In verses one through 13, we read about Jesus taking the three (Peter, James and John) to a mountaintop to witness His transfiguration. Jesus’ appearance changed, Moses and Elijah appeared, and God spoke. This event validated Jesus as the Messiah and increased the disciples’ faith via showing Jesus’ divinity. When coming down the mountainside, the disciples questioned Jesus as to why the religious teachers said Elijah had to come prior to Him (the Messiah). Jesus stated this was true before revealing that “Elijah” had already come; He said that the people had not recognized him and chose to abuse him. The disciples later realized that Jesus was referring to John the Baptist as Elijah. Friend, imagine the sight of Jesus shining as bright as the sun and His garments glowing in appearance. Imagine the voice of God being heard to validate Jesus bring the Messiah. Imagine the honor of being able to witness such an event. Then imagine how blind the religious teachers were; they were looking for someone who had already come and died. While caught up in laws, religious teachings and traditions, they missed “Elijah” and were missing the Messiah as well.
In verses 14 through 21, Jesus and the three met a crowd at the bottom of the mountain. A man came before Jesus kneeling. He explained how his son was suffering from seizures which caused him to be thrown into the fire and water. The man stated that he had brought his son to the disciples, but they were not able to heal him. Jesus rebuked the disciples for not having any faith and told them to bring the boy to Him. Jesus rebuked the demon, and the boy was healed. Privately, the disciples asked Jesus why they couldn’t cast the demon out. Jesus replied they did not have enough faith; for with faith, nothing is impossible. He also added that it took prayer and fasting to cast out certain kinds of demons. The latter verse is a very popular verse in the “demon casting out” world. I would like to render you an explanation of this verse. Prayer and fasting are spiritual practices which decrease the desires of our flesh and increase the desires of our spirit. These practices build our faith and relationship with God. They also increase our spiritual power allowing us to walk in our God-given power and authority. As a result of the spiritual increase via such practices, we, enabled by God’s Spirit, are able to perform such things as casting out demons.
Real Talk with Keve 