JCSLK #39 Jesus In The Heights and Depths Matthew 16:21 -17:24

 

JCSLK #39 Jesus In The Heights and Depths
Matthew 16:21 -17:24

 Introduction:

When I’m reading and researching where to draw my next sermon in this series on “Jesus: Creator, Savior, Lord and King” I usually start with A. T. Robinson’s, A Harmony of the Gospels. As sat down Tuesday and began where we left off the previous Sunday and as I read through the Gospel accounts arranged in parallel columns, looking at the headings of the paragraphs and the events that are recorded, I was struck by the ups and downs of the disciple’s walk of faith with Jesus. In a way the Gospels record these heights and depths of faith in the disciple’s life.

It is a record that I can relate too, much too easily. For my own life, and I imagine any believer’s life, is also a walk through the heights and depths of faith. I’m not talking about emotions, or even obedience but simply and directly faith, our trust in Jesus, His promises and His word. Sometimes I soar in my faith high as an eagle but oftentimes I crawl on my belly low as a worm.

Height: Peter Testimony of Christ – Matthew 16:20

Firm Faith

This same pattern is seen in the lives of the disciples. I’m so glad their story is recorded. Jesus is the ideal I am ever striving for but will never reach. Like the old say aim for the moon and if you miss you’ll still fall among the stars. So it is with Jesus, I aim to be like him, even though I know I cannot reach that goal, but still knowing I will be better for striving.

But its different when I read about the disciples, especially Simon Peter, Simon Bar Jona. Peter who became the pastor of Jesus’ church after Jesus ascended, perhaps he was chosen because he is so relatable then and now. He is eager, he loves the Lord, he strives, he struggles and more than any other apostle we see him fall. He lives the heights and depths of faith in His 3 ½ year walk of faith with Jesus.

Peter, who says we’ve fished all night and caught nothing, just a few minutes later is falling on his knees confessing his sin before the Lord. Peter, who in the storm steps out in faith to walk to Jesus. Peter, who takes his eyes off Jesus and begins to sink under the waves. And in our most recent sermon it was Peter who made that firm statement of faith on the person of Jesus, “Though art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Peter’s answer put him in the height of faith at that moment.

But look here in Matthew 16:20 just a few moments later. This is the same day and at the same time of teaching by the Lord about who He and what He must do.

 Depth: Peter’s Rebuke of Christ - Matthew 16:20

Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ. 21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. 22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. 23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

Foolish Faith

Come on Peter, it’s just four verses later and you blew it. I’m sure that Peter believed he was doing something good. He was acting out of love and devotion. “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” And by that he meant I will never let this happen to you. It was love, it was bravado, and it was foolish faith. The reason it was foolish and shameful and earned such a harsh rebuke from the Lord, even calling Peter, the future pastor of His church, Satan, the opposer, is because Peter contradicts the Lord and tries to impose his will over the will and plan of God. And yes that is exactly what Satan did when he was cast out of heaven.

Jesus said it plainly, “Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.”

Our Foolish Faith

Oh and it is so easy  to see my own actions here in my walk of faith. I think I know best, not the Lord. I believe I can choose a path that balances between faith in God and a foot in sin. I believe the Lord is a good counselor, but I don’t have to take His advice or even listen if I don’t want to.

Peter had a better plan than the Lord and too often we think and believe that same thing but that is empty faith, foolish faith because it is base on us and not upon the Lord. Our faith must solely, completely and fully upon the Lord.

Listen to what Jesus says, “Mark 12:29-30 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.

Matthew 10:37 Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

The height of faith is believing Jesus is the Christ, the Savior, the Son of God, the Creator of the Univer and returning King, but the depth of faith is believing I can impose my will over His. And too many time, and too many of us do exactly that without even realizing we are doing it.

After Peter’s opposition and the Lord’s rebuke, Jesus gives the definition of the height of faith in vs. 24. This is what faith in the Lord is supposed to be.

Height: Jesus’ Definition – Matthew 17:24-28

24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. 26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? 27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works. 28 Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.

Full Faith

​Jesus leaves no options; there are no loopholes or small print in His definition of what full faith is.

We must deny ourselves

We must take up His cross

We must follow Him.

He also tells us why this is the faith the comes with salvation.

Whosoever will try to save his life, shall actually lose it, but whoever loses their life for His cause shall find true life, life worth living, life that has purpose, life that leaves a legacy both on earth and in heaven.

Listen to the words of Jesus, no one can say it better, “26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? 27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.”

The believer’s reward is based on our works. Our salvation is not based on works but upon grace and faith, but the Bible clearly teaches that we will be judged and rewarded according to our faithful work on earth.

The unrepentant lost person is also rewarded according to their works and the degree of their punishment in the Lake of Fire is based upon their works while on the earth. They will never be free of suffering and anguish but there will be a great difference between a Hitler and my neighbor who never would accept an invitation to church or hear the Gospel.

Full Faith Means Work

If we are believers then our work in this life should reflect that reality. If we are believers we look forward to a home in heaven our work now should reaffirm that future. If we are believers then we know that one day we will stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ and receive our reward our goals now should be shaped by that reward.

1 Corinthians 3:10-15 According to the grace of God which was given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder I laid a foundation; and another buildeth thereon. But let each man take heed how he buildeth thereon. 11 For other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 But if any man buildeth on the foundation gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 each man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it is revealed in fire; and the fire itself shall prove each man’s work of what sort it is. 14 If any man’s work shall abide which he built thereon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as through fire.

Paul is specifically talking of the work he has done as a church planter, but the application is the same for any work we do for the Lord. It will either be sacrificial for Jesus or selfish for myself and only one kind will stand in the judgment of eternity.

Now we come in chapter 17 to a different kind of height of faith.

Height: The Transfiguration – Matthew 17:1-9

1 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, 2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. 3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him

Fantastic Fulfilled Faith

I really couldn’t think of a fitting subtitle for this event, so I called it Fantastic. That’s not a Biblical word but it is a fitting title.

After six days, Jesus takes Peter, Jame and John with Him to experience this event. Why them, we are not told but we do know that these were among the first disciples and later Peter would pastor the Lord’s church, while James would be the first killed after the Lord and John would live the longest and see the Lord’s return in the vision called the Revelation. Perhaps it was this experience that would give them the hope they would all need for their future walk of faith.

They ascend a mountain, probably near Capernaum and there Luke tells us, Luke 9:28-29 went up into a mountain to pray. 29 And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering. Mark says, He was transfigured (μεταμορφόω metamorphoō) and his raiment became shining. Matthew says, and His face did shine as the sun and His raiment was white as light. Now that it pretty fantastic.

You know we used to watch the Chosen and I have to say it was really good, but I knew there were come a point where we might not be able to continue, where the Bible just couldn’t be allowed to show too much in a popular entertainment. It came for me when I read the directors comment about this event. He said something like, “A lot of people think we should include the transfiguration in the Chosen, but I just don’t see what it could add to our story.” And I guess that is the point, Dallas Jenkins is telling his story not His story, not history, not the Gospel.

The Transfiguration of Jesus is one of the most important events in the life of Christ. It along with the birth, baptism, death and resurrection show that Jesus was not just a man, or a prophet but was truly God of God, Lord of Lord and King of Kings.

Jesus shines like the sun, the way He will when He returns as King. He meets with Moses the law giver and with Elijah the great prophet. Moses who suffered delivering God’s people from bondage of slavery and Elijah the prophet who faithfully preached but was ultimately rejected by the people of God. Moses who God buried and Elijah who God took to heaven in a flaming chariot. Moses and Elijah who some believe will be the two witnesses, the Olive branches in the book of Revelation. These two come to confer and perhaps comfort the Lord in the last year of His life on earth.

That is an event, that is faith fulfilled that is fantastic, but Dallas Jenkins didn’t think it would fit his story. Well, it sure fits mine and it sure fits Peter, James and John’s. At least it did once they woke up.

Because Luke tells us this, Luke 9:30-32 there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias: 31 Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem. 32 But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him. Can you imagine that for a wakeup call?

Peter seems to be drowsy and he says, let me build three tabernacles, three lean-tos made of branches. Maybe he just wanted to stay up there for a while longer and it was getting toward evening, but they didn’t come to the mountain top to stay, they came to get ready for what was coming.

Then something happens that really wakes them up. Matthew 17: 4 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. 5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. 6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. 7 And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. 8 And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only. 9 And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead.

Our Fulfilled Faith

Our Mount of Transfiguration experience, our fulfilled faith moment will have to wait until we pass from this life into the next, but it is coming. One day as the offertory song said “We shall behold Him.” And our faith shall become sight and we will know it was all worth it and we will wish we could have done more.

Revelation 4:1-5 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. 2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. 3 And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. 4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. 5 And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices…

Revelation 19:11-12 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12 -- His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.

If you are a believer, then you will be there, you will see and hear it all and yes it will be fantastic and our faith will be fulfilled. All that we have hoped for, all that we worked for all that we sacrificed for, all that we trusted the Lord for will be fulfilled.

Transition

No wonder Peter didn’t want to come down, this was as close to glory as he had been. I don’t blame him and if he had know what was going to happen when they came down He might have redoubled his efforts in building those tabernacles.

Depth: Disciple’s Fail – Matthew 17:14-21

14 And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying, 15 Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water. 16 And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him.

Failed Faith

Jesus and the three come down from the heights of the transfiguration and they walk into a fight due to floundering failing faith.

A father brings his son who is demon possessed and the possession take the form of what we might see as epilepsy. Now there is a difference between illness caused by physical means and that which is caused by demons. To some extent all illness and even death is due to sin and Satan, but not often directly. Jesus knew the difference and cast out demons or healed the sick accordingly. But here is a child, a young child possessed by a demon that delights in torturing both this child and his family.

The man calls out to Jesus to cast out the demon because the nine disciples, left at the base of the mountain, could not do it. Now remember Jesus has given his disciple power over demons and sickness and yet they could not do cast out this demon this time and it was causing a fight between the disciples and the pharisees and probably this father.

Jesus words again are true but harsh. Matthew 17:17 Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me.

Mark, who was the nephew of Peter, writes in his Gospel some moving insight, Mark 9:21-24 And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child. 22 And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us. 23 -- Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. 24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

Aren’t the words of the father our words as well. When we are walking these heights and depths of faith with the Lord isn’t this true of me and you. Lord I believe. I truly do. I have experienced your grace, I have seen your love change lives, I have beheld you in all the blessed events of my life. I believe but

Help my unbelief because there are other times when I have doubts and fears and those doubts and fears bring failure in my faith. Failure in trusting the One who died for me and gives me eternal life.

I imagine Peter heard those words and they struck home. He could hear his voice saying the same thing and I can hear my voice saying it as well. Lord I believe, help thou my unbelief.

Why they failed. Jesus then does what the failed faith of the disciple could not.

Matthew 17:18 And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour.

When the disciple come to ask why they could not do what they had done in the past, Jesus tells them it was a matter of faith or in this case the lack of faith

 Matthew 17:19 Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? 20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. 21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.

This tells us several things,

First, we fail because unbelief. Simple enough.

Second, great faith is not needed but it must be used. Our faith can be as small as a mustard seed but even that faith is powerful enough to cast a mountain into the sea. The condition is that we exercise that faith, knowing that what we believe is the Lord’s revealed will. If Jesus had said cast that mountain as He had said cast out demons, then do it and it will happen. Faith is doing what Jesus told us to do, the key is in the doing.

Wesley: Trust God For Wings. John Wesley writes in his diary: “My brother Charles, among the difficulties of our early ministry, used to say, ‘If the Lord would give me wings I would fly.’ I used to answer, ‘If the Lord bids me fly I would trust Him for the wings.’  That is faith, if Jesus commands, then I will do.

Finally, Jesus says faith requires patience, prayer and self-denial. We are saved by faith not by works but afterward faith requires works to be successful.

Conclusion

We don’t have the time to fully deal with all that is being taught here, seen here or experienced here, but I wanted to follow this path of faith from it heights to its depths this morning. The apostles never lost faith, they just lost sight of the heights and began stumbling in the depths.

So, what brought them back from those depths and returned them to the heights of a faith? Once again, I see in Peter the answer I can understand in my own life. What brought Peter back every time he failed or had a lapse of faith?

When Peter sank beneath the waves it was Jesus who reached down and pulled Peter back and said, Why did you not believe? When Peter rebuked His own Lord, it was Jesus who had the words of rebuke. “Get thee behind me, Satan.” When the disciples failed to cast out the demon from that poor tortured child, Jesus called out “Oh, wicked and perverse generation how long must I suffer thee.” Those words brought them back to where faith would be found.

The words of Jesus were not always comforting but they were the words that snatched them back from the depths of their failed faith. They had not quit believing in Jesus, but they had lost their faith in the teaching, the promises and even in the power of Jesus. His words were what were needed, as sharp as they were, to restore them to the faith they needed to again mount the heights with Jesus.

The same is true for us, when our faith flounders and fail and we sink beneath the waves of our unbelief then stop and listen to the Word of Jesus, they may sting, they may comfort but they will always bring us back to the heights of our walk of faith with Him.

When the apostle hear that Jesus was that night to be taken, beaten, be crucified and die, their faith once again must have sunk but Jesus knew then and he took them aside and on the way to the Garden he said, John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

They needed those word of Jesus and those same words are still here for us today. Listen and rise to the heights of faith.