Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Matthew Ch.17 / 28 Ch.s
MT:17
* The transfiguration of Christ. (1-13) Jesus casts out a dumb
and deaf spirit. (14-21) He again foretells his sufferings.
(22,23) He works a miracle to pay the tribute money. (24-27)
#1-13 Now the disciples beheld somewhat of Christ's glory, as of
the only begotten of the Father. It was intended to support
their faith, when they would have to witness his crucifixion;
and would give them an idea of the glory prepared for them, when
changed by his power and made like him. The apostles were
overcome by the glorious sight. Peter thought that it was most
desirable to continue there, and to go no more down to meet the
sufferings of which he was so unwilling to hear. In this he knew
not what he said. We are wrong, if we look for a heaven here
upon earth. Whatever tabernacles we propose to make for
ourselves in this world, we must always remember to ask Christ's
leave. That sacrifice was not yet offered, without which the
souls of sinful men could not have been saved; and important
services were to be done by Peter and his brethren. While Peter
spoke, a bright cloud overshadowed them, an emblem of the Divine
presence and glory. Ever since man sinned, and heard God's voice
in the garden, unusual appearances of God have been terrible to
man. They fell prostrate to the earth, till Jesus encouraged
them; when looking round, they beheld only their Lord as they
commonly saw him. We must pass through varied experiences in our
way to glory; and when we return to the world after an
ordinance, it must be our care to take Christ with us, and then
it may be our comfort that he is with us.
#14-21 The case of afflicted children should be presented to God
by faithful and fervent prayer. Christ cured the child. Though
the people were perverse, and Christ was provoked, yet care was
taken of the child. When all other helps and succours fail, we
are welcome to Christ, may trust in him, and in his power and
goodness. See here an emblem of Christ's undertaking as our
Redeemer. It encourages parents to bring children to Christ,
whose souls are under Satan's power; he is able to heal them,
and as willing as he is able. Not only bring them to Christ by
prayer, but bring them to the word of Christ; to means by which
Satan's strong-holds in the soul are beaten down. It is good for
us to distrust ourselves and our own strength; but it is
displeasing to Christ when we distrust any power derived from
him, or granted by him. There was also something in the malady
which rendered the cure difficult. The extraordinary power of
Satan must not discourage our faith, but quicken us to more
earnestness in praying to God for the increase of it. Do we
wonder to see Satan's bodily possession of this young man from a
child, when we see his spiritual possession of every son of Adam
from the fall!
#22,23 Christ perfectly knew all things that should befall him,
yet undertook the work of our redemption, which strongly shows
his love. What outward debasement and Divine glory was the life
of the Redeemer! And all his humiliation ended in his
exaltation. Let us learn to endure the cross, to despise riches
and worldly honours, and to be content with his will.
#24-27 Peter felt sure that his Master was ready to do what was
right. Christ spoke first to give him proof that no thought can
be withholden from him. We must never decline our duty for fear
of giving offence; but we must sometimes deny ourselves in our
worldly interests, rather than give offence. However the money
was lodged in the fish, He who knows all things alone could know
it, and only almighty power could bring it to Peter's hook. The
power and the poverty of Christ should be mentioned together. If
called by providence to be poor, like our Lord, let us trust in
his power, and our God shall supply all our need, according to
his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. In the way of obedience, in
the course, perhaps, of our usual calling, as he helped Peter,
so he will help us. And if any sudden call should occur, which
we are not prepared to meet, let us not apply to others, till we
first seek Christ.