How to Find the Theme of This Chapter

Good day to all. Let us turn to Matthew Chapter 17. After reading this chapter, it is somewhat challenging to summarize what Matthew intends to convey with a single theme. This is because, upon reading, we find that much of the content in this chapter seems disjointed. However, I do not believe that Matthew intended to simply list a series of unrelated events; he must have been aiming to express a central theme.

After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. (Matthew 17:1-3)

We all read the same content. Let us continue reading:

Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (Matthew 17:4)

I wonder, how would they build three shelters? Would Peter and the others live outside? They should build six shelters. Whether the chapter division is well done or not, let us set that aside for now. But when I read this passage, I discern a bit of good and evil. After discussing Jesus' transfigured and glorious appearance, it then mentions Elijah and John the Baptist. Then, after Jesus came down from the mountain, a man brought his child, who suffered from epilepsy and was in great pain, repeatedly falling into water and fire. Yet, His disciples were unable to cast out the demon. Then, the Lord Jesus said:

“You unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.” (Matthew 17:17)

Jesus was deeply saddened by these people. If Jesus were to come among us today, would He say these words? I believe He most likely would. You unbelieving and perverse generation, how long shall I stay with you? What does this refer to? It refers to His disciples, because they could not cast out the epileptic demon.

If Jesus said this about not being able to cast out an epileptic demon, what would He say if one could not even handle a common cold or fever? Jesus would certainly say, You unbelieving and perverse generation! I think today's church is lacking in these things. This passage seems unrelated to the previous one.

He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting. While they were staying in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised to life.” And the disciples were filled with grief. (Matthew 17:20-23)

This is Jesus' second prediction of His crucifixion. Then Jesus said something further:

After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax came to Peter and asked, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?” “Yes, he does,” he replied. When Peter entered the house, Jesus was the first to speak. “What do you think, Simon?” he asked. “From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes—from their own children or from others?” “From others,” Peter answered. “Then the children are exempt,” Jesus said to him. “But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.” (Matthew 17:24-27)

It is very difficult to connect all of these contents together. That is why I say the chapter divisions are not well done. Actually, it is not that they are not well done; it is that we do not understand. After I finished speaking on Chapter 16 last time, I was troubled while researching Chapter 17, praying and seeking every day. I suddenly deeply felt that God is a God of revelation, and He truly reveals Himself to those who seek Him. Because of my persistent determination, God told me.

I seek what Matthew is trying to say, is it in accordance with God's heart? Surely, it is in accordance with God's heart. Because it was the Spirit of God who moved Matthew to write in this way. What does this passage talk about? It talks about the glory in eternity. Jesus was transfigured on the mountain, showing His three disciples that glorious appearance, His face shining like the sun, and His clothes becoming as white as light. Moses and Elijah appeared to them. The glory in eternity is mainly manifested through Chapter 17. At that time, Peter, James, and John saw Jesus' transfigured and glorious appearance.

While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus. (Matthew 17:5-8)

Moses and Elijah came and spoke with Jesus, but the content of their conversation was not recorded. When descending the mountain, these disciples were thinking about this matter. They mentioned the record in the scriptures, why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first, because the scriptures record that the Messiah will save us from suffering and tribulation.

When this Messiah comes, Elijah must come first, but Elijah has not come. At this time, they personally saw Moses and Elijah talking with Jesus. They might not have cared about the content of their conversation. In fact, what they said was that Jesus would be crucified.

The disciples asked him, “Why then do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?” Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things. But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him everything they wished. In the same way the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that he was talking to them about John the Baptist. (Matthew 17:10-13)

Jesus is very interesting. Why is John called John the Baptist? Why not call him Elijah? It would be great if John the Baptist was directly called Elijah. This matter confused the Israelites, and they did not know whether Elijah had come or not. Elijah paved the way for Jesus' coming, as we said before, John the Baptist saw the Holy Spirit descend on Jesus, and he said that he was not worthy to untie His sandals.

Everyone should know that Jesus and Elijah pursued glory in eternity. Today, I will share with you how this glory in eternity relates to the later scripture. How does the glory in eternity come about? The glory in eternity comes at a price.

Paying the Price to Obtain Glory in Eternity

John the Baptist sacrificed his life for the sake of the gospel; he was killed by King Herod. Jesus will also be harmed and killed in the same way. This highlights a basic concept: if you want to obtain glory in eternity, you need to pay a price. This is not difficult to understand.

Why is it not difficult to understand? For example, if we win an Olympic gold medal, that is incredible! Or if you play football and win the World Cup, that is incredible! To get an Olympic gold medal, you have to pay the price. To win the World Cup in football, you have to go through many rounds, all the way to the final sixteen, quarter-finals, semi-finals, etc.

We need to know today that all of these require paying a price. If you want to gain glory, you have to pay the price. Chinese Mingding Destiny is a theological system of paying the price, not a theological system of receiving grace. We pay the price, but we also receive grace. We do not just want God to bless a job, bless a child, bless a family... that is of course good. But the best thing is whether we are willing to pay the price for God. That kind of price-paying has glory.

For example, with an Olympic gold medal, you might say it is okay, I do not want that gold medal, I will make one myself at home. Maybe the gold medal you make is more exquisite than the Olympic gold medal, maybe it is made of pure gold, but the thing you make has no glory. Why? Because you did not pay the price, you did not participate in the competition, and you did not win the championship medal through the competition. For example, with the World Cup championship, we do not go to the World Cup to play, but we play at home. It is easy and comfortable, how great! But can you win the championship that way? You cannot!

The difference between paying the price and not paying the price is too great. Receiving grace does not explain anything; giving grace is the key. Jesus gave grace to us. Jesus and Elijah both paid the price to have glory in eternity. Was the price that Elijah paid great? Yes, they all laid down their lives. When John was in prison, he had some small weaknesses. He sent his disciples to ask Jesus, are you the one we are waiting for?

Jesus said, blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me. In the end, John the Baptist was killed, completing his mission on earth. It does not matter if a person is killed at a young age. Some people think it is a pity, but what is seen as a pity in the eyes of people is not a pity in eternal glory.

Jesus lived to be over thirty years old and was also killed, but He carried the glory of eternity. This glory in eternity appeared to Peter, John, and James on the mountain. Why did He show it to them? God hopes that we know the glory in eternity, so that we understand that it is our lifelong pursuit.

If a person does not have the concept of eternal glory and only pursues worldly work, children, and family, is that not foolish? Someone asks, who will take care of Jesus' mother? He abandoned her at a young age. Even if we abandon these things, we must obtain glory in eternity!

If we read the Bible carefully, we will find that there are many impersonal things in the Bible. Let us take Abraham as an example. When Abraham was 70 years old, he left his father. When Abraham was born, his father was only 70 years old. Later, his father lived to be 205 years old and died in Haran, but the Bible did not record anything else about his father. Did Abraham return to Haran for the funeral? No.

Some people say that Abraham was too impersonal. In fact, a person who pursues eternal glory has long seen through these things. What can you gain by going to a funeral after a person dies? It is just a custom. What meaning can you find by looking at a coffin? There really is no meaning. If we did not go back to see them when they were alive, how much less after they die?

This Abraham was also very ruthless. Later, when Jacob's mother died, Jacob was raising sheep for his uncle and did not return for the funeral. Many people take this matter very seriously, but this matter has no glory in eternity. Jesus was also crucified at a young age. He left His mother and did not provide for her old age or bury her. If a person is for the sake of obtaining glory in eternity, what would he or she say?

He replied to him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?”Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother and sister and mother.” (Matthew 12:48-50)

Everyone must think clearly, there are many worldly concepts in a person's life, and there are also many customs of this world. Do we really understand the meaning behind doing these things? Some people think that wearing mourning clothes is fulfilling filial piety. Abraham did not fulfill filial piety while he was alive. In fact, what the Bible says subverts our values. A person must pursue glory in eternity and pay the price for it. That is the true path.

Did Jesus know that He would be handed over to men, be killed, and rise from the dead on the third day? Did He know the sins He would suffer and the price He would pay? He knew. Moses, Elijah, and Jesus met and talked about this matter, that He would be killed and rise from the dead on the third day.

This Elijah is actually John the Baptist. As for whether the spirit of Elijah entered John the Baptist or the spirit of John the Baptist entered Elijah, the Bible does not tell us, so let us not speculate.

The Bible does say that John the Baptist is Elijah. How did the eternal glory manifested by Elijah and Jesus come about? It came at a price. Moses also paid a heavy price. He was originally an Egyptian prince. Although he was a Jew, he was indeed an Egyptian prince. He gave up his position as a prince and eventually fled to the wilderness of Midian, married a wife, and tended sheep for his father-in-law!

Moses experienced forty years of herding sheep, which was very hard. Who did Moses pay the price for? Moses paid the price for the glory in eternity. God wanted to send him to save the Israelites, but at first, he did not want to go. Later, he was forced to go by God. No matter how he went, he did listen to God's words. He actually paid a great price for God. His whole life was very tiring.

The Bible records Moses, Elijah, John the Baptist, Jesus Christ, and others. There were none who did not pay the price in order to pursue glory in eternity. Jacob and Joseph also paid a very heavy price for glory in eternity. So, our Chinese Mingding Destiny is actually a theology of paying the price.

The Bible says that whoever loses his life for Jesus Christ will find it. What kind of life will he find? Not the life of this world, but the life of Christ's eternal glory. What good is it for a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul? There is no benefit. What can a man give in exchange for his soul?

The Lord Jesus Has Opened Up a Path of Paying the Price for Us

If a person pays the price for the glory in eternity, it is worthwhile. These words sound a bit empty, but paying the price is not empty. Let us ask ourselves, what price have we paid for God? Many of our brothers and sisters are tormented and suffer for worldly things, and there is no glory in it. Some people have come among us and paid a price for God, and I admire them very much.

Some of our brothers and sisters run many businesses, but they still lead many people to pray in the group every morning. They pray for two or three hours, very diligently. Is it better for them to spend time on serving and praying, or on running their businesses? Of course, it is better to spend time on serving and praying. Although this price is small compared to the price that Jesus paid, God will not look down on it.

Some people have been believers for many years, but they have not paid any price. When it comes to paying the price, they fail. Why? Because their minds are filled with a worldly logical system. If they are filled with a worldly logical system, their shepherding cannot be effective. Because what they see in their eyes are all worldly things.

So, we understand that John the Baptist was killed for laying down his life for God, paying the price of his life in order to obtain glory in eternity. The disciples were originally confused. Why was John the Baptist killed when he was doing so well? Wasn't he a believer in God? In fact, it is worthwhile to pay the price for God, for the glory in eternity.

I encourage everyone to ponder whether you are a person who pays the price. If you are not a person who pays the price, then your understanding of glory in eternity is lacking. This is why the Apostle Paul said, I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions. Because the Apostle Paul knew that we should all imitate Jesus Christ. It is not that Jesus Christ has paid the price, and we do not have to pay it. We still have to pay the price that we ought to pay. That is our pursuit of glory in eternity.

When we first accept Jesus, we receive grace. After receiving grace, whether we decide to lay down our lives and dedicate them to God to be a blessing to this generation determines what kind of faith is in you.

Jesus Christ has paid the price for us and has opened up a path of paying the price for us. This path of paying the price is the true and living path. If it is a faith that does not pay the price, what can you obtain? That Olympic gold medal of yours is just something you polished at home, and there is really no glory to speak of.

“You unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.”Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed at that moment. Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting. (Matthew 17:17-21)

What will this kind of glory bring? This kind of glory will bring healing to a person suffering from epilepsy. Why can Jesus cast out demons? Because Jesus is a person who pays the price! Do demons know that Jesus is a person who pays the price? Yes, they know. Jesus Christ is a person who pays the price, but you are not, and the demons know that you cannot afford to pay the price. When you cast out demons, will you be like Jesus Christ's disciples? Yes, you will be like that.

Later, Jesus said, This kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting. What does this mean? It means that if you do not pay the price and just make a gesture to let the demon go out, can the demon go out? It knows what you are capable of, and you cannot do anything to it.

But if the demon does not go out, you do not stop praying. We will not eat lunch, we will not eat dinner, and we will not eat supper. We will not eat breakfast, lunch, dinner, or supper tomorrow. When the demon sees that this person has faith and that this person is too powerful, these demons will quickly leave.

When they came together in Galilee, he said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised to life.” And the disciples were filled with grief. (Matthew 17:22-23)

I have actually experienced this before. Sometimes when praying for someone, it does not work for one day, it does not work for two days, and it is really hard. Many of our brothers and sisters have inherited my heart to pay the price. As a result, when the demons see these people who pay the price, their legs become weak and they are scared out of their wits. So, Jesus said that to cast out these kinds of demons, you must see if you can persist until you overcome them, and see if you are willing to pay the price. The demons know that Jesus pays the price, and they must be defeated in front of Jesus.

Jesus said: This unbelieving and perverse generation. Why is this so? Because these disciples have a very shallow understanding of glory in eternity. Even Peter, Jesus' great disciple, was like that. Jesus said that the Son of Man must suffer many things, be killed, and be raised on the third day. Peter stopped Jesus and said, Never, Lord! This shall never happen to you! Jesus turned around and said, Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.

Today, there are many churches that are concerned about human concerns! For example, if a person is very poor, they tell him not to give offerings, and as a result, the person continues to live under the curse of poverty. Today, there are many Christians who do not pay the price. Why can they not cast out demons? Because they are not willing to pay the price.

Jesus is a person who pays the price, and we must imitate Jesus. Do we not have to imitate the heart of paying the price? If we imitate the heart of paying the price, can the demons stand before us? No! What does Jesus mean by this perverse generation? It is those who do not believe in glory in eternity, nor do they believe in paying the price for it. Why could they not cast out such demons? Because their faith was not a faith of paying the price and could not persist.

We Must Have the Determination to Lay Down Our Lives for Jesus

The reason we can do what we do today is because we have the determination to lay down our lives for Jesus. If we can't drive the devil out in one day, we'll try for two. If we can't in two days, we'll try for three. We must persevere longer than the devil by even one minute. Why are we willing to pay this price? Because we are pursuing glory in eternity.

This eternal glory surpasses everything on earth. If today you have faith like a mustard seed, believing in eternal glory, believing that we pay the price to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, then because we are willing to pay the price, this epileptic spirit will be thoroughly defeated.

“Peter said, ‘From strangers.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Then the children are free. Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go to the sea and cast in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and for you.’” (Matthew 17:26-27)

Today, brothers and sisters find in me a simple, straightforward, and very easy-to-implement faith: to persevere one minute longer than the devil. I have the determination to die for Jesus, to lay down my life for Jesus. We shall obtain this glorious life, obtain this eternal glory. So when the devil sees us, he knows this person is from heaven. Why? Because we have obtained the glory of heaven.

Let's think about it. Will such a person lack money? He will not lack money. Will he lack ability? He will not lack ability. Such a person will lack nothing. For example, Jesus Christ, He has the glory of heaven. He told Peter to catch a fish, and when he caught it, he opened its mouth and found a piece of money to pay their taxes.

We must know that a person who has eternal glory in heaven, how could he lack money? How could he lack ability and wisdom? Today, we must start to ponder this, and once we understand, we'll know how to implement it. Should Jesus have suffered these sins, these torments, and been killed? No. Should Jesus have paid this tax? No.

Jesus was originally the Lord of heaven and earth. The heavens and the earth all belong to God, belong to Jesus Christ. Why did He pay taxes? Why was He killed and persecuted? Should John the Baptist have been killed? Should he have suffered like that? No. Because they were all willing to pay the price!

Today, brothers and sisters must ponder this. Some people pay a small price and feel aggrieved, feeling they should not have to pay such a price. Some people can't bear the slightest injustice. After suffering a little injustice, they feel that everyone has let them down. How can there be eternal glory?

Eternal glory is not just about paying the price, but also being willing to pay the price when we shouldn't have to, being killed when we shouldn't be, paying taxes when we shouldn't have to. We are all willing to pay the price because we value eternal glory.

Imitate the Lord Jesus, Live Out God's Glorious Image

I've connected the whole chapter. In eternity, that's what glory is like. A person with eternal glory can afford to suffer losses in the world, can afford to pay the price, and even pays the price when he shouldn't have to, without complaining. That is victory, that is eternal glory. Our Father in heaven willingly gives us all that He has, not because we are good enough, but because He is that kind of Father.

Brothers and sisters, begin to imitate our God, imitate the Lord Jesus, and we will have God's glorious image. If you have God's glorious image, will you lack money? You will lack nothing. Because those who trust in God lack no good thing. Are you willing to pay the price for this eternal glory? If you are not willing, then you have no faith.

This unbelieving and perverse generation does not believe in eternal glory. Our present life itself is an enemy of God. If we still live in the flesh, living according to the logic of the flesh, we will have endless problems. But if you radiate God's eternal glory, there is no problem that cannot be solved.

“Jesus said to them, ‘Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.’” (Matthew 17:20-21)

Isn't this eternal glory what we should be pursuing? If you put family, children, and work all above God's eternal glory, you will have endless problems. Brothers and sisters, ask yourselves, do I really care about eternal glory? Do I really believe? Am I really willing to pay this price? This eternal glory has already surpassed everything in the world.

The previous chapter asked: Do you really understand? This chapter asks: Do you really understand eternal glory? If you understand and are willing to pay everything for Jesus Christ, then nothing will be impossible for you. This is our belief, willing to pay the price for eternal glory.

Brothers and sisters, imitate Jesus. If you don't know how to imitate, imitate us, or imitate the Apostle Paul in the Bible, and come out of the worldly logic system. In Matthew's Gospel, it seems that he had some opinions about Peter. Matthew wrote that Peter was concerned about the things of men. He saw Moses and Elijah appear to Jesus, saw Jesus' body shine, and then he said:

“Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, I will make here three tabernacles, one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’” (Matthew 17:3-4)

Originally, Peter had a worldly system. What he valued was still a worldly system. God's eternal glory did not seem to shock him that much. We must carefully ponder this. Was it reasonable for Peter to travel everywhere with his wife during his ministry? It was reasonable, just take her along.

But he was afraid of those who came from James. When those from James were around, he dissembled. Isn't that strange? Peter was really concerned about the things of men, which laid the groundwork for Peter's later ministry, letting us know how corrupting it is to be concerned about the things of men.

What is in our hearts, the things of men, or the things of God? The things of God require us to pay the price, while the things of men only allow us to receive grace. People are like that; the selfish logic system is to go according to the things of men. You can find some people in the world who are not so selfish, but most people are selfish at heart. When you ask them if they are willing to lay down their lives for God, will they really do it? If they are really willing to do so, then they are not selfish people.

We must know that paying the price and selfishness are fighting inside us, intertwined with each other. If we value eternal glory, we will overcome the selfish logic system. If we value the things of men, value the things of this life, then we will not be able to value eternal glory, nor will we be able to pay the price for it.

May God bless everyone!