The Gospel of the Kingdom - Message 90 - Death and Taxes - Matthew 17:14-27. While Jesus is on the mountain with Peter, James, John, Moses, and Elijah, the other 9 disciples are failing to deliver a boy from demonic possession. Their lack of power turns out to be the fruit of self reliance instead of prayer and faith. Jesus, frustrated with His disciples, has compassion and heals the boy. Shortly after that he has to rebuke Peter yet again for his presumption and teaches us a lesson in refusing to needlessly cause offense or put a stumbling block in another's path.