The Gospel of Matthew: Jesus & Power

Scripture: Matthew 17:1-20

Intro: What comes to mind when you hear the word "power"? Often, due to its abuse, we view power negatively or as something Christians shouldn't actively pursue. Yet, Jesus promised His followers power – power linked with love and a sound mind. Many of us feel powerless facing life's challenges. This passage reveals the nature of true kingdom power and invites us to seek it afresh.

Key Points:

1. Source: Power Revealed in Jesus (vv. 1-8): On the Mount of Transfiguration, Peter, James, and John witness Jesus' divine glory. His face shines, Moses and Elijah appear, and God the Father commands, "This is my beloved Son... Listen to him!" This establishes Jesus as the ultimate authority and source of true power, fulfilling yet surpassing the Law and Prophets. Power begins with listening to Him.
2. Suffering: Power Connected to the Cross (vv. 9-13): Descending the mountain, Jesus links His glory to His coming suffering and death. He explains that just as Elijah's forerunner (John the Baptist) suffered rejection, so too must the Son of Man suffer. True power in God's kingdom doesn't bypass hardship; it embraces the way of the cross. We must hold the glory (Transfiguration) and the suffering (Crucifixion) together.
3. Others: Power for the Crowd's Needs (vv. 14-20): At the mountain's base, a desperate father presents his suffering son, whom the disciples were unable (lacking dynamis/power) to heal. Jesus, moved by compassion, casts out the demon. When asked why they failed, Jesus points to their "little faith." True power isn't for self-aggrandizement but is exercised in faith toward God for the sake of others. Even mustard seed faith, connected to Jesus, can move mountains of impossibility.

Conclusion: The kind of power God gives is sourced uniquely in Jesus ("Listen to Him!"), acknowledges the reality of suffering (the cross before the crown), and is always directed towards serving the needs of others. It's okay to desire and ask for this power; in fact, we need it to overcome the feeling of being "unable" in the face of overwhelming challenges at home, work, or in ministry.

Call to Action: Do you feel "unable" facing a mountain in your life? Recognize that the power you need comes from Jesus. Ask Him for it! Don't let past abuses of power stop you from seeking the Holy Spirit's enablement. As you remember Christ's glory (Transfiguration) and sacrifice (Calvary) at the communion table, ask Him to clothe you with power from on high – power to love, serve, heal, and be His witness in a world desperately needing His touch.

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The Gospel of Matthew: Jesus & Power (Matthew 17:1-20)
with Travis Aicklen