Matthew 17
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1After six days, Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain by themselves. 2He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his garments became as white as the light. 3Behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them talking with him. 4Peter answered, and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you want, let’s make three tents here: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 5While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them. Behold, a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to him.” 6When the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces, and were very afraid. 7Jesus came and touched them and said, “Get up, and don’t be afraid.” 8Lifting up their eyes, they saw no one, except Jesus alone. 9As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, “Don’t tell anyone what you saw, until the Son of Man has risen from the dead.” 10His disciples asked him, saying, “Then why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” 11Jesus answered them, “Elijah indeed comes first, and will restore all things, 12but I tell you that Elijah has come already, and they didn’t recognize him, but did to him whatever they wanted to. Even so the Son of Man will also suffer by them.” 13Then the disciples understood that he spoke to them of John the Baptizer. 14When they came to the multitude, a man came to him, kneeling down to him, and saying, 15“Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is epileptic, and suffers grievously; for he often falls into the fire, and often into the water. 16So I brought him to your disciples, and they could not cure him.” 17Jesus answered, “Faithless and perverse generation! How long will I be with you? How long will I bear with you? Bring him here to me.” 18Jesus rebuked him, the demon went out of him, and the boy was cured from that hour. 19Then the disciples came to Jesus privately, and said, “Why weren’t we able to cast it out?” 20He said to them, “Because of your unbelief. For most certainly I tell you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. 21But this kind doesn’t go out except by prayer and fasting.” 22While they were staying in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to be delivered up into the hands of men, 23and they will kill him, and the third day he will be raised up.” They were exceedingly sorry. 24When they had come to Capernaum, those who collected the didrachma coins came to Peter, and said, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the didrachma?” 25He said, “Yes.” When he came into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth receive toll or tribute? From their children, or from strangers?” 26Peter said to him, “From strangers.” Jesus said to him, “Therefore the children are exempt. 27But, lest we cause them to stumble, go to the sea, cast a hook, and take up the first fish that comes up. When you have opened its mouth, you will find a stater coin. Take that, and give it to them for me and you.”
World English Bible (public domain)
“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.'”
Matthew 17:5
Summary
In Matthew 17, the chapter begins with the Transfiguration, where Jesus takes Peter, James, and John to a high mountain. There, Jesus is transfigured before them, with His face shining like the sun and His clothes becoming dazzling white. Moses and Elijah appear, talking with Jesus, indicating the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. A voice from the cloud declares Jesus as the beloved Son, urging the disciples to listen to Him. This experience emphasizes Jesus' divine nature and authority. Upon descending the mountain, Jesus encounters a crowd with a man whose son is demon-possessed. Despite the disciples' previous inability to heal the boy, Jesus casts out the demon, demonstrating power over evil and highlighting the necessity of faith. Jesus then predicts His death and resurrection, reminding His followers of the path He must walk. Finally, the chapter concludes with Jesus instructing Peter on paying the temple tax. Through a miraculous provision, a coin is found in the mouth of a fish, underscoring the importance of compassion, obligation, and God's provision.
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Chapter outline
How Matthew 17 unfolds
Matthew 17:1–5 The Transfiguration of Jesus
Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a mountain where He is transfigured, revealing His divine glory. Moses and Elijah appear, signifying the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets, while God's voice affirms Jesus' identity and authority.
Matthew 17:6–13 The Disciples' Fear and Understanding
The disciples are terrified by the voice from the cloud and fall down in fear. Jesus reassures them, and they understand His reference to Elijah as a foreshadowing of John the Baptizer.
Matthew 17:14–21 Healing of the Demon-Possessed Boy
A man pleads with Jesus to heal his son, who suffers from seizures. Despite the disciples' failure to heal him, Jesus demonstrates His authority over evil, emphasizing the necessity of faith and prayer.
Matthew 17:22–23 Prediction of Jesus' Death
While in Galilee, Jesus predicts His coming suffering, death, and resurrection, which deeply troubles His disciples. This prediction highlights the path Jesus must take toward salvation.
Matthew 17:24–27 The Temple Tax and God's Provision
Jesus addresses a question about paying the temple tax, affirming that His followers are exempt. To avoid causing offense, He provides a miraculous way to pay the tax, illustrating God's provision.
Key verses
Matthew 17:5This key verse affirms Jesus' divine sonship and authority, grounding the chapter's themes of revelation and faith.
Main themes in Matthew 17
Divine revelation
In Matthew 17, the theme of divine revelation is prominent during the Transfiguration, particularly in verses 1-5. This event unveils Jesus' divine nature as He shines with glory, confirming His identity as the beloved Son. The chapter illustrates how God reveals His truth through Jesus, calling His followers to heed His words.
Faith
The theme of faith emerges in verse 20 when Jesus explains the inability of His disciples to cast out the demon due to their unbelief. This chapter emphasizes that faith, even as small as a mustard seed, can lead to significant outcomes. It serves as a reminder of the importance of faith in the life of Jesus' followers.
Explore faith in the Bible →Fulfillment of prophecy
Fulfillment of prophecy is evident as Moses and Elijah represent the Law and the Prophets, signifying the culmination of God's plan in Jesus, particularly in verses 3-4. Jesus' reference to John the Baptizer as the Elijah who came connects the Old Testament prophecies to present realities. This underscores the continuity of God's redemptive history through Jesus.
God's provision
God's provision is illustrated in verses 24-27 when Jesus miraculously provides a coin for the temple tax. This act demonstrates His care for His followers, even in practical matters, revealing that God supplies the needs of those who serve Him. The provision in this context reflects the broader theme of trust in God's sufficiency.
Cross-references
Passages that echo Matthew 17
- Mark 9This passage echoes the Transfiguration, highlighting the glory of Jesus and the heavenly affirmation of His identity.
- Mark 11Connects through themes of faith and the authority of Jesus, illustrating His role as the one who fulfills prophecy.
- Luke 9This account develops the Transfiguration narrative, emphasizing the identity of Jesus and the need for disciples to listen to Him.
- 2 Peter 1This passage connects by reflecting on the glory and majesty of Jesus, affirming the eyewitness testimony of His Transfiguration.
- Luke 17Echoes Jesus' teachings on faith, particularly the power of belief in performing miracles and the need for prayer.
- Matthew 16This passage precedes the Transfiguration, emphasizing Jesus' identity and the foundation of His authority, leading into His divine revelation.
Study questions
Questions for studying Matthew 17
- What is the significance of Moses and Elijah appearing with Jesus?
- How does the voice from the cloud affirm Jesus' authority?
- What was the disciples' response to the healing of the boy?
- Why did Jesus emphasize faith and prayer in healing?
- What does Jesus' prediction of His death reveal about His mission?
- How does the miraculous provision for the temple tax illustrate God's care?
Matthew 17: frequently asked questions
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