
38 For whoever is ashamed of Me and of My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.”
 - Second coming
9 Then He said to them, “I assure you: There are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God come in power.”[9]

• The Glory He will possess at His return
• His Glory being veiled by His earthly body while He was here on earth.

 
Luke 9:26-27
26 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory and that of the Father and the holy angels. 27 I tell you the truth: There are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.”[10]
 
Matthew 17:1-8
1 After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother John and led them up on a high mountain by themselves. 2 He was transformed in front of them, and His face shone like the sun. Even His clothes became as white as the light. 3 Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him.
4 Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it’s good for us to be here! If You want, I will make three tabernacles here: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
5 While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said:
This is My beloved Son.
I take delight in Him.
Listen to Him!
6 When the disciples heard it, they fell facedown and were terrified.
7 Then Jesus came up, touched them, and said, “Get up; don’t be afraid.” 8 When they looked up they saw no one except Him —Jesus alone.[11]
 
Mark 9:2-8
2 After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up on a high mountain by themselves to be alone. He was transformed in front of them, 3 and His clothes became dazzling—extremely white as no launderer on earth could whiten them. 4 Elijah appeared to them with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus.
5 Then Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it’s good for us to be here! Let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”— 6 because he did not know what he should say, since they were terrified.
7 A cloud appeared, overshadowing them, and a voice came from the cloud:
This is My beloved Son;
listen to Him!
8 Then suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus alone. [12]
 
Luke 9:28-36
28 About eight days after these words,

• Eight days included the days of Peter’s confession and the day of transfiguration. 6 days to climb.

He took along Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray. 29 As He was praying, the appearance of His face changed, and His clothes became dazzling white.

• These 3 disciples got to see the Glory of the Lord.
• This is like a movie trailer. Just a taste of what is to come.

30 Suddenly, two men were talking with Him—Moses and Elijah.

• Moses – Represented the Law
• Elijah – Represented the Prophets

31 They appeared in glory and were speaking of His death, which He was about to accomplish in Jerusalem.
32 Peter and those with him were in a deep sleep, and when they became fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men who were standing with Him. 33 As the two men were departing from Him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it’s good for us to be here! Let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said.

• Feast of Tabernacles (Booths) represented the Messianic Kingdom
• Peter believed the Messianic Kingdom had arrived.

34 While he was saying this, a cloud appeared and overshadowed them (Peter, James & John). They became afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 Then a voice came from the cloud, saying:
This is My Son, the Chosen One;
listen to Him!
36 After the voice had spoken, only Jesus was found.
 - They had listened to Moses and Elijah as a part of Jewish history.

• No they are instructed to listen to Jesus who is alone.

They kept silent, and in those days told no one what they had seen. [13]

[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ro 6:6). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ro 7:4). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ro 5:20). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[4] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ro 6:4–11). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[5] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mt 16:21–26). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[6] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mk 8:31–37). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[7] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Lk 9:22–25). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[8] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mt 16:27–28). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[9] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mk 8:38–9:1). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[10] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Lk 9:26–27). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[11] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mt 17:1–8). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[12] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mk 9:2–8). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[13] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Lk 9:28–36). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.