Matthew 17 Explained
And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,
And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.
And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.
Then 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.
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.
And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.
And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid.
And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only.
And 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.
And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come?
And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things.
But 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.
Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.
And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying,
Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water.
And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him.
Then 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.
And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour.
Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?
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.
Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.
And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men:
And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again. And they were exceeding sorry.
And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?
He 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?
Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.
Notwithstanding, 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.
Matthew 17 captures a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, revealing His divine glory, addressing the disciples' struggles with faith, and foreshadowing His impending sacrifice. This chapter serves as a powerful reminder of Jesus' identity, the importance of faith, and the practical implications of following Him.
The Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-13)
Following a significant discussion with His disciples about His identity, mission, and the cost of discipleship (Matthew 16:13-28), Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain. This event fulfills Jesus' promise in Matthew 16:28 that some present would see Him coming in His kingdom before they died. On the mountain, a supernatural event unfolds: Jesus is transfigured, His face shining like the sun and His clothes becoming dazzling white (Matthew 17:1-2). This is not merely a change in appearance, but a glimpse into Jesus' true, divine nature. These three Jewish fishermen were given a glimpse of the glory of the coming King and His kingdom.
Adding to the awe-inspiring scene, Moses and Elijah appear, conversing with Jesus (Matthew 17:3). Moses, representing the Law, and Elijah, representing the Prophets, symbolize the entire Old Testament pointing towards and finding fulfillment in Jesus. Moreover, this scene informs us that those who experience death (e.g., Moses) have cognitive understanding and an ability to communicate. Together, they symbolize all those who make up God’s kingdom—those who will be raptured and not see death (like Elijah) and those who will die and go to be with the Lord (like Moses).
Peter, characteristically impulsive, suggests building three shelters, one for each of them (Matthew 17:4). However, God the Father interrupts, appearing in a bright cloud and declaring, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him" (Matthew 17:5). This divine interruption serves as a powerful validation of Jesus as the Son of God and a command to heed His teachings. The disciples, overwhelmed by this display of divine power, fall face down in fear (Matthew 17:6). They had enough sense to take the holy and omnipotent God of heaven and earth seriously.
Jesus comforts them, and when they look up, only Jesus remains (Matthew 17:7-8). Why? Because Jesus isn’t merely one among many faithful servants of God. He is superior to them all. The ministries of Moses and Elijah ultimately pointed toward Christ. All of Scripture has Him as its focus (see Luke 24:27). As they descend the mountain, Jesus instructs them to keep the vision a secret until after His resurrection (Matthew 17:9). This is likely to prevent premature attempts to make Him king by force, and to ensure the message is shared in its proper context after His resurrection.
The disciples then ask about the prophecy that Elijah must come before the Messiah (Matthew 17:10). Jesus clarifies that Elijah has already come in the person of John the Baptist (Matthew 17:11-13; also see Matthew 11:14). John the Baptist fulfilled the role of preparing the way for the Lord "in the spirit and power of Elijah" (Luke 1:17), but he was not recognized as such, and was even persecuted. Similarly, Jesus indicates that the Son of Man will also suffer.
The Healing of the Demon-Possessed Boy (Matthew 17:14-21)
Upon returning to the crowd, a man approaches Jesus, pleading for help for his son, who suffers from severe seizures caused by a demon (Matthew 17:14-15). The boy's condition is so dire that he often falls into fire and water, endangering his life. The man reveals that the disciples were unable to heal the boy (Matthew 17:16). Though Jesus had deputized and empowered them to do supernatural kingdom work on his behalf (see 10:5-8), they were powerless this time.
Jesus, frustrated by the lack of faith, exclaims, "O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you?" (Matthew 17:17). This wasn’t merely a failure of power; it was a failure of faith, a failure to trust in the power of God. He then rebukes the demon, and the boy is instantly healed (Matthew 17:18).
The disciples, embarrassed and confused, privately ask Jesus why they were unable to cast out the demon (Matthew 17:19). Jesus explains that it was due to their "little faith" (Matthew 17:20). He emphasizes that even faith as small as a mustard seed can accomplish the seemingly impossible. In order to move a mountain, it must be the size of a mustard seed (17:20). But have you ever seen mustard seeds? They’re tiny! So apparently, the disciples’ faith was microscopic. But with even a small trust in an omnipotent God, the impossible becomes possible (17:20). This highlights the importance of trusting in God's power, regardless of the size of our faith.
Jesus Predicts His Death Again (Matthew 17:22-23)
For a second time (see 16:21), Matthew describes how Jesus informed his disciples that the Son of Man would be betrayed into the hands of men, killed, and raised up three days later. Jesus understood the direction his life would take; he knew his fate. It was no surprise but under his sovereign control. However, his disciples were deeply distressed over it (17:23). This second prediction reinforces the inevitability of Jesus' suffering and death, a reality that the disciples struggle to comprehend.
Paying the Temple Tax (Matthew 17:24-27)
When they returned to Capernaum, tax collectors approached Peter and asked if his teacher paid the temple tax (Matthew 17:24). This tax was used for the upkeep of the temple. Though this confrontation was probably another attempt to catch Jesus at being a lawbreaker, Peter answered, Yes (17:25).
In private, Jesus poses a question to Peter: From whom do earthly kings collect tariffs or taxes? From their sons or from strangers? The answer to Jesus’s question is obvious. Kings collect taxes from strangers—their subjects—not from their own sons. The sons are free, Jesus said (11:26). In other words, if those running things at the temple understood who Jesus was, they wouldn’t be asking him to pay a temple tax. After all, he’s the King, and it’s his temple. Likewise, to be sons and daughters of the kingdom is to be a privileged people who benefit from their relationship to the King.
To avoid causing offense, Jesus instructs Peter to go fishing, promising that he will find a coin in the mouth of the first fish he catches, enough to pay the tax for both of them (Matthew 17:27). Jesus didn’t want to enter into unnecessary conflict—and you shouldn’t either. Though the government and unbelievers don’t recognize Christ or his kingdom, that’s no reason to cause needless offense. So Jesus temporarily sent Peter back to his old fishing job for a supernatural moment. Soon, in the mouth of a fish, Peter found a coin to pay their tax. This miracle demonstrates Jesus' power and willingness to accommodate cultural norms when possible, while also subtly asserting His divine authority.
Matthew 17 reveals Jesus' glory, challenges the disciples' faith, and foreshadows His sacrifice. It is a reminder of the importance of listening to Jesus, trusting in His power, and living in a way that avoids unnecessary offense.
And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,
And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.
And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.
Then 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.
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.
And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.
And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid.
And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only.
And 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.
And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come?
And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things.
But 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.
Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.
And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying,
Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water.
And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him.
Then 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.
And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour.
Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?
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.
Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.
And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men:
And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again. And they were exceeding sorry.
And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?
He 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?
Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.
Notwithstanding, 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.
Matthew 17 captures a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, revealing His divine glory, addressing the disciples' struggles with faith, and foreshadowing His impending sacrifice. This chapter serves as a powerful reminder of Jesus' identity, the importance of faith, and the practical implications of following Him.
The Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-13)
Following a significant discussion with His disciples about His identity, mission, and the cost of discipleship (Matthew 16:13-28), Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain. This event fulfills Jesus' promise in Matthew 16:28 that some present would see Him coming in His kingdom before they died. On the mountain, a supernatural event unfolds: Jesus is transfigured, His face shining like the sun and His clothes becoming dazzling white (Matthew 17:1-2). This is not merely a change in appearance, but a glimpse into Jesus' true, divine nature. These three Jewish fishermen were given a glimpse of the glory of the coming King and His kingdom.
Adding to the awe-inspiring scene, Moses and Elijah appear, conversing with Jesus (Matthew 17:3). Moses, representing the Law, and Elijah, representing the Prophets, symbolize the entire Old Testament pointing towards and finding fulfillment in Jesus. Moreover, this scene informs us that those who experience death (e.g., Moses) have cognitive understanding and an ability to communicate. Together, they symbolize all those who make up God’s kingdom—those who will be raptured and not see death (like Elijah) and those who will die and go to be with the Lord (like Moses).
Peter, characteristically impulsive, suggests building three shelters, one for each of them (Matthew 17:4). However, God the Father interrupts, appearing in a bright cloud and declaring, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him" (Matthew 17:5). This divine interruption serves as a powerful validation of Jesus as the Son of God and a command to heed His teachings. The disciples, overwhelmed by this display of divine power, fall face down in fear (Matthew 17:6). They had enough sense to take the holy and omnipotent God of heaven and earth seriously.
Jesus comforts them, and when they look up, only Jesus remains (Matthew 17:7-8). Why? Because Jesus isn’t merely one among many faithful servants of God. He is superior to them all. The ministries of Moses and Elijah ultimately pointed toward Christ. All of Scripture has Him as its focus (see Luke 24:27). As they descend the mountain, Jesus instructs them to keep the vision a secret until after His resurrection (Matthew 17:9). This is likely to prevent premature attempts to make Him king by force, and to ensure the message is shared in its proper context after His resurrection.
The disciples then ask about the prophecy that Elijah must come before the Messiah (Matthew 17:10). Jesus clarifies that Elijah has already come in the person of John the Baptist (Matthew 17:11-13; also see Matthew 11:14). John the Baptist fulfilled the role of preparing the way for the Lord "in the spirit and power of Elijah" (Luke 1:17), but he was not recognized as such, and was even persecuted. Similarly, Jesus indicates that the Son of Man will also suffer.
The Healing of the Demon-Possessed Boy (Matthew 17:14-21)
Upon returning to the crowd, a man approaches Jesus, pleading for help for his son, who suffers from severe seizures caused by a demon (Matthew 17:14-15). The boy's condition is so dire that he often falls into fire and water, endangering his life. The man reveals that the disciples were unable to heal the boy (Matthew 17:16). Though Jesus had deputized and empowered them to do supernatural kingdom work on his behalf (see 10:5-8), they were powerless this time.
Jesus, frustrated by the lack of faith, exclaims, "O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you?" (Matthew 17:17). This wasn’t merely a failure of power; it was a failure of faith, a failure to trust in the power of God. He then rebukes the demon, and the boy is instantly healed (Matthew 17:18).
The disciples, embarrassed and confused, privately ask Jesus why they were unable to cast out the demon (Matthew 17:19). Jesus explains that it was due to their "little faith" (Matthew 17:20). He emphasizes that even faith as small as a mustard seed can accomplish the seemingly impossible. In order to move a mountain, it must be the size of a mustard seed (17:20). But have you ever seen mustard seeds? They’re tiny! So apparently, the disciples’ faith was microscopic. But with even a small trust in an omnipotent God, the impossible becomes possible (17:20). This highlights the importance of trusting in God's power, regardless of the size of our faith.
Jesus Predicts His Death Again (Matthew 17:22-23)
For a second time (see 16:21), Matthew describes how Jesus informed his disciples that the Son of Man would be betrayed into the hands of men, killed, and raised up three days later. Jesus understood the direction his life would take; he knew his fate. It was no surprise but under his sovereign control. However, his disciples were deeply distressed over it (17:23). This second prediction reinforces the inevitability of Jesus' suffering and death, a reality that the disciples struggle to comprehend.
Paying the Temple Tax (Matthew 17:24-27)
When they returned to Capernaum, tax collectors approached Peter and asked if his teacher paid the temple tax (Matthew 17:24). This tax was used for the upkeep of the temple. Though this confrontation was probably another attempt to catch Jesus at being a lawbreaker, Peter answered, Yes (17:25).
In private, Jesus poses a question to Peter: From whom do earthly kings collect tariffs or taxes? From their sons or from strangers? The answer to Jesus’s question is obvious. Kings collect taxes from strangers—their subjects—not from their own sons. The sons are free, Jesus said (11:26). In other words, if those running things at the temple understood who Jesus was, they wouldn’t be asking him to pay a temple tax. After all, he’s the King, and it’s his temple. Likewise, to be sons and daughters of the kingdom is to be a privileged people who benefit from their relationship to the King.
To avoid causing offense, Jesus instructs Peter to go fishing, promising that he will find a coin in the mouth of the first fish he catches, enough to pay the tax for both of them (Matthew 17:27). Jesus didn’t want to enter into unnecessary conflict—and you shouldn’t either. Though the government and unbelievers don’t recognize Christ or his kingdom, that’s no reason to cause needless offense. So Jesus temporarily sent Peter back to his old fishing job for a supernatural moment. Soon, in the mouth of a fish, Peter found a coin to pay their tax. This miracle demonstrates Jesus' power and willingness to accommodate cultural norms when possible, while also subtly asserting His divine authority.
Matthew 17 reveals Jesus' glory, challenges the disciples' faith, and foreshadows His sacrifice. It is a reminder of the importance of listening to Jesus, trusting in His power, and living in a way that avoids unnecessary offense.