Matthew 17:1-13
Q.1. Why did Matthew refer to ‘six days later’? Who accompanied Jesus on the high mountain? How was Jesus transformed before them? What unusual meeting took place? – (Mt.17:1-3)
Peter and the disciples had expressed their belief that Jesus was the Messiah, at Caesarea Philippi. Six days later, He confirmed this when He took the inner circle of Peter, James, and John to a high mountain. Here the glory of His divine nature shone through, as – He was transfigured before them; and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light (Mt.17:2). Then the disciples witnessed an extraordinary meeting between Jesus, Moses, and Elijah, as they – were speaking of His departure (Gk. ‘exodus’) which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem (c.f. Lk.9:31). They instantly recognised the two men whom they had never met, who had lived centuries before. However, the subject they discussed about Jesus’ departing failed to register with the Three (c.f. 1 Pet.1:10-12).
Q.2. What did Peter mean by His response? What was the Father’s message to them? What impact did the Voice from Heaven make on the disciples? Who remained with them? – (Mt.17:4-8)
Peter didn’t know what to say … but spoke anyway. He was over-awed by the experience and thought it would be good to honour the three men. Even as he spoke, the Father intervened as – Peter was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice out of the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!” (Mt.17:5). The revelation was instructive and directional – Listen to My One and Only and uniquely loved Son! The first vision filled them with wonder … the next filled them with terror. Jesus touched them and reassured them (Mt.17:6-7). After that – they saw no one except Jesus Himself alone (Mt.17:8). We should avoid anything that distracts from Jesus. He must be our focus, and the theme of our ministries.
Q.3. What limitation did Jesus place on the experience? What are we to make of Christ’s explanation regarding Elijah? – (Mt.17:9-13 c.f. Mal.4:5-6; 2 Pet.1:16-18; Rev.11:3, 11-13)
The apostles were given a special revelation. This was necessary, because we base our faith on Christ and the Gospel, as defined and explained by them (c.f. Eph.2:20-22; 2 Pet.1:16-18). However, it was necessary for Jesus to die first. He commanded them – …Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man has risen from the dead (Mt.17:9 c.f. Lk.24:26-27, 46-48). The disciples’ thoughts were soon elsewhere. They asked – … Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first? (Mt.17:10). This was a reference to the final prophecy of Malachi (Mal.4:5-6). The explanation from Jesus, is helpful in showing us how to interpret the Scriptures. Elijah was a key prophet of Israel. Jesus informed them that John the Baptist partially fulfilled this prophecy, in his ministry as the forerunner of Christ (Mt.17:12-13). Just as John had been silenced – … So also the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands (Mt.17:12). He also informed them – … Elijah is coming and will restore all things (Mt.17:11). It is possible that John (who was present) wrote about the miraculous ministry, death, and resurrection of Elijah and Moses in the book of Revelation (Rev.11:3-9, 11-13). However, it will mostly be Jesus Who will be ‘Elijah-like’ and will ‘restore all things’ (Mt.17:11 c.f. Rev.21:5). What a challenge to not allow our religiosity to distract us from the Son of God.