BIBLE IN TEN

Matthew 17:12

Thursday, 26 February 2026
 
But I say to you that Elijah has come already, and they did not know him but did to him whatever they wished. Likewise the Son of Man is also about to suffer at their hands.” Matthew 17:12
 
“And I say to you that Elijah, he came already, and they knew him not, but they did in him as much as they desired. And thus the Son of Man, He is about to suffer under them” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus responded to the disciples, noting that Elijah would come first and that he would reconstitute all things. He continues, saying, “And I say to you that Elijah, he came already.”
 
Because of these words, many scholars who deny a literal fulfillment of the promises to Israel of future restoration conclude that there is one, and only one meaning to what is going on here. Elijah has come, and thus, he is not “coming.” As such, and speaking for this doctrine, Ellicott says –
 
“The disciples need not look for any other personal appearance. The use of the present and future tenses in Matthew 17:11 point to a deeper truth, which they were to learn afterwards. The Elijah ministry, the work of the preacher of repentance, is not a transient phenomenon belonging to one stage only of the Church’s history, but was to be, throughout the ages, on to the end of all things, the indispensable preparation for the coming of the Lord. Only through it could all things be restored, and the path made ready for the heralds of forgiveness and of peace.”
 
In other words, this is the only coming of Elijah, and his work continues on today in the lives of “preachers of repentance” for all times. An obvious problem with this is that John died before Jesus completed His work. He was an Old Testament preacher of repentance and to turn to the Messiah. Acts 19:1-5 makes this perfectly clear.
 
John had no idea about the fullness of Christ’s ministry or what preachers should preach based on His completed work. As for Jesus, He continues, saying, “and they knew him not, but they did in him as much as they desired.”
 
The first messenger mentioned in Malachi 3:1 is clearly referring to John the Baptist. The second Messenger is a reference to Christ. These are both understood to be the case. John came as a messenger to fulfill what was said about preparing the way before the Lord.
 
He did his job in this regard, but the nation as a whole rejected his words. Instead of accepting his message, he was imprisoned and beheaded. Jesus uses the general term “they” to describe the actions of all who stood against John’s proclamation. Concerning what was done to John, Jesus continues, saying, “And thus the Son of Man, He is about to suffer under them.”
 
Jesus explicitly tells the disciples that He will be handed the same type of treatment that John received. The message of both will be rejected by the nation of Israel.
 
The interpretation of many commentators, Jewish and Christians alike, is that the words of Malachi 3:1 and Malachi 4:5 & 6 speak of the same person and the same event. This is incorrect. John clearly stated that he is not Elijah in John 1:21. Luke declares that John came “in the spirit and power of Elijah” in Luke 1:17.
 
Jesus, stating that Elijah has come, means that John has fulfilled the anticipated role of Elijah for the nation of Israel through his message. However, Jesus’ words in Matthew 17:11, which are in the future tense, tell us that the physical appearance of Elijah is still ahead. The coming of John to fulfill Elijah’s role does not negate Elijah coming again to complete what was rejected by Israel. Rather, it is a main purpose of the second advent of Jesus.
 
Life application: Ellicott, along with those of similar thinking, uses Jesus’ words of Matthew 11:14 about John being the ‘being about to come’ and says that the future tense is the same as the future tense here. Ellicott calls it “an emphatic repetition.” The problem is that Matthew 11:14 was not in the future tense. It is a present participle.
 
Jesus’ words about John as “the ‘being about to come’” were a reference to the ongoing expectancy that Elijah was coming. Each year, Jewish tradition taught that he would arrive at a feast, most usually associated with the Passover. For this reason, it was (and still is to this day) a custom for some Jews to leave an empty chair at the seder, hoping that he would come to their home.
 
The Jews are waiting for Elijah, and he is coming. He may even show up at a house with an empty chair waiting for him, as tradition supposes. But when he comes, his message is going to be one that literally shocks those who hear his words: “You missed the coming of the Messiah.”
 
So upsetting will this be to the people that he will eventually be killed along with the other witness who comes to testify that Israel is still, more than two millennia later, heading down the wrong path.
 
They will be in the area of the temple in Jerusalem, telling the people just what the book of Hebrews says. The temple and its sacrificial rites only anticipated Jesus. What they are doing is a refutation of a relationship with God, not a restoration of it. For those who think that what is happening in Israel with the building of a temple and the reinstatement of sacrifices is somehow a good thing, they, too, have misunderstood the import of Christ’s ministry in this regard.
 
A temple is coming. Just because Scripture proclaims this, it does not mean God condones it. This is a mistake in reasoning that has deluded the church into supporting a rejection of what the temple only anticipated. The book of Hebrews makes this clear. To return to temple worship is to recrucify Christ, not glorify Him.
 
God cannot be glorified through animal sacrifices when His Son has come and set that entire order of worship aside, once and forever.
 
Lord God, may we be about the business of getting the word out to Israel and the Jewish people that they need Jesus. There can be no substitute and no end around in coming to You. Help us to ensure all people understand that He, and He alone, is the only way to be reconciled to You. Amen.

Matthew 17:11

Wednesday, 25 February 2026
 
Jesus answered and said to them, “Indeed, Elijah is coming first and will restore all things. Matthew 17:11
 
“And Jesus answering, He said to them, ‘Elijah indeed, he comes first, and he will reconstitute all’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, the disciples queried Jesus, asking, “Why therefore the scribes, they say that Elijah, it necessitates, to come first?” Having recalled that, Matthew next records, “And Jesus answering.”
 
What Jesus says is the spoken word of God. Therefore, what He says is to be taken literally. He will make His statement based on what Scripture has already taught about Elijah. Therefore, what seems contradictory in the coming verse is due to a misunderstanding of what Jesus is saying. Understanding this, “He said to them, ‘Elijah indeed, he comes first.’”
 
Some texts omit the word “first,” as if this resolves the issue that many find difficult to understand. However, Mark 9:12 includes the word “first,” but accompanies it with an aorist participle, saying, “Elijah, indeed, having come first, he reconstitutes all.”
 
Thus, there is no reason to assume the word “first” doesn’t belong here. The words of Jesus so far don’t tell when Elijah is coming. It is a statement of fact, “He comes first.” However, the next words add more clarification, saying, “and he will reconstitute all.”
 
The future tense leaves no doubt that Elijah’s coming is yet ahead. Therefore, what is coming is what was prophesied in Malachi 4 concerning him –
 
“Behold! I sending to you Elijah the prophet,
To faces coming day Yehovah –
The whopping and the ‘being feared,’
6 And he will cause to return, heart fathers, upon sons,
And heart sons, upon their fathers.
Lest I come, and I cause to strike the land – anathema.” Malachi 4:5, 6 (CG)
 
These are not words describing immediate family relations, as in, “He will turn the people in the families to love one another.” Rather, this is a word concerning the Hebrew people as a whole. The fathers are the patriarchs, especially Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
 
The children are those who have misunderstood both the promise to the patriarchs and the purpose of the law. The heart of the fathers was that of promise while trusting in the gospel of the grace of God. Paul explains this in Galatians 3 –
 
“And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, ‘In you all the nations shall be blessed.’ 9 So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham.” 
...
“And this I say, that the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ, that it should make the promise of no effect. 18 For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no longer of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise.” Galatians 3:8, 9, & 17, 18
 
The hearts of the children, the unbelievers of Israel, will have their hearts turned to the hearts of the fathers who trusted the gospel of Christ as a certain and sure promise. If they do not turn their hearts, the warning stands.
 
Life application: The Old Testament, the time of man’s living under the curse of law, ends with the word kherem, anathema. It speaks of the utter destruction or ban of something. It is a fitting end to the thirty-nine books of law.
 
Only with the hope of God in Christ is there life and renewed fellowship with God. Only in understanding the gospel can that state be realized.
 
As with the whole chapter of Malachi 4, the final words speak of a dual fulfillment. The first part of it came about when Israel rejected Jesus. He told them as much in Matthew 23:36, saying, “Assuredly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation.”
 
The nation as a whole rejected Jesus, remained under law, and fell under the ban because of it. The second fulfillment will be for those of Israel who continue to reject Jesus during the tribulation. However, for the nation, that will eventually end. The land of Israel, symbolized by Jerusalem, was anathema because of Israel’s rejection of Jesus. This is seen in Zechariah 14:11 –
 
“The people shall dwell in it;And no longer shall there be utter destruction [kherem],But Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited.”
 
This prophecy concerns the future when Israel finally receives Jesus. Only when the hearts of the children are turned to the hearts of the fathers, meaning those who lived in faith and not by law, will this time of woe for Israel end.
 
The day is coming, and the world is being readied for it with the return of Israel to her land. The nation has been reestablished, prophecies of the past have come to their fulfillment, and many more prophecies are set to be fulfilled.
 
The book is written, and these things will come about. We are simply spectators watching as the words of Scripture are faithfully realized, often before our own eyes. At some point, the rapture will take place, and the attention of the Lord will be directed to bringing about the final restoration of Israel while also bringing about judgment upon all who refuse to believe.
 
Malachi sets forth both the hope of restoration and the warning of rejecting it. Though it is directed to Israel, for those who know Jesus, both Jews and Gentiles, we can learn from what is said there.
 
Our trust is not to be in the Law of Moses but in the One who is spoken of there and throughout all of Scripture. It is not easy to let go and place ourselves solely under the authority of another, but we must do so. If we are in need of surgery, we have to trust that the surgeon will get us through the ordeal.
 
In the case of our eternal souls, we have to let go of trusting in ourselves and look to the eternal gospel, which God has slowly and methodically revealed to the world through His word. And that gospel is centered completely and entirely on the Person of Jesus Christ.
 
Lord God, help us in our stubborn desire to earn what You have so freely given. May we never assume that we can somehow merit Your gracious offering of Jesus. Rather, may we trust only in the word that tells us of what He has done, accepting it as the one acceptable means of restoration with You. Thank You for Your grace, which is found in Jesus Christ! Amen.

Matthew 17:10

Tuesday, 24 February 2026
 
And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” Matthew 17:10
 
“And His disciples, they queried Him, saying, ‘Why therefore the scribes, they say that Elijah, it necessitates, to come first?’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus told the disciples who joined Him on the mountain that they were not to tell the vision to anyone until the Son of Man arises from the dead. Continuing the conversation, it next says, “And His disciples, they queried Him.”
 
As with most people who grew up in a place where the Bible is discussed, these men, having grown up in Israel, would have heard all kinds of teachings that people like to focus on. Therefore, they would have an awareness of matters that related to the vision they just saw.
 
Jesus, telling them not to share the vision, now complicates the sequence of events in their minds. To clarify their understanding, they queried Jesus, “saying, ‘Why therefore the scribes, they say that Elijah, it necessitates, to come first?’”
 
The scribes, understanding the prophecies found in Malachi, stated that Elijah would come back before the Messiah was revealed to them. That is based on two thoughts from Malachi –
 
“Behold Me! Sending My messenger,
And he turned, road, to My faces
And instantly, He will come unto His portico,
The Lord, whom you seeking,
And Messenger, the covenant,
Whom you delighted.
Behold! Coming!
He said, Yehovah Sabaoth.” Malachi 3:1 (CG)
 
“Behold! I sending to you Elijah the prophet,
To faces coming day Yehovah –
The whopping and the ‘being feared,’
6 And he will cause to return, heart fathers, upon sons,
And heart sons, upon their fathers.
Lest I come, and I cause to strike the land – anathema.” Malachi 4:5, 6 (CG)
 
The scribes concluded that Elijah would come before the Messenger of the covenant, who is understood to be the Messiah, based on these thoughts. If this is so, and if he came in the vision they beheld, then in their minds, that would mean the prophecy was fulfilled. However, that would only be the case if people knew about it.
 
They could tell the people they saw a vision of Elijah and that the prophecy was fulfilled. Or Elijah could stay and reveal himself. But neither was the case. Elijah was there for a short span, and he disappeared. Along with his disappearance was the voice telling them to hear Jesus, not Elijah.
 
And more, Jesus just told them to tell no one of the vision until after He rose from the dead, and for all they knew, He could be speaking of the end-times resurrection. If they couldn’t tell anyone, and if Elijah had come and left, then nobody would ever know Elijah came. But the scribes were waiting for Elijah.
 
It would be silly to have a prophecy in the Bible that was fulfilled, but nobody knew it was so! Therefore, they could not understand how things fit together because of this.
 
Life application: There are things that are clear and explicit in Scripture. If Scripture is truly the word of God, then those things must come to pass. There are things that must be inferred from Scripture, or which may require taking individual sections and tying them together to conclude what is being said.
 
In the case of the latter, if things are put together incorrectly, a misunderstanding of what will take place will occur. The scribes have the information laid out in Malachi concerning the Lord’s messenger and the Messenger of the covenant from Malachi 3, and they have the note about Elijah from Malachi 4.
 
They put the two thoughts together and drew a conclusion based on those passages. However, Malachi 3 never said the Lord’s messenger was Elijah. And Malachi 4 speaks of the great and dreadful day of the Lord, something they assumed meant the time when the Messiah was set to initiate.
 
Their conclusion was faulty because they misunderstood the content of the verses. And this is because they misapplied what those verses were saying. This is a common thing, especially with those excited about end-times prophecy to the exclusion of the rest of Scripture. They don’t have a full understanding of what the Bible says. In fact, they may never have read the Bible through once. But they are “specialists” in eschatology.
 
This is as common as beans in a Mexican diner, but it is a poor way of handling the Bible. However, when people sound like they know what they are talking about in prophecy and eschatology, they are usually given an ear because people tend to really dig those things.
 
The answer to this problem is for people to read their Bibles and know, in advance, if the things they are being taught match up with what their own studies have made them understand. From there, it is much easier to work through the details than it is to sit blindly, accepting someone’s teaching without any clue if he is doctrinally on the right page or not.
 
Lord God, whatever time we have left in our lives, may we use that time wisely, reading and contemplating Your word. Help us not to get distracted by too many irrelevant things, where we will then forsake this task. Give us wisdom to know You and what You expect of us through reading Your word. Amen.

Matthew 17:9

Monday, 23 February 2026
 
Now as they came down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, “Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead.” Matthew 17:9
 
“And descending, they, from the mountain, Jesus, He enjoined them, saying, ‘You tell none the vision until that the Son of Man from dead, He arose’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, it was noted that when the disciples uplifted their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus. It next says, “And descending, they, from the mountain, Jesus, He enjoined them.”
 
They are returning to where the other disciples are. However, just as they went to the mountain separately for a reason, Jesus wants what they saw to be kept to themselves also. Therefore, He enjoins them concerning the matter, “saying, ‘You tell none the vision.’”
 
A new word is seen here, horama, a vision. It is derived from horaó, to stare at, and which is, at times, translated as behold. This refers to what is beheld. It is something gazed at, such as a spectacle. What these men beheld was a vision.
 
Looking at the various uses of this word leads to the notion that what was seen may not be a concrete event, but a mental perception of something, somewhat like a dream. For example –
 
“But Peter explained it to them in order from the beginning, saying: 5 ‘I was in the city of Joppa praying; and in a trance I saw a vision, an object descending like a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came to me. 6 When I observed it intently and considered, I saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. 7 And I heard a voice saying to me, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” 8 But I said, “Not so, Lord! For nothing common or unclean has at any time entered my mouth.” 9 But the voice answered me again from heaven, “What God has cleansed you must not call common.” 10 Now this was done three times, and all were drawn up again into heaven.’” Acts 11:4-10
 
What Peter saw was real to him, but it was not necessarily real. These men saw a vision. Was it a concrete event where Moses and Elijah literally appeared with Jesus, or was a point being made concerning their ministries without them actually having been there? Being dogmatic about the matter may be barking up the wrong tree.
 
Regardless, what they saw was real to the disciples, and Jesus confirms that what they saw should be taken as such. But they were to refrain from speaking of it “until that the Son of Man from dead, He arose.”
 
Mark adds in the words, “So they kept this word to themselves, questioning what the rising from the dead meant.” The words of Jesus were perplexing to them, but they were obedient to His directive, keeping silent about the matter. But two obvious questions that arise from the event and Jesus’ admonition are, “Why weren’t all of the disciples taken along, and why should Jesus not want the other disciples to know what happened?”
 
It can only be speculation, but one reason that seems apparent is that if Judas had gone, or if he had been informed of what happened, he may never have betrayed Jesus. He was looking for one thing, but God had other plans. If he were aware of what took place, the necessary death of Jesus for the people of the world may not have come about in the manner it did.
 
For this, and any other logical reasons, the matter of the transfiguration was kept to a select few men until the time it could be freely spoken of by those who saw it.
 
Life application: Understanding that what the disciples saw may have been a vision without actual substance may then lead to other various points of doctrine or personal opinion falling apart. Pastors will adamantly speak of Moses’ appearance as an actual event where he literally stood there. Because of this, it is then used as a springboard to say that Moses can, in fact, be one of the two witnesses noted in Revelation 11.
 
This would be contradictory, however, to Hebrews 9:27, which says, “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” Because of Hebrews 9, it is clear that Moses will not be one of the two witnesses, but despite that, it would be unwise to proclaim either way that what was seen in the transfiguration was an actual physical event rather than a divinely prepared mental image, or vice versa.
 
Did a sheet really drop down from heaven with animals on it in front of Peter? It is unlikely at best. And yet, it seemed as real to Peter as if it actually happened. We should be careful not to be dogmatic about things we simply cannot know. Rather, whether Moses and Elijah actually stood there with Jesus or not, the point of why they were there with Jesus is what is important.
 
The disciples, and thus us because it is recorded in Scripture, were being taught truths concerning the ongoing plan of redemption. Jesus, not the Law and the Prophets, is who we are to focus our attention on.
 
Lord God, someday, we will have many answers to questions resolved. Until then, help us to not stubbornly claim things that may be debatable. Help us to contemplate Your word, consider what You are telling us, and hold fast to the truths we can glean from it. May it be so, to Your glory. Amen.
 

Matthew 17:8

Sunday, 22 February 2026
 
When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. Matthew 17:8
 
“And having uplifted their eyes, they saw none, if not Jesus alone” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus came to the disciples who had been overwhelmed by the voice and events on the mountain, touching them and telling them to arise and not be afraid. It next says, “And having uplifted their eyes.”
 
A new word, epairó, to uplift, is seen. It is from epi, upon, and airó, to take up or away. It can be used literally, as in this verse, or it can be used figuratively, such as exalting oneself, etc.
The disciples had fallen on their faces from fear. Once Jesus’ comforting touch and voice came, they uplifted their eyes and “they saw none, if not Jesus alone.”
 
Moses and Elijah were gone, and in whatever way the voice from the cloud was transmitted, there was nobody except Jesus to behold. The sudden removal of Moses and Elijah as soon as the voice had been uttered is instructional. Jesus and the message concerning Him are what are to be focused on. The Law and the Prophets had served their purpose and are now no longer what God is doing in the process of redemption.
 
Life application: If this short section concerning the events on the mountain is evaluated, the message it conveys is crystal clear. In Matthew 16:28, Jesus told the disciples that of those standing with Him, some would not see death until they saw the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.
 
Just a short time later, He took Peter, James, and John up on a high mountain where He metamorphosed before them. His countenance changed to brilliancy with radiating light. What does Paul say about the message of Christ? He explains it in 2 Corinthians 4 –
 
“For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4:6
 
With His radiant countenance manifested, Moses and Elijah appeared and conversed with Him. As noted, Luke includes the note that their conversation was about Jesus’ coming death, which He was about to accomplish in Jerusalem.
 
At that time, Peter offered to build three tents to accommodate Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. Tents are for dwelling in. But what was the divine response from the Father? It concerned hearing Jesus. The temporary tabernacling of Moses and Elijah was done. The new and eternal tabernacling with God is through Jesus –
 
“And I heard – voice great from the throne, saying, ‘You behold, the tabernacle [skéné], the God, with the men, and He will tabernacle [skénoó] with them, and they – peoples of Him, they will be, and He – the God with them, He will be, their God’” Revelation 21:3 (CG).
After the voice, the men fell down terrified, but when Jesus came to reassure them, they looked up, and there was only Jesus. Jesus promised that there would be those who would see Him coming in His kingdom.
 
The kingdom is that of understanding who He is, meaning the God/Man in whom God tabernacles, and that the law only anticipated His coming. It is no longer what God is doing. The kingdom Jesus was referring to has arrived in the preaching of the gospel. It will be realized in those who receive it someday.
Jesus’ words were not referring to an earthly kingdom during the millennium. That will occur, but it is not what is being referred to here.
 
“He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:13, 14
 
If your eyes are on law observance, you are missing the kingdom. Eyes on Jesus! The law is over. God wants us to focus our attention on what He has done through Jesus.
 
Lord God, thank You for the wonderful news of Jesus Christ. Through faith in Him, we are transferred to His kingdom and now have full and forever restoration with You. Thank You for this wonderful news. Yes, O God, thank You for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 

Matthew 17:7

Saturday, 21 February 2026
 
But Jesus came and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.” Matthew 17:7
 
“And He came, Jesus. He touched them, and He said, ‘You rouse, and you fear not’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, after hearing the voice from heaven, the disciples fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. Matthew next records, “And He came, Jesus. He touched them.”
 
This is something seen elsewhere, in both testaments. When a person is presented with the presence of deity, it so overwhelms him that he falls to the ground in a stupor. But then, a comforting hand is presented to him –
 
“And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, for the men who were with me did not see the vision; but a great terror fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves. 8 Therefore I was left alone when I saw this great vision, and no strength remained in me; for my vigor was turned to frailty in me, and I retained no strength. 9 Yet I heard the sound of his words; and while I heard the sound of his words I was in a deep sleep on my face, with my face to the ground.10 Suddenly, a hand touched me, which made me tremble on my knees and on the palms of my hands. 11 And he said to me, ‘O Daniel, man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you.’ While he was speaking this word to me, I stood trembling.” Daniel 10:7-11
 
“When I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. 14 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; 15 His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; 16 He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. 17 And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, ‘Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. 18 I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.’” Revelation 1:12-18
 
Along with touching them, it says, “and He said, ‘You rouse, and you fear not.’”
 
The words of Jesus and the familiarity of His voice would have brought them to their senses and let them know that, despite the terror the manifestation of the voice brought, they were safe in His presence.
 
Life application: The lesson for the disciples is the same as the lesson for us today. Though humans throughout the world and in an almost unlimited number of religions constantly talk about God in their regular conversation, there is no fist-bumping fellowship between the two.
 
Rather, the perfections of God in contrast to the imperfections found in man mean that we should rather be terrified of encountering Him on our own merits. It cannot be known how the voice from the Father occurred, but it struck terror in the hearts and minds of the disciples.
 
It is the same reaction as occurred at Mount Sinai when Israel heard the words of the Lord God when the Ten Commandments were spoken. At that time, their response to Moses was, “You speak with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die.”
 
Jesus is there to mediate between His Father and us. It is His perfection that allows this. Without that, there would only be horror at the majesty of God in relation to our own infinitely fallen state.
 
It is Jesus who restores harmony between the two. It cannot come about through Muhammad, Buddha, Krishna, Mary, or any other person or figure who is prayed to by the deceived people of the world. Without Jesus, there is only the expectation of judgment and condemnation. Thank God for Jesus Christ, who makes our restoration with God possible.
 
Lord God, how grateful we are for the giving of Your Son to bring us back to You. We praise You, and we will praise You forever and ever because of Him. Thank You for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Matthew 17:6

Friday, 20 February 2026
 
And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. Matthew 17:6
 
“And having heard, the disciples, they fell upon their face, and they feared exceedingly” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, a cloud overshadowed those on the mountain, and a voice came out of the cloud proclaiming Jesus is God’s beloved Son in whom He is well pleased. Matthew next records, “And having heard, the disciples, they fell upon their face.”
 
The terror of the event was overwhelming for the disciples. Elsewhere, John records what a voice from heaven sounded like –
 
“Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify Your name.”Then a voice came from heaven, saying, “I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.”29 Therefore the people who stood by and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to Him.” John 12:27-29
 
As the disciples were enveloped in the brilliant cloud, they would be mentally confused about the source of the voice. The mental overload could have been magnified depending on how the voice spoke. If it were authoritative, it could have been shocking. If it was a bit miffed, as in, “Forget those others. I want you to focus on My Son,” they could have been fearful for having had the wrong attitude, etc.
 
A natural reaction would be to fall down and lie prostrate in fear. That is confirmed with the next words, “and they feared exceedingly.”
 
The disciples, knowing there were three there, and having heard the voices as they conversed, the sudden introduction of another voice with nobody else having been present would have been truly shocking. Peter’s memory was permanently affected by this event. Many years later, he referred to it in his second epistle –
 
“For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17 For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’ 18 And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.” 2 Peter 1:16-18
 
Life application: At some point in human history, the Lord will return for His church. We have no idea when that will be. All the speculation in the world is wasted time that could have been used to do something productive for the Lord.
 
When He comes, the Bible says this will be how it occurs –
 
“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17
 
We will hear the shout of the Lord. Now imagine what that will be like for people under different circumstances. Some may be in church praising Him. Hearing that should be a glorious moment as the joy of those who were praising Him has found its true purpose.
 
Another group will be working, some in very tedious jobs. That will be a call to rest from their labors. It will be a relief for the weary, toiling souls. Another group might be people on the beach or on a mountain hiking. The majesty or beauty of their surroundings will suddenly mean nothing compared to the glory that lies ahead.
 
Others, however, might be engaged in stealing from Walmart, cheating with their neighbor’s wives, or doing other things that Christians should not be engaged in. Their final acts on this earth before being taken to glory will be a source of embarrassment and shame.
 
How do you want your last moments before Jesus comes to be remembered? We should focus our minds on Him and honor Him at all times. We should have our eyes directed to Him and our activities in line with what He would find pleasing in His eyes.
 
The Lord is coming, and we don’t know when. Be about your business with that in mind.
 
Lord God, help us to spend our time wisely as we await Your return for us. We may die before that day and await Your call from the sleep of death, but You may come while we are still alive. Give us wisdom to remember that day, considering it at all times as we contemplate a better life in Your presence forever. Amen.
 

Matthew 17:5

Thursday, 19 February 2026
 
While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” Matthew 17:5
 
“Yet he speaking, you behold! Cloud – lustrous, it overshadowed them. And you behold! Voice – from the cloud, saying, ‘This, He is My Son, the Beloved in whom I approved! You hear – Him!’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Peter said to Jesus that it was good for them to be there and that he and the others would build tabernacles for Him, Moses, and Elijah. Matthew next records, “Yet he speaking.”
 
Peter was in the process of what was essentially an idol-fest. He was star-struck with the audience gathered with Jesus. However, his thoughts were misdirected and unsuited for the situation. Remember what he himself had proclaimed just a short while before –
 
“You, You are the Christ, the Son of God, the living.” Matthew 16:16
 
Therefore, his words were cut off as he spoke, and “you behold! Cloud – lustrous, it overshadowed them.”
 
Two new words are seen here. The first is nephelé, cloudiness, or concretely, a cloud. It is from nephos, a cloud. The second new word is the verb episkiazó, to overshadow. It is from epi, upon or over, and skia, a shadow.
 
Saying that this cloud was lustrous may be because of the brilliant light radiating from Jesus, like when one is in fog and shines a light. The light is gathered into all of the fog particles, and the entire area turns lustrous.
 
If a cloud overshadowed them, even a regular cloud, this would be the result. This appears to be what is conveyed in the thought because of what continues to transpire. Next, it says, “And you behold!”
 
The excitement rushing from Matthew’s pen is palpable as he introduces a second thought in a row this way. The inspired word of the Lord is asking us to really pay heed to what is being conveyed. First, the group was overshadowed, blocking out Moses and Elijah. Understanding this, it continues with, “Voice – from the cloud.”
 
Within the cloud itself is a voice. Like the burning bush on Mount Horeb, there was a physical demonstration of the presence, and yet, there is a concealing of the Source of the voice at the same time. Thus, the One speaking can only be understood by what He states, not by actually seeing Him. Understanding this, He was “saying, ‘This, He is My Son.’”
 
The voice, being derived from eternity itself, calls out who He is, God the Father. As He is in the eternal state, the words were prepared from before the creation of a single atom to occur at this moment. Having indicated who Jesus is in relation to Him, He continues with, “the Beloved in whom I approved!”
 
The words are repeated from Matthew 3:17 when Jesus was baptized –
 
“This, He is, My Son – the Beloved in whom I approved!”
 
God had ordained Jesus to initiate His ministry. He was pleased with Him at that time. Now, after Jesus has told His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, suffer, and be killed, meaning His ministry was on its downward trajectory, the Father affirms His relationship with Him. Because of His pleasure in His Son, He next calls out, “You hear – Him!”
 
The point that the Father was making was that they were no longer to look to the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah) for their spiritual guidance. They were to listen to Jesus, the Fulfiller of everything spoken of in the Law and Prophets. It is an admonition from God that has not changed since then –
 
 “Eyeballing unto the ‘the faith Pioneer and Perfecter,’ Jesus” Hebrews 12:2 (CG).
 
This is the directive from God for all people, meaning to focus on Jesus. Nothing else will do. All else will lead to a sad end.
 
Life application: Although there are innumerable doctrines set forth in Scripture, the main point of doctrine for one’s life conduct in the presence of God is understanding the matter of law versus grace and being obedient to the latter.
 
The Bible’s first recorded words of God speaking to man are words of grace versus law. From that point on, because Adam disobeyed the law he was given, the violation of that law has been the source of every problem that mankind has ever faced. Adam failed to understand that he had been given grace. In Genesis 2:17, it said –
 
“Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat.”
 
Adam was given everything, though he had done nothing to earn it. God lavished upon the man His goodness in a variety of tastes, textures, and physical sensations as he experienced each new fruit. At the same time, and in the same sentence, the Lord gave Adam law –
 
“...but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”
 
This set forth a choice that has been set forth again for the people of the world. Will we choose to trust God and accept His grace, or will we ignore that, choose law, and perish apart from the grace? It is what Paul calls “a different gospel, which is not another” in Galatians 1.
 
God, in His words concerning Jesus, is setting forth that choice by telling the disciples, and thus us, because the words are recorded in Scripture, that we are to focus on the grace. That grace could only come through the crucifixion of Christ. When we return to the law, we crucify again for ourselves the Son of God. In this, we put Him to open shame. May we never presume to have such an attitude.
 
Lord God, thank You for the grace that is poured out on us through the giving of Your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.
 

Matthew 17:4

Wednesday, 18 February 2026
 
Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” Matthew 17:4
 
“And answering, Peter, he said to Jesus, ‘Lord, good, it is – us to be here. If You desire, we will make here three tabernacles: You one, and Moses one, and Elijah one’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, it was noted that during the transfiguration, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Jesus. Matthew next records, “And answering, Peter.”
 
All three gospel narratives agree that it was Peter who spoke to Jesus. However, each will show the individual preference of how Peter addressed Him. Matthew continues the narrative with, “he said to Jesus, ‘Lord.’”
 
Matthew records the word, kurios, lord. It is derived from kuros, supremacy. Mark records the word rhabbi. It is derived from the Hebrew rab, abundance, which is fixed to a pronominal suffix. The meaning then is “my master,” with the intent of “my great one,” or “my Mr. Full of Knowledge.” Luke records the word epistates, master. That is derived from epi, upon or over, and histemi, to stand. Thus, it is one who stands over another.
 
Each of them gives the same general meaning but is taken from the author’s own well of knowledge when penning the account. The word spoken by Peter would have been in Aramaic, thus rhabbi is probably what was said. With that stated, Peter next says, “good, it is – us to be here.”
 
The meaning probably isn’t, “It is good to be here, because...” Rather, Peter’s intent seems more akin to “What a satisfying experience it is for us to be here.” To bolster that thought, he next says, “If You desire, we will make here...”
 
Some manuscripts say, “I will make.” Scholars who lean toward this as correct indicate it is in line with the impetuous nature of Peter, as if “I will handle this.” However, that doesn’t change with “we.”
 
Depending on the situation, there is no less impetuosity if Peter volunteered others. However, it isn’t certain that we have all that was said. Rather, the gospel focuses on particular things while probably ignoring other things that may have transpired. Understanding this, Peter continues, saying, “three tabernacles.”
 
It is a new word, skéné, a tent. In this case, it would be referring to a tabernacle built out of whatever branches could be obtained by the disciples. The word can be used literally, as it is here, or it can be used figuratively, such as in Hebrews 9:11. Peter, assuming this may be an extended stay for them, or maybe hoping it can be extended by his suggestion, offers to build three tabernacles, which are, “You one, and Moses one, and Elijah one.”
 
The offer to build tabernacles, akin to the sukkah made for the Feast of Tabernacles, is made. Mark adds to the thought, saying, “For not he had known what he should say. For terrified, they were.” Luke says, “not having known what he says.”
 
In other words, there was confusion in his mind about how to address the issue at all, and he blurted out his words, probably in an attempt to bring some sort of control to the events around him that he could not fully understand.
 
Life application: One of the most common things passed on in Christian circles from this verse, and which has been repeated in innumerable sermons and commentaries, and then which is passed on by lay people, is that everyone will know everyone else in heaven immediately because Peter knew who Moses and Elijah were without being told.
 
How anyone can come to that conclusion is hard to figure out, but it now permeates Christian thinking. The account has already said that Moses and Elijah were conversing with Jesus. Conversing means... anyone? Having a conversation. It could have gone on for five minutes or an hour. And yet, not a word of what was said is recorded.
 
The general tenor of the conversation was that they “spoke of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem” (Luke 9:31). But that is just what the conversation was about, not the details that were conveyed.
 
For all we know, Peter was listening and heard the names of Moses and Elijah stated by Jesus. Maybe Jesus introduced the two, saying, “Moses, this is Elijah. Elijah, this is Moses.” Or maybe the two were wearing name tags. To jump to the conclusion that everyone will know everyone else assumes too much.
 
It is not a good policy to make such statements without qualifiers, such as “Maybe...” The fact is, we have no idea whether we will know everybody’s name or not.
 
Use discretion when passing things on. To insert thoughts that may or may not be correct can only lead people down incorrect paths of thinking. One idea, such as this, can, and normally will, lead to other unfounded suppositions.
 
Lord God, it is good to be in Your presence and to share in Your tenderful blessings and mercies each day. We are the recipients of all of Your goodness toward mankind because of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Help us to remember this in times of troubles, trials, and difficulties. What we have coming will forever replace anything we are now suffering. Thank You for this great hope we possess. Amen.
 

Matthew 17:3

Tuesday, 17 February 2026
 
And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. Matthew 17:3
 
“And you behold! They appeared to them Moses and Elijah, conversing with Him” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus was transfigured. His appearance changed, becoming dazzling. With that noted, it next says, “And you behold! They appeared to them Moses and Elijah.”
 
Several things can be gleaned from these words. There is a way of accessing both Sheol and heaven. For example, Samuel was raised by the witch of En Dor in 1 Samuel 28. Moses died, and he was buried. Despite Jewish commentaries that contradict this, it is stated as a fact in Deuteronomy 34.
 
The location of his grave was unknown, maybe to avoid it becoming a place of idolatry. But more importantly, it was a typological point that when the law is dead, it is no longer to be remembered. Christ’s fulfillment of it is the end of the law.
 
Messengers are seen to come from elsewhere to speak the word of the Lord at various times in both testaments. Unlike Moses, Elijah was taken to heaven in a whirlwind, not seeing death. And yet, he appeared on earth. Thus, the symbolism here is that Jesus has full control of access to both Sheol and heaven and to the living and the dead.
 
Further, Moses is given as a type of the law. Elijah is given as a type of the prophets. Their appearance with Jesus thus signifies that He is the embodiment of the law and prophets, something He stated both in Matthew 5:17 and then after the resurrection in Luke 24:44. This is also confirmed in Acts 28:23 –
 
“So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening.”
 
Both Moses and Elijah were referred to in the last chapter of the Old Testament –
 
“Remember the Law of Moses, My servant,Which I commanded him in Horeb for all Israel,With the statutes and judgments.5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophetBefore the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.6 And he will turnThe hearts of the fathers to the children,And the hearts of the children to their fathers,Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.” Malachi 4:4-6
 
The people of Israel were told to remember the Law of Moses. This was not an admonition for either Israel after Jesus’ coming or something the church is to adhere to. Rather, it was a word to Israel to pay heed to the coming of the Messiah, who was promised earlier in the book of Malachi, as well as throughout the Law of Moses.
 
Moses and the prophets spoke of His coming, and the people were to remember this and receive Him. In their failure to do so, they received the curse of the law upon their land. Of the appearance of these two, it next says they were “conversing with Him.”
 
A new word is used, sullaleó, to talk together, and thus to converse. This wasn’t just an apparition. Rather, these two, one long dead and the other gone from Israel to heaven hundreds of years earlier, had appeared and were conversing with Jesus. Luke specifically records that the conversation was “of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.”
 
Jesus had told the disciples that He would suffer and die in Jerusalem. Peter rebuked Him because of this. Now, these two are confirming Jesus’ words in front of Peter, James, and John.
 
Life application: The Bible teaches that the dead, until the coming of Christ, will go to Sheol/Hades. To understand that this is doctrinally correct, the sermon from the Superior Word entitled “Where Do Believers Go When They Die? What the Bible Says” should be referred to.
 
This is upsetting to some who want to believe our dearly departed will suddenly be in heaven, which is based on a misinterpretation of several verses in Scripture. But there is nothing wrong with us being in Sheol. Jesus has full access to it for the departed loved ones. His resurrection from Sheol proves He possesses this authority and power.
 
Paul confirms that the day is ahead when those in Christ who are in Sheol will be raised. At that time, the victory over the grave will be realized –
 
“For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory.’55 ‘O Death, where is your sting?O Hades, where is your victory?’56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:53-57
 
Let us not be upset about how God has structured and ordained things. Rather, let us rejoice that God has done it at all. We stood on the opposing side when He sent Jesus to restore us to Him. If we get an extended nap in Sheol, we should be grateful that it will not end in an eternal swim in the Lake of Fire. Thank God for Jesus Christ.
 
Lord God, we confidently await Your return. If it is not before we die, we will rest easily until that day when You raise us to meet Jesus in the clouds. We are content as we anticipate that wonderful day. And Lord, may it be soon! Amen.

Matthew 17:2

Monday, 16 February 2026
 
and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. Matthew 17:2
 
“And He metamorphosed before them, and it radiated, His face, like the sun, and His garments, it became whites, as the light” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus took Peter, James, and John off alone up on a high mountain. Now, the narrative continues, saying, “And He metamorphosed before them.”
 
It is a new word, metamorphoó, to transform, change, transfigure, etc. It is from meta, a preposition denoting accompaniment, usually translated as “with,” and morpho, to fashion or form, a word found only in Galatians 4:19. Thus, this word signifies “changing form in keeping with inner reality” (HELPS Word Studies).
 
It is the word used twice by Paul concerning our transformation in Christ, in Romans 12:2 and 2 Corinthians 3:18. Jesus changed His appearance and yet maintained His inner reality. Thus, this is a revelation of who He is that exists in accord with His being. The effect of this change was, “and it radiated, His face.”
 
The word signifies to radiate brilliancy or beam with light. The word is used by Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:6 –
 
“For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone [lampó] in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”
 
Along with this, it says, “like the sun.”
 
If His face shone like the sun, then the brilliancy of Christ’s divine nature is that of a light so strong it cannot be focused on directly without harming the eyes of the one beholding it. His glory can only be beheld in a glance that would be stunning and impossible to maintain a constant view of. And more, it next says, “and His garments, it became whites, as the light.”
 
The reason for changing the singular “white” to the plural “whites” is to abstract the concept, changing the intent from merely a color to the idea of purity and divinity. It is incorrect to say that the inner light shone outward and caused the clothes to become bright and shining.
 
Rather, an object lesson was given in the clothes themselves. The garments are a visible metaphor of Jesus’ perfect purity and righteousness. What is seen here is a representation of His divine nature being presented to these apostles, but which has been thus far clothed within His human nature. It is the fulfillment of what He had just said to them as Chapter 16 ended –
 
“Amen! I say to you that they are some of those having stood here who not they should taste death until if they should see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.” Matthew 16:28
 
This is not a stretch, as if, “But His kingdom hadn’t yet come.” Rather, remember what He Himself said previously –
 
“And if in God’s Spirit I, I eject the demons, then it preceded upon you, the ‘God’s kingdom’” Matthew 12:28 (CG).
 
Likewise, in Luke 17, He says –
 
“Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, ‘The kingdom of God does not come with observation; 21 nor will they say, “See here!” or “See there!” For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.’” Luke 17:20, 21
 
Jesus was not telling the Pharisees that the kingdom of God was within them, meaning inside of them. He was telling them that it was in their midst. Jesus’ deity is the kingdom of God. The transfiguration of Christ was given as a witness to these three men concerning this fact.
 
Life application: In the Old Testament, the Lord God (Yehovah Elohim) tabernacled with Israel in the wilderness. Everything about that prefigured Jesus Christ. In John 1:14, it says that the Word became flesh and tabernacled among us. John was connecting the event in the wilderness of Sinai to Jesus in His humanity.
 
The deity of Christ is not a negotiable or debatable concept in Scripture. Rather, it is the fundamental truth found in Scripture. God entered into His creation to redeem us from sin. To deny the deity of Jesus Christ is to deny the only gospel that can save the human soul.
 
 Be sure to get Jesus right. To fail to do so is an eternal error that will never be remedied once your final breath has been taken.
 
Lord God Almighty, we may not fully understand all the Bible reveals about Jesus, but we do understand what the Bible is telling us about Him. You have come in the Person of Jesus. We take it on faith that this is true. Thank You that You have done what You have done for us, O God. Amen.
 

Matthew 17:1

Sunday, 15 February 2026
 
Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; Matthew 17:1
 
“And after six days, Jesus, He takes with – Peter, and James and John his brother, and them, He uphefts into a high mountain off alone” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus finished up Chapter 16, noting that there were some standing there with Him who would not taste death till they saw the Son of Man coming in His kingdom. Chapter 17 now begins, saying, “And after six days.” Mark says the same. Luke says, “about eight days.” Of this somewhat indeterminate time, “Jesus, He takes with – Peter, and James and John his brother.”
 
These selected men are, at times, referred to as the inner circle. This is because this is not the only time they are selected to come separately with Jesus. Rather, there are several such instances in the gospels. Of this group accompanying Jesus, it next says, “and them, He uphefts into a high mountain off alone.”
 
A new word is seen here, anapheró. It is derived from ana, up, and pheró, to bring, bear, or carry. The ten uses of the word combine to give a sense not found in any single English word. It refers to leading others up a mountain, being carried up into heaven, offering up sacrifices, carrying the sins of others, etc.
 
In each case, there is upward motion and the sense of bearing or leading a mass that has weight. A single word, that now exists as of the typing of this commentary, and which can describe all of these various thoughts understandably, is “upheft.” With a right click of the mouse, the red line under the word has disappeared, and it is now entered into the computer’s dictionary.
 
As for the mountain Jesus uphefted the men to, there are various views. A later tradition identifies it as Mount Tabor. However, it is known that a fortress was on top of Tabor at the time. Further, its location is not conducive to the surrounding narrative as well.
 
A good candidate is Mount Hermon. It is the snowcapped mountain bordering Israel, Lebanon, and Syria. In typology, it is used in the Old Testament to symbolize heaven from which the Jordan (the Descender) then flows, picturing Jesus descending from heaven. 
 
This seems like the likely mountain to accommodate what will next take place, but because it is not named, this remains speculation. This account, however, is a good contrast to what was said in Matthew 4 –
 
“Again, the traducer, he takes Him to a mountain – exceedingly high – and shows Him all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them.” Matthew 4:8
 
“And after six days, Jesus, He takes with – Peter, and James and John his brother, and them – He takes up into a high mountain off alone.” Matthew 17:1
 
Life application: It was noted above that Matthew and Mark say, “after six days,” while Luke says, “about eight days.” There is no contradiction in that. The word after means “after.” The word about means “about.” Seven is after six, and a general ending of seven is about eight. The indeterminate wording allows people to speak and write in their natural way without there being a contradiction.
 
Depending on the time reference of a person’s statement, such things happen all the time. If one reckons the time after the day of an event, the timing would be –
 
Monday – Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday/Friday/Saturday/Sunday.
 
If one reckons from the day of an event, it would be –
 
Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday/Friday/Saturday/Sunday – Monday.
 
Thus, the first is six days after the first day, while the second is about eight days. We do the same type of reckoning all the time. If you arrive in Florida on a plane at 11:30 pm on 11 April, during a later conversation, you might still say you were in Florida on that day. If you left Wednesday morning at 5 am, you might say you were there that day also. Thus, you have been at the location three days, despite your total time there being about thirty-six hours.
 
When you are reading the Bible, be sure to consider such things. Luke uses a different perspective to say exactly the same thing as Matthew and Mark did. This is to be expected from a chronicler who is from outside of Israel as he sits and counts days. The timing provided by those inside Israel would be from their personal experience and how that aligns with culturally accepted norms.
 
When considering these things in their proper light, it is evident that no contradiction exists. Instead, the accounts are reliable and actually support the veracity of what is stated.
 
Lord God Almighty, You have given us a word which is challenging to our minds, and yet understandable when it is properly and carefully evaluated. Thank You that we will get out of Your word just what effort we put into it. Thank You for such a wonderful gift to guide and instruct us. Amen.