The Glory and Power of the Son of Man

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Matthew 17 follows Jesus' teaching about His coming death and resurrection, a message difficult for His disciples to grasp. The previous chapters show growing opposition and Jesus' preparation of His followers for the challenges ahead. This chapter shifts from teaching to a powerful revelation of Jesus' divine nature through the transfiguration, affirming His identity as God's Son. Understanding this event helps us see how Jesus fulfills Old Testament promises and why faith in Him is essential for the kingdom.

What You'll Learn

• How Jesus' transfiguration reveals His divine glory and fulfills Old Testament prophecy.
• The significance of Moses and Elijah appearing with Jesus, connecting the Law and the Prophets to Christ.
• Why God commands the disciples to 'hear ye him,' emphasizing Jesus' authority over all.
• The role of faith in overcoming spiritual challenges, illustrated by the disciples' failure to heal the boy.
• Jesus' prediction of His suffering, death, and resurrection as central to God's redemptive plan.
• The cultural and covenant implications of Jesus paying the temple tax through a miraculous provision.

Jesus' divine glory and authority are revealed to strengthen faith and prepare His followers for His suffering and resurrection.

Bible Translation Note: All Scripture on this page is quoted from the King James Version (KJV) and presented in full without alteration.

Matthew 17:1 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,

Matthew 17:2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.

Matthew 17:3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.

Matthew 17:4 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.

Matthew 17:5 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 17:6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.

Matthew 17:7 And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid.

Matthew 17:8 And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only.

Matthew 17:9 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.

Matthew 17:10 And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come?

Matthew 17:11 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things.

Matthew 17:12 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.

Matthew 17:13 Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.

Matthew 17:14 And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying,

Matthew 17:15 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.

Matthew 17:16 And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him.

Matthew 17:17 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.

Matthew 17:18 And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour.

Matthew 17:19 Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?

Matthew 17:20 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 17:21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.

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

Matthew 17:23 And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again. And they were exceeding sorry.

Matthew 17:24 And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?

Matthew 17:25 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?

Matthew 17:26 Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.

Matthew 17:27 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 17:1

And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,

Study: Jesus intentionally takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain, a place often associated with divine revelation in Scripture, to reveal His glory apart from the crowds. This setting prepares the disciples for a unique encounter that confirms Jesus' identity beyond His earthly ministry.

Matthew 17:2

And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.

Study: The transfiguration shows Jesus' face shining like the sun and His clothes becoming dazzling white, symbolizing His divine nature and purity. This supernatural transformation reveals the glory that belongs to the Son of God, affirming His heavenly origin and authority.

Matthew 17:3

And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.

Study: Moses and Elijah appear with Jesus, representing the Law and the Prophets, which testify to Jesus as the fulfillment of God's covenant promises. Their presence connects Jesus' mission to the entire Old Testament witness, emphasizing continuity in God's redemptive plan.

Matthew 17:4

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.

Study: Peter's suggestion to build three tabernacles reflects a common Jewish practice during the Feast of Tabernacles, showing his desire to prolong this divine encounter. However, it also reveals a misunderstanding of the temporary nature of this revelation and the greater purpose of Jesus' mission.

Matthew 17:5

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.

Study: God's voice from the bright cloud declares Jesus as His beloved Son, commanding the disciples to 'hear ye him,' underscoring Jesus' supreme authority over all revelation. This divine endorsement confirms Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises and the one to whom all must listen.

Matthew 17:6

And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.

Study: The disciples' fear and falling on their faces reflect their awe and recognition of God's holiness in this moment. Their reaction shows the overwhelming nature of divine encounters and the reverence due to God's presence.

Matthew 17:7

And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid.

Study: Jesus' touch and command to 'Arise, and be not afraid' demonstrate His compassion and authority to calm fear. This reassures the disciples that His presence brings peace even amid overwhelming divine revelation.

Matthew 17:8

And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only.

Study: When the disciples look up, only Jesus remains visible, emphasizing that He is the central figure of worship and revelation. This shift points to Jesus as the ultimate focus of faith, surpassing even the great figures of Moses and Elijah.

Matthew 17:9

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.

Study: Jesus instructs the disciples to keep the vision secret until after His resurrection, highlighting the importance of His death and resurrection in fully understanding His glory. This command prepares them for the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

Matthew 17:10

And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come?

Study: The disciples' question about Elijah reflects Jewish expectations of a prophet who would come before the Messiah. Their inquiry shows their attempt to reconcile Jesus' identity with existing messianic hopes.

Matthew 17:11

And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things.

Study: Jesus confirms that Elijah must come first to restore all things, affirming the prophetic tradition while preparing the disciples for a deeper understanding of fulfillment. This restoration points to the renewal of God's covenant people.

Matthew 17:12

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.

Study: Jesus reveals that Elijah has already come in the person of John the Baptist, who was rejected just as the Son of Man will be. This connection highlights the pattern of rejection faced by God's messengers and the necessity of faithfulness.

Matthew 17:13

Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.

Study: The disciples finally understand Jesus' reference to John the Baptist, clarifying the fulfillment of prophecy and linking John’s ministry directly to the coming of the Messiah. This insight strengthens their grasp of God's unfolding plan.

Matthew 17:14

And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying,

Study: A man approaches Jesus with urgency, pleading for mercy on his demon-possessed son, illustrating the real human suffering and spiritual battles present in Jesus' ministry. This encounter shifts the focus from the mountaintop vision to practical ministry.

Matthew 17:15

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.

Study: The description of the boy as a lunatic who falls into fire and water reveals the severity of his condition and the helplessness of human efforts. This detail underscores the need for divine intervention in spiritual and physical affliction.

Matthew 17:16

And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him.

Study: The father's report that the disciples could not heal the boy highlights their limited faith and power at this point, setting the stage for Jesus to demonstrate His superior authority. It also teaches the necessity of dependence on Christ.

Matthew 17:17

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.

Study: Jesus' rebuke of the 'faithless and perverse generation' expresses His frustration with unbelief that hinders God's work. His question about how long He must endure their unbelief reveals the tension between divine patience and human resistance.

Matthew 17:18

And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour.

Study: Jesus commands the devil to depart, and the boy is healed immediately, showcasing Jesus' authority over evil spirits and His power to restore life. This miracle confirms His identity as the Messiah with dominion over spiritual forces.

Matthew 17:19

Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?

Study: The disciples' private question about their failure to cast out the demon reveals their desire to understand and grow in faith. This moment teaches the importance of honest reflection and seeking Jesus' guidance in spiritual matters.

Matthew 17:20

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.

Study: Jesus explains that their failure was due to unbelief and teaches that even faith as small as a mustard seed can accomplish great things. This emphasizes faith's power and the necessity of trusting God fully in spiritual challenges.

Matthew 17:21

Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.

Study: The note that certain demons only come out by prayer and fasting highlights the need for spiritual discipline and dependence on God. This instruction points to the seriousness of spiritual warfare and the resources God provides.

Matthew 17:22

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

Study: Jesus predicts His betrayal, connecting His suffering to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. This prepares the disciples for the coming trials and underscores the necessity of His sacrifice.

Matthew 17:23

And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again. And they were exceeding sorry.

Study: Jesus foretells His death and resurrection on the third day, central events that fulfill Scripture and secure salvation. The disciples' sorrow reveals their struggle to comprehend the cost of following Christ.

Matthew 17:24

And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?

Study: The temple tax collectors question Peter about Jesus' payment, reflecting Jewish customs and the expectation that even the Messiah would observe religious duties. This interaction sets up a teaching moment about Jesus' relationship to earthly authorities.

Matthew 17:25

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?

Study: Jesus' question about kings collecting tribute from their own children or strangers teaches about His unique status as God's Son, who is exempt from certain earthly obligations. This reveals His royal identity and the privileges of God's children.

Matthew 17:26

Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.

Study: Peter's answer that kings collect from strangers leads Jesus to declare that the children are free, affirming the special standing of God's people. This statement highlights the spiritual freedom believers have in Christ.

Matthew 17:27

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.

Study: Jesus instructs Peter to find a coin in a fish's mouth to pay the temple tax, demonstrating God's provision and Jesus' sovereignty over creation. This miracle reassures believers that God cares for their needs in practical ways.

Matthew 17 presents a profound revelation of Jesus' divine glory through the transfiguration, affirming His identity as God's beloved Son and the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. The chapter contrasts this heavenly vision with the disciples' struggles in faith, especially in healing a demon-possessed boy, teaching the necessity of trust and spiritual discipline. Jesus also predicts His suffering, death, and resurrection, central to God's redemptive plan. The chapter closes with a lesson on Jesus' royal status and God's provision, reinforcing the kingdom's spiritual truths and practical care.

Lord Jesus, thank You for revealing Your glory and authority to us through Your Word. Help us to grow in faith, trusting Your power to overcome every challenge. Teach us to listen to You above all else and to rely on Your provision in every circumstance. Strengthen our hearts to embrace Your suffering and resurrection as the foundation of our hope. May we walk daily in the light of Your kingdom and share Your love with those around us. Amen.

• Memorize Matthew 17:5 and meditate on Jesus as God’s beloved Son.
• Spend time in prayer and fasting to seek greater faith and spiritual strength.
• Journal about a time God provided unexpectedly in your life and thank Him.
• Reflect on Jesus’ transfiguration and write how it impacts your view of His identity.
• Pray for increased faith to overcome doubts and spiritual challenges.
• Discuss with a friend or family member the significance of Jesus’ resurrection promise.
• Practice listening to Jesus daily through Scripture reading and quiet reflection.

Matthew 17 reveals Jesus' divine glory and authority through the transfiguration, strengthening the disciples' faith for the trials ahead. It teaches the power of faith, the necessity of spiritual discipline, and God's provision, all centered on Jesus' identity as the Son of God who suffers, dies, and rises again to bring salvation.

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