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THE KING’S BUSINESS
figuration was witnessed by the disciples. These words connect the incident with the conversation concerning the Cross. The Transfiguration was for the sake o f the disciples and certainly not primarily, if at all, for our Lord’s sake. The Transfiguration is also a foregleam o f the kingdom, which they would soon see rejected, as some day coming in great glory (16:28). Peter himself speaks of this incident in such a connection (2 Peter 1:16-19): A picture also oUH is Second Coming (16:27)*. The Transfiguration is also to be looked upon as a rebuke to the people who, accord ing to Christ’s question in Matthew 16:13- 16, had been prone' to look upon Christ as like unto Moses,, "or Elias, or one o f the prophets. In the Transfiguration scene Moses and Elias vanished, and Christ alone remained. Christ is more than man; -He is God. Ill: The Kingdom in Conflict, 17:22- 23:39. 1. Internal Conflict—Among the Disci ples, 18 .1-14. They were discussing who should be the greatest among them. Christ teaches les sons regarding pride (1-14) and forgive ness (15-35). Note the power o f the Church to exercise discipline (15-20). 2. External Conflict—With the Scribes and Pharisees, 19:1-20:28. This is an attempt o f the scribes and Pharisees to catch Christ in His words and to involve Him in religious and doc trinal discussions.. There is the teaching about divorce (3- 12), about children (13, 14), about property (15-30). In chapter 20:1-28 Christ sets before the disciples the true nature o f the rewards o f the kingdom o f heaven. This instruc tion arises from the discussion regarding property in 19:16-30. 3. The Triumphal March o f the King, 2ir:l-17. , This is probably the last offer made by the King o f the kingdom to the Jewish nation. It was their day o f visitation, but they knew it not: The triumphal entry into
(4) The refusal o f the sign “ from heaven” (16:1-5, cf. 12:38 sign “ from earth” ). 3 . The founding o f the Church foretold , 16 : 13 - 20 . Here is described a new epoch in the life of Christ. The Kingdom has been practically rejected; the Church will now be founded. Here is the Church in prom ise and prophecy.' The “ Acts” is, the ful fillment of this promise and prophecy. The Church founded not on Peter, but on Jesus Christ, as confessed by Peter, (cf. 1 Corin thians 3:11). No "primacy given to Peter above the other disciples (cf. John 20:22, 23; Matthew 18:15-20). These verses show (hat the other disciples and the Church have the same privileges here granted to Peter. C. FINAL REJECTION OF THE KING 16:21-27:66 I. The Rejection Foretold, 16:21-27. Obscure intimations concerning the rejection, the cross and the passion have been previously given by Christ to the dis ciples (cf. 10:38; John 2:19; 3:14; 10:17, 18, etc.). Christ now plainly “shewed” what He had before “hinted.” It is npt to be understood that every part o f this section deals specifically with the cross and passion o f Christ, but their shadow is over all all is darkened by it, and, finally, all is aflame with new light from it. Note in 16:21-27 Peter’s refusal to con cedè to the teaching concerning the cross and the passion o f our Lord. Peter wanted, not a “cross” but a '“crown” King. The conditions o f discipleship as laid down here by Christ are worthy Of con sideration. II. The Rejection Prefigured — The Transfiguration, 17:1-21. The Transfiguration can be understood only in the light o f 16:21-27. Peter had refused the Cross as an offense and some thing unworthy o f consideration. He must be taught that the Cross is the glory o f heaven and that in that Cross the Law and the Prophets are fulfilled. It was eight days after “these sayings” that the Trans
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