Day 291

Galilean Ministry cont.
12. Second northern withdrawl
- Peter's confession - Matthew 16:13-20; Mark 8:27-30; Luke 9:18-21
- Christ foretells death/resurrection - Matthew 16:21-23; Mark 8:31-33; Luke 9:22
- Christ speaks of cross-bearing - Matthew 16:24-28; Mark 8:34-38; Mark 9:1; Luke 9:23-27
- The transfiguration - Matthew 17:1-8; Mark 9:2-8; Luke 9:28-36
- Question about Elias - Matthew 17:9-13; Mark 9:9-13
- Demoniac boy healed (M-24) - Matthew 17:14-21; Mark 9:14-29; Luke 9:37-43
- Death and resurrection foretold - Matthew 17:22-23; Mark 9:30-32; Luke 9:44-45


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Public rebuke - this is by Jesus, Peter gets another one later on by Paul.   Gill's commentary:



Mat 16:23  But he turned,.... Either to Peter, changing his countenance, and looking sternly upon him, or rather to the disciples; for Mark says, "when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter": Peter had took him aside, and was arguing the case privately with him; but what he said was so offensive to him, that he chose to reprove him publicly before the disciples; and therefore turned himself from him to them, in a way of resentment, 

and said unto Peter; in their hearing, and before them all, 

How humbling...I am literally cringing with the thought.  O Lord, please help us to receive rebuke well, and if necessary, to give it humbly.

The transfiguration - The text does not indicate that Moses or Elias were introduced or announced.  I had never thought about it before, but how was Peter able to identify them?  Gill and Poole seem to indicate that Peter knew by revelation.  However, he knew, he was correct.  As I was reading through both commentators remarked on Moses being the law giver and Elias a great prophet and how both attributes were fulfilled in Christ Jesus.


Matthew and Mark both record that after 6 days they went up into the mount, while Luke records 8 days.  I don't understand if the number of days is significant, but know that if Father has something repeated I definitely should pay attention!  'After this' and 'it came to pass' lead into the number of days...after what?  After Jesus' speaks about taking up our cross and following Him.


The Lord emphasizes the importance of NOT saying anything about the transfiguration until HE was raised from the dead.   Notably in Jewish law (by Gill or Poole) the number of witnesses was important.  Here are three who are able to attest to a miraculous event.


I've been pondering the demon possessed portions of scripture which I have been reading lately.  There is nothing new under the sun...so those we are medicating today for a variety of ailments, are they really demon possessed?


O Father, give us the ability to discern the times we live in, to pursue a deeper and more intimate relationship with You.  Help us Father to dig into Your word and to encourage others to do so as well.  Lord, help us, Your people, to radiate Your glory and majesty in all areas of our lives.