Matthew 17
BSB1 After six days Jesus took with Him Peter, James, and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. 3 Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared before them, talking with Jesus. 4 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." 5 While Peter was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!" 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown in terror. 7 Then Jesus came over and touched them. “Get up,” He said. “Do not be afraid." 8 And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus. 9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Do not tell anyone about this vision until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead." 10 The disciples asked Him, “Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?" 11 Jesus replied, “Elijah does indeed come, and he will restore all things. 12 But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him whatever they wished. In the same way, the Son of Man will suffer at their hands." 13 Then the disciples understood that He was speaking to them about John the Baptist. 14 When they came to the crowd, a man came up to Jesus and knelt before Him. 15 “Lord, have mercy on my son,” he said. “He has seizures and is suffering terribly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. 16 I brought him to Your disciples, but they could not heal him." 17 “O unbelieving and perverse generation!” Jesus replied. “How long must I remain with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy here to Me." 18 Then Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed from that moment. 19 Afterward the disciples came to Jesus privately and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?" 20 “Because you have so little faith,” He answered. “For 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." 22 When they gathered together in Galilee, Jesus told them, “The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men. 23 They will kill Him, and on the third day He will be raised to life.” And the disciples were deeply grieved. 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?" 25 “Yes,” he answered. When Peter entered the house, Jesus preempted him. “What do you think, Simon?” He asked. “From whom do the kings of the earth collect customs and taxes: from their own sons, or from others?" 26 “From others,” Peter answered. “Then the sons are exempt,” Jesus declared. 27 “But so that we may not offend them, go to the sea, cast a hook, and take the first fish you catch. When you open its mouth, you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for My tax and yours."
Study Notes — Matthew 17
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Matthew 17
- Themes from Matthew 17
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Matthew 17
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Matthew 17 begins with the transfiguration of Jesus, where He is joined by Moses and Elijah, symbolizing the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. The disciples are awestruck and frightened, but Jesus comforts them and explains that Elijah has already come in the person of John the Baptist. The chapter then shifts to the disciples' inability to cast out a demon from a boy, which Jesus attributes to their lack of faith. Jesus pays the temple tax, and the chapter concludes with a discussion about who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, with Jesus emphasizing the importance of humility and servanthood. Key verses include Matthew 17:1-13, which describes the transfiguration, and Matthew 17:20, which highlights the power of faith.
Context for the Chapter
Matthew 17 is situated in the midst of Jesus' ministry, following the confession of Peter and the first prediction of Jesus' death and resurrection. The chapter serves as a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, demonstrating His power and authority, and reinforcing the importance of faith and humility in the life of a believer. The transfiguration event is also closely tied to the Old Testament, as it involves the appearance of Moses and Elijah, symbolizing the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets.
Heart Application
As believers, we are called to trust in Jesus' power and authority, just as the disciples were. We must also prioritize faith and humility in our lives, recognizing that true greatness is not about seeking power or prestige, but about serving others. By applying these principles, we can experience the transformative power of Jesus in our lives, just as the disciples did during the transfiguration.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Matthew 17 is about Jesus' transfiguration, where He is revealed in His divine glory to Peter, James, and John. This event shows Jesus' power and authority, and emphasizes the importance of faith and humility in the life of a believer. As Jesus says in Matthew 17:20, 'If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move.'
Voices from the Church
“The transfiguration was a glimpse of the glory that is to come, a foretaste of the heavenly bliss that awaits the redeemed.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The disciples were taught by this vision that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets, and that He is the one who will bring about the redemption of humanity.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-13) — Jesus is revealed in His divine glory to Peter, James, and John, demonstrating His power and authority.
- The Disciples' Lack of Faith (Matthew 17:14-21) — The disciples are unable to cast out a demon from a boy, which Jesus attributes to their lack of faith.
- The Temple Tax (Matthew 17:22-27) — Jesus pays the temple tax, demonstrating His willingness to submit to the authorities and provide for the needs of others.
- The Greatest in the Kingdom (Matthew 17:22-27) — Jesus teaches the importance of humility, saying that whoever humbles himself like a child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
- Conclusion (Matthew 17:27) — The chapter concludes with Jesus emphasizing the importance of servanthood and humility in the life of a believer.
Core Doctrines
- The Divinity of Christ
- Matthew 17 emphasizes Jesus' divine nature, demonstrating His power and authority through the transfiguration event.
- The Importance of Faith
- Jesus teaches that faith is essential for a believer, emphasizing that even a small amount of faith can accomplish great things.
- The Value of Humility
- Jesus emphasizes the importance of humility, saying that whoever humbles himself like a child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
- The Authority of Scripture
- The chapter reinforces the importance of the Old Testament, as Jesus is revealed as the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets.
Lessons from Matthew 17
- The Importance of Faith — Jesus teaches that faith is essential for a believer, emphasizing that even a small amount of faith can accomplish great things.
- The Value of Humility — Jesus emphasizes the importance of humility, saying that whoever humbles himself like a child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
- The Authority of Scripture — The chapter reinforces the importance of the Old Testament, as Jesus is revealed as the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets.
- The Power of Prayer — Jesus teaches the importance of prayer, emphasizing that it is through prayer that we can experience the transformative power of God in our lives.
- The Importance of Obedience — Jesus emphasizes the importance of obedience, saying that those who obey His commands will experience the blessings of God.
Themes from Matthew 17
- The Glory of God — The chapter emphasizes the glory of God, as Jesus is revealed in His divine glory to Peter, James, and John.
- The Importance of Faith — Jesus teaches that faith is essential for a believer, emphasizing that even a small amount of faith can accomplish great things.
- The Value of Humility — Jesus emphasizes the importance of humility, saying that whoever humbles himself like a child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
- The Authority of Scripture — The chapter reinforces the importance of the Old Testament, as Jesus is revealed as the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets.
- The Power of Prayer — Jesus teaches the importance of prayer, emphasizing that it is through prayer that we can experience the transformative power of God in our lives.
Questions for Meditation
- What does the transfiguration event reveal about Jesus' nature and character?
- How does Jesus' teaching on faith relate to your own life and experiences?
- What does Jesus mean by saying that whoever humbles himself like a child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
- How does the chapter's emphasis on servanthood and humility challenge your own priorities and values?
- What does the chapter teach about the relationship between faith and works?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-13)
| Matthew 17:1 | Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain, where He is transfigured before them. |
| Matthew 17:2 | Jesus' face shines like the sun, and His clothes become white as light. |
| Matthew 17:3 | Moses and Elijah appear, talking with Jesus about His upcoming death and resurrection. |
| Matthew 17:4 | Peter suggests building three shelters, one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. |
| Matthew 17:5 | A voice from heaven declares, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!' |
| Matthew 17:6 | The disciples are terrified, but Jesus comforts them, saying 'Do not be afraid'. |
| Matthew 17:7 | As Jesus and the disciples come down the mountain, Jesus instructs them not to tell anyone about the transfiguration until after His resurrection. |
| Matthew 17:8 | The disciples ask Jesus about Elijah, and Jesus explains that Elijah has already come in the person of John the Baptist. |
| Matthew 17:9 | The disciples ask Jesus why the scribes say that Elijah must come first, and Jesus explains that Elijah has already come. |
| Matthew 17:10 | The disciples ask Jesus why they could not drive out the demon from the boy, and Jesus explains that it is because of their lack of faith. |
| Matthew 17:11 | Jesus explains that the demon can only be driven out by prayer and fasting. |
| Matthew 17:12 | Jesus pays the temple tax, demonstrating His willingness to submit to the authorities and provide for the needs of others. |
| Matthew 17:13 | The chapter concludes with Jesus emphasizing the importance of servanthood and humility in the life of a believer. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the transfiguration event?
The transfiguration event is significant because it reveals Jesus' divine nature and demonstrates His power and authority. As Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John, He is revealed in His divine glory, and the voice from heaven declares, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!' (Matthew 17:5).
Why did Jesus take only Peter, James, and John up the mountain?
Jesus took only Peter, James, and John up the mountain because they were the inner circle of His disciples, and He wanted to give them a special revelation of His divine nature. As Jesus says, 'There are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom' (Matthew 17:1).
What does Jesus mean by saying that Elijah has already come?
Jesus means that John the Baptist has come in the spirit and power of Elijah, fulfilling the prophecy of Malachi 4:5-6. As Jesus explains, 'Elijah has already come, and he restored all things' (Matthew 17:11).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 17:1 → Mark 9:2 | The transfiguration event is also recorded in Mark 9:2-13, where Jesus is revealed in His divine glory to Peter, James, and John. |
| 2 | Matthew 17:5 → Psalm 2:7 | The voice from heaven declares, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!' (Matthew 17:5), which is a quote from Psalm 2:7, where God says, 'You are my Son; today I have become your Father.' |
| 3 | Matthew 17:10 → Malachi 4:5-6 | Jesus explains that Elijah has already come in the person of John the Baptist, fulfilling the prophecy of Malachi 4:5-6, where it is written, 'See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes.' |
| 4 | Matthew 17:11 → Luke 1:17 | Jesus explains that John the Baptist has come in the spirit and power of Elijah, fulfilling the prophecy of Luke 1:17, where it is written, 'And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.' |
| 5 | Matthew 17:12 → Exodus 30:13 | Jesus pays the temple tax, demonstrating His willingness to submit to the authorities and provide for the needs of others, just as it is written in Exodus 30:13, 'Each one who crosses over to those already counted is to give a half shekel, according to the sanctuary shekel, which weighs twenty gerahs. This half shekel is an offering to the Lord.' |
| 6 | Matthew 17:13 → Matthew 18:1-5 | The chapter concludes with Jesus emphasizing the importance of servanthood and humility in the life of a believer, which is also taught in Matthew 18:1-5, where Jesus says, 'Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.' |
| 7 | Matthew 17:20 → Mark 11:23 | Jesus teaches that faith can move mountains, which is also recorded in Mark 11:23, where Jesus says, 'I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, “Go, throw yourself into the sea,” and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.' |
| 8 | Matthew 17:22 → Psalm 16:10 | Jesus predicts His death and resurrection, which is also prophesied in Psalm 16:10, where it is written, 'because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay.' |
| 9 | Matthew 17:23 → Isaiah 53:10 | Jesus predicts His death and resurrection, which is also prophesied in Isaiah 53:10, where it is written, 'Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand.' |
| 10 | Matthew 17:27 → Romans 13:1-7 | Jesus pays the temple tax, demonstrating His willingness to submit to the authorities and provide for the needs of others, which is also taught in Romans 13:1-7, where Paul writes, 'Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.' |
Sermons on Matthew 17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(People God Uses) 02 the Need for Faith by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of having the right perspective in our faith. He uses the example of the disciples' inability to cast out an evil spirit from |
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(Hebrews) 2-Moses by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of Moses and his commitment to serving God. The speaker highlights Moses' dedication by mentioning his 40 days of fasting and his |
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But Suppose God Doesn't Do It by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the book of Daniel. He highlights how their faith in God allowed them to be delivered from |
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A Journey Too Far by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing a song chosen by Carol and then asks the audience to turn to the book of 1 Kings in the Bible. The speaker then reads a passage fr |
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How This Ministry of Healing Came Into Being by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having faith in God and not focusing on the circumstances or problems we face. He reminds the listeners that their faith i |
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The Timelessness of God by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the nature of our sinful condition and the consequences it brings. He highlights that God, in His kindness a |
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Jesus Christ Is All in All by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the preacher shares personal experiences and observations about the challenges and responsibilities of being called by God. He mentions the tragic events in Saigon |
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(1 Peter - Part 8): Whom Having Not Seen, Ye Love by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the revelation of God's glory through the creation of all things. He refers to the vision described in the book of Ezekiel, where the prophet |
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(1986 Prairie Series) 3 - Mount of Transfiguration by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the speaker encourages preachers and teachers who may feel discouraged by the lack of impact their words have on their audience. He shares that even Jesus Christ fa |
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Rediscoving Christ-Alive by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is searching for individuals from all walks of life who have a perfect heart towards Him. He uses the analogy of a violinist playin |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Matthew 17
Matthew 17 is a chapter that reveals the glory of God in the person of Jesus Christ. The transfiguration event is a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, demonstrating His power and authority. Jesus teaches the importance of faith, emphasizing that even a small amount of faith can accomplish great things. The chapter also emphasizes the importance of humility, as Jesus says that whoever humbles himself like a child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. As Matthew Henry writes, 'The transfiguration was a glimpse of the glory that is to come, a foretaste of the heavenly bliss that awaits the redeemed.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The disciples' fear and awe
The disciples are frightened and awestruck by the transfiguration, demonstrating their limited understanding of Jesus' divine nature. As Jesus comforts them, saying 'Do not be afraid' (Matthew 17:7), He shows His compassion and care for those who follow Him.
The importance of faith
Jesus emphasizes the importance of faith in the life of a believer, teaching that even a small amount of faith can accomplish great things. This is evident in Matthew 17:20, where Jesus says that if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move.
The theme of humility
Jesus teaches the importance of humility, saying that whoever humbles himself like a child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 17:4). This theme is reinforced throughout the chapter, as Jesus emphasizes the importance of servanthood and humility in the life of a believer.