1 And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.
2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light.
3 And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him.
4 And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.”
5 He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”
6 But when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were terrified.
7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.”
8 And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.
9 And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead.”
10 And the disciples asked him, “Then why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?”
11 He answered, “Elijah does come, and he will restore all things.
12 But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands.”
13 Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.
14 And when they came to the crowd, a man came up to him and, kneeling before him,
15 Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and he suffers terribly. For often he falls into the fire, and often into the water.
16 And I brought him to your disciples, and they could not heal him.”
17 And Jesus answered, “O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him here to me.”
18 And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him, and the boy was healed instantly.
19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?”
20 He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.”
21 But this kind never comes out except by prayer and fasting.”
22 As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men,
23 They will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day.” And they were greatly distressed.
24 When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax went up to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the tax?”
25 He said, “Yes.” And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tax? From their sons or from others?”
26 And when he said, “From others,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free.
27 However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself.”
The True Meaning of Matthew 17
The Gospel of Matthew was written by the apostle Matthew, also known as Levi, who was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus. Matthew, a former tax collector, had a unique perspective on the life and teachings of Christ. Several significant events that demonstrate the divine nature of Jesus and the growing opposition he faces from the religious authorities occur in this chapter. We’ll see Jesus transfigured on the mountain, healing a boy possessed by a demon, and once again predicting his upcoming death and resurrection. These events foreshadow the climactic conclusion of Jesus’ earthly ministry and the establishment of his kingdom. As we delve into this passage, we can find echoes of Old Testament prophecies, such as the promise of a Messiah who would suffer and die for the sins of the people. We’ll also see Jesus’ authority over the spiritual realm, a power that sets him apart as the Son of God. These events serve to strengthen the faith of his disciples and prepare them for the challenges that lie ahead.
Matthew 17:1-8
The Transfiguration of Jesus, a significant event in the Gospels, is presented in Matthew 17:1-8. Let’s break this passage down into sections for a clearer understanding.
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Verses 1-3: “After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Jesus takes three of His disciples, Peter, James, and John, to a high mountain, traditionally believed to be Mount Tabor or Mount Hermon in this section. The term “transfigured” comes from the Greek word “metamorphoō,” indicating a change in form or appearance. During this event, Jesus’ appearance is dramatically altered, revealing His divine nature. This divine radiance is reminiscent of the glory of God described in the Old Testament, such as the shining face of Moses after meeting with God (Exodus 34:29-35). This moment emphasizes Jesus’ authority and divine essence, prefiguring His resurrection and the glory He possessed before His incarnation.
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Verses 4-5: “Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.’”
The appearance of Moses and Elijah with Jesus is highly symbolic. Moses represents the Law, as he was the lawgiver who led the Israelites out of Egypt and received the Law on Mount Sinai. Elijah represents the prophets, as he was one of the greatest prophets in the Old Testament. Their presence signifies the fulfillment and continuation of the Old Testament in Jesus. Peter’s suggestion to build shelters for them may reflect a desire to honor these great figures, but it also shows a lack of understanding of the significance of this moment. God responds to Peter’s proposal by overshadowing them with a cloud and declaring Jesus as His Son, instructing them to listen to Him, emphasizing Jesus’ superiority and the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets in Him.
- Verses 6-8: “When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. ‘Get up,’ he said. ‘Don’t be afraid.’ When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.”
The disciples’ fear and Jesus’ reassuring touch and words highlight the profound nature of the event. The disappearance of Moses and Elijah, leaving Jesus alone, signifies the supremacy of Christ. The disciples were witnessing a glimpse of the future glory of Christ and the fulfillment of God’s plan through Him. This event served as a source of encouragement and confirmation for Jesus and His disciples as they faced the challenges ahead, including Jesus’ impending death and resurrection. The Transfiguration of Jesus in Matthew 17:1-8 reveals the divine nature of Christ, His fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets, and His ultimate authority. It offers a glimpse of the heavenly glory of Christ and serves as a pivotal moment in strengthening the disciples’ faith for the trials that lay ahead. This event underscores the central theme of the Gospels: Jesus as the Son of God, the fulfillment of Scripture, and the Savior of the world.
Matthew 17:9-13
Jesus and his disciples have an intriguing conversation in Matthew 17:9-13. Let’s break this down into the important sections for a clearer understanding.
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Jesus instructed them not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had been raised from the dead as they were coming down the mountain. Jesus is specifically instructing his disciples not to share with others what they witnessed during the Transfiguration until after his resurrection. This instruction is vital because it hints at the fact that the full revelation of who Jesus is and what he has come to accomplish would only be fully understood after his resurrection. It is a foreshadowing of the ultimate purpose of Jesus’ earthly ministry, which culminates in his death and resurrection. This highlights the importance of timing and understanding the full scope of God’s plan before sharing certain revelations or experiences with others. It also emphasizes the significance of the resurrection in validating Jesus’ identity and mission.
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Verse 10-11: “The disciples asked him, ‘Why then do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?’ Jesus replied, ‘To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things.’”
Here we see the disciples questioning Jesus about the prophecy of Elijah’s coming before the Messiah. This was a common belief among the Jewish people based on the prophecy in Malachi 4:5-6, which speaks of the coming of Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the Lord. Jesus affirms that indeed Elijah would come, fulfilling this prophecy. This conversation is significant because it sheds light on the disciples’ understanding of the prophetic timeline and the role of Elijah in preparing the way for the Messiah. It also serves as a reminder that God’s timing and fulfillment of prophecies may not always align with human expectations. John the Baptist, who came in the spirit and power of Elijah (Luke 1:17) to prepare the way for Jesus, also points to Elijah in the larger biblical narrative.
- Verse 12-13: “But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they pleased. The Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands in the same way.” Then the disciples understood that he was talking to them about John the Baptist.”
This section ties everything together by revealing that Jesus was referring to John the Baptist as the fulfillment of the prophecy about Elijah. John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus’ ministry, was mistreated and ultimately killed by King Herod (Matthew 14:1-12). The disciples’ realization of Jesus’ analogy underscores the rejection and suffering that both John the Baptist and Jesus would experience at the hands of the people, despite their significant roles in God’s plan of salvation. This serves as a solemn reminder of the cost of discipleship and the rejection that often accompanies the proclamation of the Kingdom of God. The conversation in Matthew 17:9-13 delves into the themes of timing, prophecy fulfillment, suffering, and recognition of God’s messengers. It also intricately weaves together the stories of Elijah, John the Baptist, and Jesus, emphasizing their interconnected roles in God’s redemptive plan. This passage invites us to reflect on the importance of discerning God’s timing, recognizing His messengers, and embracing the challenges that may come with following Christ.
Matthew 17:14-21
Jesus and his inner circle of disciples – Peter, James, and John, come down from the Mount of Transfiguration in Matthew 17:14-21. They encounter a commotion and a dispute as they approach the rest of the disciples. A man approaches Jesus, kneeling before him, seeking help for his son who is possessed by a demon. This man had brought his demon-possessed son to the disciples, but they were unable to drive out the demon.
The failure of the disciples to cast out the demon sparks a conversation and a deeper revelation in this passage. Jesus responds to the situation by expressing his disappointment not just at the lack of faith of the disciples who were present but also at the unbelieving and perverse generation. He then heals the boy, freeing him from the demon’s grip.
This incident highlights several important messages. It emphasizes the necessity of faith in performing miraculous works. The disciples’ inability to drive out the demon was directly linked to their lack of faith. This event serves as a reminder of the immense power of faith in God and the importance of unwavering trust in His abilities. Throughout the Bible, faith is shown to be a crucial aspect of one’s relationship with God. Hebrews 11:6 echoes this sentiment, stating that without faith, it is impossible to please God.
Furthermore, Jesus refers to the mustard seed as a symbol of faith and illustrates the incredible potential of even the smallest amount of faith. He emphasizes that with faith as small as a mustard seed, nothing will be impossible for those who believe. This analogy teaches us that genuine, sincere faith, regardless of its size, has the ability to bring about extraordinary outcomes. It stresses the transformative power of faith and encourages believers to have faith no matter the circumstances.
The narrative also sheds light on the importance of prayer and fasting in strengthening one’s faith. Jesus implies that some challenges and spiritual battles require a deeper level of devotion and spiritual discipline to overcome. Prayer and fasting are spiritual disciplines that help believers draw closer to God, deepen their faith, and seek His intervention in challenging situations. The practice of prayer and fasting is mentioned in various parts of the Bible as a means to seek God’s will and guidance, as seen in passages like Matthew 6:16-18 and Acts 13:2-3. The passage in Matthew 17:14-21 serves as a powerful lesson on the significance of unwavering faith, prayer, and fasting in the face of adversity. It underscores the transformative power of faith in God and the necessity of relying on Him in all circumstances. The narrative challenges believers to examine the depth of their faith, emphasizing that even a small amount of genuine faith can move mountains and bring about miraculous outcomes through God’s power.
Matthew 17:22-23
Jesus predicts His death and resurrection to His disciples in Matthew 17:22-23, setting the stage for the events that will soon unfold. This prediction is a crucial moment in the Gospel narrative, foreshadowing the central point of Christian belief – Jesus’s sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection. Jesus tells His disciples in the first section of the verse, “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.” This direct and solemn prophecy from Jesus about His imminent suffering and death is a pivotal moment in His ministry. It reinforces His divine mission on earth – to lay down His life as a ransom for many, as stated in Matthew 20:28. Jesus demonstrates His obedience to the Father’s will by acknowledging His impending death and resurrection in his prayer at Gethsemane in Matthew 26:39. This act exemplifies the depths of God’s love for humanity and the extent to which He would go to redeem and save His people, fulfilling the prophecy in Isaiah 53:5.
The disciples’ reaction to Jesus’s prediction is significant in the context of their understanding of His role as the Messiah. The verse says, “And they were filled with grief.” The disciples, despite having been with Jesus and witnessing His miracles, still struggled to grasp the meaning and necessity of His death. Their grief reflects their attachment to Jesus as their earthly leader and the confusion they felt regarding the Messiah’s conquering of death. This response highlights the disciples’ journey of faith and their gradual comprehension of the deeper spiritual truths that Jesus came to reveal. It echoes Peter’s reaction in Matthew 16:22 when he rebuked Jesus for predicting His suffering, demonstrating the disciples’ struggle to reconcile their expectations of a triumphant earthly king with the reality of a suffering servant predicted in the Old Testament (Isaiah 53). Jesus not only foretells His death and resurrection in these verses but also emphasizes the importance of this event in God’s redemptive plan for humanity. This prophecy serves to strengthen His disciples’ faith for the trials to come, preparing them for the challenges they will face after His crucifixion. The fulfillment of this prophecy in the subsequent chapters signifies Jesus’s victory over sin and death, validating His claims as the Son of God and solidifying the foundation of Christian belief. Matthew 28:5-6 shows the fulfillment of this prophecy when the angel announces Jesus’s resurrection to the women at the tomb, confirming the truth of Jesus’s words spoken in Matthew 17:22-23.
Matthew 17:24-27
The passage in Matthew 17:24-27 begins with a story of a confrontation between tax collectors and Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples. The collectors ask Peter if his teacher, referring to Jesus, pays the temple tax. This tax was required of every Jewish male over 20 years old for the upkeep of the temple in Jerusalem. Peter, always eager to speak on behalf of Jesus, affirms that his teacher does indeed pay the tax.
This interaction reveals a few important things. Firstly, it emphasizes Jesus’ obedience to the laws and customs of His time. Even though He was the Son of God, He humbled Himself to follow societal rules, setting an example for His followers. This also shows that Jesus did not seek to cause unnecessary trouble or offense, but rather chose humility and compliance where necessary. This act of paying the temple tax also points to the respect Jesus had for the authorities and the importance of fulfilling obligations within society. Jesus preemptively addresses the matter even before Peter speaks about the tax. Jesus asks Peter a question that provokes deeper reflection: “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take toll or tax? From their sons or from others?” (Matthew 17:25). This question challenges Peter to consider the relationship between sons and citizens in terms of taxation.
Jesus uses this moment as a teaching opportunity to demonstrate His divine nature and authority. He explains that as the Son of God, He is free from obligation to pay the temple tax. However, to avoid causing offense, Jesus instructs Peter to go fishing, where he will find a coin in the mouth of the first fish he catches. This miraculous provision of the exact amount needed to pay the tax showcases Jesus’ power over creation and His ability to provide for His followers in unexpected ways.
This passage not only showcases Jesus’ authority over nature but also highlights the importance of trusting in Him to provide for our needs. It illustrates that Jesus is not bound by earthly constraints and can work miracles to ensure that His followers are taken care of. It serves as a reminder that God’s provision may come in unexpected ways, and we should have faith that He will meet our needs according to His perfect will. Jesus demonstrates His authority over creation in numerous instances where this passage aligns with the broader context of the Bible. From turning water into wine (John 2:1-11) to feeding the five thousand (Matthew 14:13-21), Jesus consistently showcases His power to provide abundantly for His people. This story in Matthew 17 serves to reinforce the theme of Jesus as the provider and sustainer of His followers, encouraging trust and reliance on Him in all circumstances.
After Matthew 17
Peter, James, and John witnessed the transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain in this chapter, where His divine glory was revealed. The voice of God affirmed Jesus as His beloved Son, urging us to listen to Him. Let us remember the importance of recognizing Jesus as the Son of God and following His teachings with faith and obedience as we reflect on this powerful moment. We will carry this revelation in our hearts as we journey forward, walking in the light of His truth, spreading His love and grace to all we encounter.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.