The Gospels · Chapter 17 of 28

Matthew 17

Jesus is transfigured on a high mountain before Peter, James, and John, his face shining and his garments white, with Moses and Elijah beside him. The Father's voice names him beloved Son. Below, Jesus heals a boy the disciples could not, teaches on faith like a mustard seed, foretells his death and rising, and provides tribute money from a fish.

What happens in Matthew 17

Six days after speaking of his cross, Jesus leads three disciples up a high mountain and is transfigured, his face bright as the sun. Moses and Elijah appear talking with him. Peter offers to build three tabernacles, but a bright cloud overshadows them and the Father's voice declares, hear ye him. The frightened disciples are raised by Jesus, who now stands alone. Descending, he speaks of Elijah come already in John the Baptist.

A father begs help for his afflicted son whom the disciples could not cure. Jesus rebukes the spirit and heals the boy, then teaches that faith like a mustard seed moves mountains. He again foretells his betrayal, death, and rising on the third day, grieving them. In Capernaum, questioned about the temple tax, Jesus has Peter draw a coin from a fish's mouth to pay for them both.

Matthew 17 in context

This chapter sits at the hinge of Matthew, just after Peter's confession and Jesus's first plain word about his cross. Galilean ministry is closing and the road to Jerusalem is opening. The transfiguration confirms Jesus's identity to the inner three before the suffering ahead.

Moses and Elijah represent the law and the prophets, both pointing to him. The tribute account reflects the annual temple tax expected of Jewish men.

Main themes of Matthew 17

Matthew 17 (KJV)

1And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, 2And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. 3And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. 4Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. 5While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. 6And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. 7And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. 8And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only. 9And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead. 10And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come? 11And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things. 12But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them. 13Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist. 14And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying, 15Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water. 16And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him. 17Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me. 18And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour. 19Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? 20And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. 21Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting. 22And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men: 23And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again. And they were exceeding sorry. 24And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? 25He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers? 26Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free. 27Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.

Verses to carry from Matthew 17

“While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.”Matthew 17:5

“And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.”Matthew 17:20

“And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men:”Matthew 17:22

Reflection

Peter wanted to stay on the shining mountain, but Jesus led them down into a valley of need. Faith is not only wonder at his glory but trust that follows him into ordinary struggle. Where have you failed by leaning on yourself? Small, honest faith that prays and depends on him is enough.

A prayer from Matthew 17