Unveiling Divinity: Transfiguration and Faith in Matthew 17

Matthew 17 encourages believers to embrace faith beyond understanding and reveals the awe-inspiring divinity of Jesus. His transfiguration not only provides a glimpse of His divine glory but also sets a cornerstone for our faith, while His healing of the demon-possessed boy emphasizes the power of unwavering faith, prayer, and fasting. Jesus also teaches us about submission to authorities and God's provision in the story of the temple tax. This chapter, laden with spiritual lessons, encourages us to live with faith, expect miracles, and embrace the majesty of Christ's divine mission.

Verses 1-9: The Transfiguration

In these verses, Jesus ascends a high mountain with Peter, James, and John. He transfigures before them, shining like the sun, and His clothes become as white as light. Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appear and talk with Jesus. Peter suggests building three shelters—one each for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah—out of his awe and fear. But God’s voice from a bright cloud interrupts him, saying, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!" The disciples are terrified, but Jesus comforts them and asks them not to tell anyone about the vision until He has risen from the dead.

Verses 10-13: Jesus Explains Elijah’s Coming

The disciples question Jesus about the prophecy that Elijah must come first before the Messiah. Jesus explains that Elijah has already come in the person of John the Baptist, fulfilling the prophecy, but the people did not recognize him and he was killed, as will be the Son of Man.

Verses 14-21: Healing the Demon-Possessed Boy

Coming down from the mountain, they encounter a man with a demon-possessed son. The disciples had been unable to cast out the demon, to which Jesus responds by chastising them for their "unbelief," and successfully heals the boy. He later explains to his disciples that such a miracle requires faith and prayer and fasting.

Verses 22-23: Jesus Predicts His Death and Resurrection

Jesus, for the second time, predicts His death and resurrection, which deeply distresses the disciples.

Verses 24-27: Paying the Temple Tax

In Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma temple tax question Peter about Jesus’ tax payments. Jesus instructs Peter to go to the lake, catch a fish, and inside it he will find a four-drachma coin for their tax.

Matthew 17 paints a vivid portrait of Jesus' divine identity and mission, whilst presenting the struggles and doubts faced by His disciples. The chapter uncovers the spiritual realities beneath the physical world and reveals how faith can transcend human limitations. The events within it are both a lesson and a challenge to every believer.

Transfiguration of Jesus
Faith and Doubt
Prophetic Fulfillment
The Power of Prayer and FastingThe Transfiguration
The Disciples' Inability to Heal
Jesus Heals a Demon-Possessed Boy
Jesus Predicts His Death
The Temple TaxJesus
Peter
James
John
Elijah
Moses
A Demon-Possessed Boy
The Boy's Father
The DisciplesA High Mountain (the Transfiguration site)
Capernaum

1. How does the Transfiguration of Jesus strengthen your understanding of His divine nature?

2. Peter suggested building shelters for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. What does this tell us about Peter's understanding of the event? How does this relate to how we might react to divine experiences?

3. How does God's declaration of Jesus as His beloved Son impact the way we understand Jesus' mission?

4. How does Jesus' response to the disciples' inability to heal the demon-possessed boy speak to our own faith or lack thereof?

5. How can the faith of the boy's father in seeking Jesus for a miracle encourage us in our own lives?

6. Why do you think the disciples were unable to cast out the demon?

7. Why do you think Jesus chose to pay the temple tax despite His divine status? How does this influence our perspective towards obeying civil laws?

8. How does Jesus' prediction of His death and resurrection impact the disciples? How should it impact us today?

9. How can we apply the principle of faith, prayer, and fasting as shown in this chapter to our daily lives?

10. What does Jesus' reference to John the Baptist as Elijah tell us about understanding prophecies?

11. How do Jesus' teachings in this chapter help us handle doubt and increase faith?

12. In what ways can Jesus' interaction with the temple tax collectors inform our understanding of our obligations to society and government?

13. Why did Jesus ask the disciples to keep the Transfiguration a secret until after the resurrection?

14. How does the story of the demon-possessed boy teach us about spiritual warfare?

15. How does the narrative of finding the coin in the fish's mouth demonstrate God's provision for us?

16. How would you respond if you were present during the Transfiguration?

17. How can we practice faith like that of the boy's father in the midst of hopelessness?

18. How does the prophecy about Elijah help us understand God's foreknowledge?

19. What can we learn from Jesus about facing our own 'cross' or hardships?

20. How can we maintain a faith-filled perspective in the face of earthly authority, as Jesus did with the temple tax?