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Matthew 17

27 verses

TL;DR

Jesus' transfiguration on the mountain reveals His divine nature, followed by the healing of a boy that underscores the necessity of faith, and concluding with His teachings on the impending betrayal and practical instruction about tribute.

Summary

In the first part of Matthew 17, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain where He is transfigured, revealing His divine glory alongside Moses and Elijah, while a voice from a cloud declares Him as the beloved Son. The disciples, frightened, are comforted by Jesus, who then descends the mountain and commands them to keep the vision secret until His resurrection. The chapter then shifts to a miracle where Jesus heals a boy possessed by a demon, prompting Jesus to criticize the disciples' lack of faith and emphasize that faith, even as small as a mustard seed, can move mountains. Jesus teaches that such demonic oppression is removed through prayer and fasting. He then foretells His betrayal, death, and resurrection, and concludes with a practical instruction on how to avoid offending the people regarding tribute payments by casting a fishing line that brings in the required money.

Outline
  1. Transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain (verses 1‑9)
  2. Healing of the demoniac boy and discussion of faith (verses 14‑21)
  3. Jesus' predictions of betrayal and instruction about tribute (verses 22‑27)
Themes
Divine revelation and identity of ChristFaith and its powerThe reality of suffering and future resurrection
Keywords
TransfigurationMosesElijahJohn the Baptistfaithmustard seedcloudvoiceprayerfastingtributefish hook
People
JesusPeterJamesJohnMosesElijahJohn the Baptistthe father of the demoniac boythe disciples
Places
high mountain (likely Mount Tabor)GalileeCapernaum
Things
transfigurationcloud and voice of Godtabernaclesmustard seedprayer and fastingtribute moneyfishing hook
Key Verses
  • Matthew 17:1: Marks the beginning of the Transfiguration, revealing Christ's divine glory.
  • Matthew 17:5: God’s voice affirms Jesus as His beloved Son, a pivotal declaration.
  • Matthew 17:20: Illustrates the power of faith, comparing it to a mustard seed.
  • Matthew 17:23: Jesus predicts His death and resurrection, foreshadowing the crucifixion narrative.
Questions
  • Why did Jesus command the disciples not to share the Transfiguration immediately?
  • What does the comparison of faith to a mustard seed imply about believers’ expectations?
  • How does the miracle of the demoniac boy demonstrate the necessity of faith and prayer?
  • What is the significance of Jesus bringing Moses and Elijah into the Transfiguration?
  • In what way does Jesus’ instruction on tribute reflect His teachings about civic responsibility?
Sentiment

mixed
The chapter contains awe and revelation, fear and reassurance, and frustration over unbelief, balancing positive and negative emotions.