◄ Matthew 17 ►
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Summary The Transfiguration Matthew 17 encourages believers to embrace faith beyond understanding and reveals the awe-inspiring divinity of Jesus. His transfiguration not only provides a glimpse of His divine glory but also sets a cornerstone for our faith, while His healing of the demon-possessed boy emphasizes the power of unwavering faith, prayer, and fasting. Jesus also teaches us about submission to authorities and God's provision in the story of the temple tax. This chapter, laden with spiritual lessons, encourages us to live with faith, expect miracles, and embrace the majesty of Christ's divine mission. Verses 1-9: The Transfiguration In these verses, Jesus ascends a high mountain with Peter, James, and John. He transfigures before them, shining like the sun, and His clothes become as white as light. Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appear and talk with Jesus. Peter suggests building three shelters—one each for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah—out of his awe and fear. But God’s voice from a bright cloud interrupts him, saying, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!" The disciples are terrified, but Jesus comforts them and asks them not to tell anyone about the vision until He has risen from the dead. Verses 10-13: Jesus Explains Elijah’s Coming The disciples question Jesus about the prophecy that Elijah must come first before the Messiah. Jesus explains that Elijah has already come in the person of John the Baptist, fulfilling the prophecy, but the people did not recognize him and he was killed, as will be the Son of Man. Verses 14-21: Healing the Demon-Possessed Boy Coming down from the mountain, they encounter a man with a demon-possessed son. The disciples had been unable to cast out the demon, to which Jesus responds by chastising them for their "unbelief," and successfully heals the boy. He later explains to his disciples that such a miracle requires faith and prayer and fasting. Verses 22-23: Jesus Predicts His Death and Resurrection Jesus, for the second time, predicts His death and resurrection, which deeply distresses the disciples. Verses 24-27: Paying the Temple Tax In Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma temple tax question Peter about Jesus’ tax payments. Jesus instructs Peter to go to the lake, catch a fish, and inside it he will find a four-drachma coin for their tax. Matthew 17 paints a vivid portrait of Jesus' divine identity and mission, whilst presenting the struggles and doubts faced by His disciples. The chapter uncovers the spiritual realities beneath the physical world and reveals how faith can transcend human limitations. The events within it are both a lesson and a challenge to every believer. Teaching Points The Transfiguration of Jesus (Matthew 17:1-8) Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain where He is transfigured before them, His face shining like the sun, and His clothes becoming as white as light. Moses and Elijah appear, talking with Jesus, symbolizing the Law and the Prophets bearing witness to Him. A bright cloud envelops them, and a voice from the cloud says, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him! (Matthew 17:5). The Disciples' Reaction and Jesus' Comfort (Matthew 17:6-8) The disciples fall facedown in fear, but Jesus touches them and tells them not to be afraid. When they look up, they see no one except Jesus, emphasizing His preeminence. The Healing of a Demon-Possessed Boy (Matthew 17:14-21) A man approaches Jesus, pleading for His mercy on his son, whom the disciples could not heal. Jesus rebukes the demon, and the boy is healed instantly, demonstrating His authority over evil. Jesus explains that their inability to heal was due to their little faith and teaches that faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains. Jesus Predicts His Death and Resurrection (Matthew 17:22-23) Jesus foretells His betrayal, death, and resurrection, preparing His disciples for the events to come. The Temple Tax (Matthew 17:24-27) Jesus instructs Peter to find a coin in the mouth of a fish to pay the temple tax, illustrating His sovereignty over creation and His provision. Practical Applications Embrace the Glory of Christ Reflect on the majesty and divinity of Jesus as revealed in the Transfiguration and let it deepen your worship and reverence for Him. Listen to Jesus Heed the command from the Father to Listen to Him! by prioritizing Jesus' teachings in your daily life. Exercise Faith Cultivate a faith that trusts in God's power to overcome obstacles, no matter how insurmountable they seem. Prepare for Trials Like the disciples, be prepared for trials and challenges, knowing that Jesus has already overcome the world. Trust in God's Provision Rely on God's provision in all circumstances, trusting that He will meet your needs in unexpected ways. People 1. Jesus Jesus is the central figure in Matthew 17. He is depicted as the Son of God who is transfigured before His disciples, revealing His divine glory. The Greek term used for Jesus is Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous), which is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Yeshua, meaning "Yahweh is salvation." 2. Peter (Simon Peter) One of Jesus' closest disciples, Peter is present at the Transfiguration. He is known for his impulsive nature and strong faith. In Greek, his name is Πέτρος (Petros), meaning "rock." 3. James (son of Zebedee) James, the brother of John, is another disciple present at the Transfiguration. He is part of Jesus' inner circle. His name in Greek is Ἰάκωβος (Iakōbos), which is equivalent to the Hebrew name Jacob. 4. John (son of Zebedee) John, the brother of James, is also present at the Transfiguration. He is known for his close relationship with Jesus and later authors several New Testament books. His Greek name is Ἰωάννης (Iōannēs), derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning "Yahweh is gracious." 5. Moses Moses appears during the Transfiguration, representing the Law. He is a key figure in the Old Testament, known for leading the Israelites out of Egypt. His name in Greek is Μωϋσῆς (Mōusēs), which is derived from the Hebrew name Moshe. 6. Elijah Elijah, the prophet, also appears during the Transfiguration, representing the Prophets. He is known for his powerful ministry and being taken up to heaven in a whirlwind. His Greek name is Ἠλίας (Ēlias), which comes from the Hebrew name Eliyahu, meaning "My God is Yahweh." 7. The Father (God) God the Father speaks from a cloud during the Transfiguration, affirming Jesus as His beloved Son. The voice from the cloud is a divine confirmation of Jesus' identity and mission. 8. The Crowd While not named individually, the crowd is mentioned when Jesus and His disciples descend from the mountain. They are witnesses to Jesus' miracles and teachings. 9. The Demon-Possessed Boy A boy possessed by a demon is brought to Jesus for healing. His condition is described in the context of Jesus' power over evil spirits. 10. The Boy's Father The father of the demon-possessed boy seeks Jesus' help for his son, demonstrating faith in Jesus' ability to heal. 11. The Disciples The group of Jesus' followers, including those not specifically named in this chapter, who learn from Jesus and witness His miracles. 12. The Tax Collectors They inquire about Jesus' payment of the temple tax, leading to a teaching moment with Peter. Places 1. The High Mountain Matthew 17:1: "After six days Jesus took with Him Peter, James, and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves." This is traditionally understood to be Mount Tabor or Mount Hermon, where the Transfiguration of Jesus took place. The Greek word used for "mountain" is "ὄρος" (oros), indicating a significant elevation. 2. Galilee Matthew 17:22: "When they came together in Galilee, He said to them, 'The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men.'" Galilee is a region in northern Israel where Jesus conducted much of His ministry. The Greek term "Γαλιλαία" (Galilaia) refers to this area known for its diverse population and significant role in Jesus' life. 3. Capernaum Matthew 17:24: "After they had arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax came to Peter and asked, 'Does your Teacher pay the two drachmas?'" Capernaum is a town on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee. It served as a central hub for Jesus' ministry. The Greek "Καφαρναούμ" (Kapharnaoum) reflects its historical and geographical significance. Events 1. The Transfiguration of Jesus (Matthew 17:1-8) Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain. He is transfigured before them, and His face shines like the sun, and His clothes become as white as light. Moses and Elijah appear, talking with Jesus. Peter suggests making three tabernacles, but a bright cloud envelops them, and a voice from the cloud says, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!" The disciples fall facedown in fear, but Jesus touches them, telling them not to be afraid. 2. The Question about Elijah (Matthew 17:9-13) As they descend the mountain, Jesus instructs the disciples not to tell anyone about the vision until He is raised from the dead. The disciples ask why the scribes say Elijah must come first. Jesus explains that Elijah has already come, referring to John the Baptist, and they did not recognize him. 3. The Healing of a Boy with a Demon (Matthew 17:14-21) A man approaches Jesus, kneeling before Him, and pleads for his son, who is possessed by a demon causing seizures. The disciples could not heal him. Jesus rebukes the demon, and it comes out of the boy. The disciples ask why they could not drive it out, and Jesus replies that it is due to their little faith, stating that faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains. 4. Jesus Predicts His Death and Resurrection (Matthew 17:22-23) While in Galilee, Jesus tells His disciples that the Son of Man will be betrayed into the hands of men, killed, and raised on the third day. The disciples are deeply grieved by this prediction. 5. The Temple Tax (Matthew 17:24-27) In Capernaum, tax collectors ask Peter if Jesus pays the temple tax. Jesus, knowing this, questions Peter about the kings of the earth collecting duties. He explains that the sons are exempt but instructs Peter to catch a fish, which will have a coin in its mouth to pay the tax for both of them. Connections to Additional Scriptures Exodus 34:29-35 Moses' face shining after speaking with God, paralleling the Transfiguration. 2 Peter 1:16-18 Peter's testimony of witnessing the Transfiguration, affirming its significance. Hebrews 1:1-3 Jesus as the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being. Philippians 4:19 God's promise to supply all our needs according to His riches in glory. Prayer Points Praise for Christ's Glory Thank God for revealing the glory of Christ and His divine nature. Guidance to Listen Ask for the Holy Spirit's help to listen and obey Jesus' teachings. Strengthening of Faith Pray for an increase in faith to trust God in all circumstances. Preparation for Trials Seek God's strength and wisdom to face trials with courage and hope. Provision and Trust Thank God for His provision and ask for a heart that trusts in His care. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the Transfiguration of Jesus strengthen your understanding of His divine nature? 2. Peter suggested building shelters for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. What does this tell us about Peter's understanding of the event? How does this relate to how we might react to divine experiences? 3. How does God's declaration of Jesus as His beloved Son impact the way we understand Jesus' mission? 4. How does Jesus' response to the disciples' inability to heal the demon-possessed boy speak to our own faith or lack thereof? 5. How can the faith of the boy's father in seeking Jesus for a miracle encourage us in our own lives? 6. Why do you think the disciples were unable to cast out the demon? 7. Why do you think Jesus chose to pay the temple tax despite His divine status? How does this influence our perspective towards obeying civil laws? 8. How does Jesus' prediction of His death and resurrection impact the disciples? How should it impact us today? 9. How can we apply the principle of faith, prayer, and fasting as shown in this chapter to our daily lives? 10. What does Jesus' reference to John the Baptist as Elijah tell us about understanding prophecies? 11. How do Jesus' teachings in this chapter help us handle doubt and increase faith? 12. In what ways can Jesus' interaction with the temple tax collectors inform our understanding of our obligations to society and government? 13. Why did Jesus ask the disciples to keep the Transfiguration a secret until after the resurrection? 14. How does the story of the demon-possessed boy teach us about spiritual warfare? 15. How does the narrative of finding the coin in the fish's mouth demonstrate God's provision for us? 16. How would you respond if you were present during the Transfiguration? 17. How can we practice faith like that of the boy's father in the midst of hopelessness? 18. How does the prophecy about Elijah help us understand God's foreknowledge? 19. What can we learn from Jesus about facing our own 'cross' or hardships? 20. How can we maintain a faith-filled perspective in the face of earthly authority, as Jesus did with the temple tax? Topics 1. The Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-8) Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain where He is transfigured before them. His face shines like the sun, and His clothes become as white as light. Moses and Elijah appear, talking with Jesus. A bright cloud envelops them, and a voice from the cloud says, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!" (Matthew 17:5). The Greek word for "transfigured" is "μετεμορφώθη" (metemorphōthē), indicating a transformation in form and appearance. 2. Jesus Heals a Demon-Possessed Boy (Matthew 17:14-21) A man approaches Jesus, kneeling before Him, and asks for mercy on his son, who is suffering from seizures and is possessed by a demon. The disciples were unable to heal him. Jesus rebukes the demon, and it comes out of the boy. Jesus explains to the disciples that their lack of faith was the reason they could not cast it out, emphasizing the power of faith as small as a mustard seed (Matthew 17:20). 3. Jesus Predicts His Death and Resurrection (Matthew 17:22-23) While in Galilee, Jesus tells His disciples that the Son of Man will be betrayed into the hands of men, killed, and raised on the third day. The disciples are deeply grieved by this prediction. The term "Son of Man" (υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, huios tou anthrōpou) is a title Jesus uses for Himself, emphasizing both His humanity and His messianic role. 4. The Temple Tax (Matthew 17:24-27) When Jesus and His disciples arrive in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma temple tax ask Peter if Jesus pays the tax. Jesus uses the opportunity to teach about His divine sonship and the freedom it entails, yet instructs Peter to catch a fish, in whose mouth he will find a coin to pay the tax for both of them. This passage highlights Jesus' submission to earthly authorities while affirming His divine identity. Themes 1. The Transfiguration of Jesus This theme highlights the divine nature and glory of Jesus as He is transfigured before Peter, James, and John. The appearance of Moses and Elijah signifies the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets in Christ. The voice from the cloud saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!" (Matthew 17:5) emphasizes Jesus' authority and divine sonship. The Greek word "μεταμορφόω" (metamorphoō) is used for "transfigured," indicating a transformation that reveals His divine glory. 2. The Power of Faith Jesus teaches about the power of faith when He says, "Truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." (Matthew 17:20). This theme underscores the importance of faith in the believer's life, suggesting that even a small amount of genuine faith can accomplish great things. 3. Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection Jesus predicts His suffering, death, and resurrection, saying, "The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill Him, and on the third day He will be raised to life." (Matthew 17:22-23). This theme is central to the Gospel message, highlighting the purpose of Jesus' mission and the hope of resurrection. 4. The Temple Tax and Jesus' Sonship The incident of the temple tax (Matthew 17:24-27) illustrates Jesus' identity as the Son of God, who is exempt from the tax. However, He instructs Peter to pay it to avoid offense, demonstrating humility and submission to earthly authorities. The Greek term "υἱός" (huios) for "son" emphasizes Jesus' unique relationship with the Father. Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions