📖 Passage

Matthew 17:1–13
Read Matthew 17:1–13 (NKJV)

🧠 Context & Background

Only six days after foretelling His suffering and promising that some would see the Son of Man in His glory, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain. There, He is transfigured before them — His divine glory breaking through His humanity. This event confirms His identity as the beloved Son and fulfills the promise of Matthew 16:28. Moses and Elijah appear, representing the Law and the Prophets, bearing witness that Jesus is their fulfillment. The Father's voice affirms Christ's authority, urging the disciples to listen to Him above all. On the way down, Jesus commands silence until after His resurrection, and He explains Elijah's role in preparing the way, showing that John the Baptist fulfilled this prophecy in a spiritual sense.

🌿 Key Themes

• Christ's Glory Revealed – A foretaste of His return in majesty.
• Fulfillment of Law and Prophets – Moses and Elijah point to Jesus as the completion of God's redemptive plan.
• Divine Affirmation – The Father's voice calls for obedience to the Son.
• Hidden Until Resurrection – Glory revealed to strengthen faith before the coming suffering.
• Prophetic Fulfillment – John the Baptist as the "Elijah" who prepared the way.

📖 Verse-by-Verse Commentary

Matthew 17:1–3 – The Transfiguration

"He was transfigured before them, and His face shone like the sun…"

• High Mountain – Often a place of divine revelation in Scripture.
• Transfigured (metamorphoō) – Christ's inner glory made outwardly visible.
• Moses and Elijah – Represent the Law and the Prophets, testifying that Jesus is their fulfillment.

Matthew 17:4–6 – Peter's Suggestion and the Father's Voice

"This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him."

• Peter's Booths – An attempt to preserve the moment, perhaps linking it to the Feast of Tabernacles.
• Overshadowing Cloud – Sign of God's presence, recalling the Shekinah glory in the Old Testament.
• Divine Command – The Father affirms Jesus' authority above all voices.

Matthew 17:7–9 – Do Not Be Afraid

"Jesus came and touched them, saying, 'Rise, and have no fear.'"

• Compassionate Touch – Jesus restores courage after the overwhelming vision.
• Messianic Secret – Silence is commanded until after the resurrection, so the event could be understood in light of the cross.

Matthew 17:10–13 – Elijah Has Already Come

"Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him…"

• Prophetic Expectation – Malachi 4:5 foretold Elijah's return before the day of the Lord.
• John the Baptist's Role – Fulfilled this prophecy spiritually, preparing hearts for the Messiah.
• Rejection – As John was mistreated, so the Son of Man would suffer.

🔍 Trusted Insight

Spurgeon observed, "The brightness was not put upon Him; it was within, and it shone forth. His glory was His own; the splendor was not borrowed, but innate." This shows that Jesus is not merely a reflection of God's glory — He is God Himself. The Transfiguration assures believers that the suffering Savior is also the sovereign King.

🧩 Review Questions

1. Why did Jesus only take Peter, James, and John to witness the Transfiguration?
2. What is the significance of Moses and Elijah appearing with Jesus?
3. How does the Father's command to "listen to Him" apply to us today?
4. Why did Jesus tell them not to speak of this event until after His resurrection?
5. How does this moment connect to the prophecy about Elijah in Malachi?

🔍 Definitions

• Transfiguration – A visible change revealing divine glory.
• Shekinah Glory – The manifest presence of God dwelling among His people.
• Law and Prophets – A term referring to the whole Old Testament revelation.
• Messianic Secret – Jesus' instruction to conceal aspects of His identity until the right time.

🙋 Application Questions

1. How does seeing Christ's glory change the way you view your present trials?

2. In what ways can we "listen to Him" more faithfully in our daily lives?

3. How can the hope of Christ's return in glory strengthen perseverance in discipleship?

4. What does this passage teach about balancing God's glory and Christ's suffering in our witness?

🔤 Greek Keywords

• μεταμορφόω (metamorphoō) – "To transform, transfigure."
• δόξα (doxa) – "Glory," divine majesty.
• σκηνή (skēnē) – "Tent, tabernacle, dwelling."
• ἐπισκιάζω (episkiazō) – "To overshadow," used of God's presence.

📚 Cross References

• Exodus 34:29–35 – Moses' face shining after meeting with God.

• Malachi 4:5–6 – Promise of Elijah before the day of the Lord.

• Mark 9:2–8 – Parallel Transfiguration account.

• 2 Peter 1:16–18 – Peter's testimony about witnessing the glory.

• Revelation 1:13–16 – Glorified Christ in John's vision.

📦 Next Study

Next Study → Matthew 17:14–27