Matthew 17 Summary - Quick Bible Study

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MATTHEW 17 SUMMARY IN 5 MINUTES

• WHEN:

  • The birth of Jesus probably occurred around 4 B.C..

  • From Luke 3:23, we know Jesus began His ministry when He was about 30 years old.

  • This would place the events of Jesus’ ministry roughly between 26-31 A.D..

• CHARACTERS:

  • Jesus - The Messiah. God’s “beloved Son.”

  • Moses - The Old Testament Law giver who led the Israelites out of Egyptian slavery.

  • Elijah - A prophet who served God during the period of the divided kingdom.

  • Disciples - Jesus followers and students.

  • Demon Oppressed Boy - The demon gave the boy seizures and would cause him to fall into fire and water.

  • Tax Collectors - They asked Peter if Jesus paid the Temple tax.

  • Simon (Peter) - Caught a fish with a shekel in its mouth.

• WHERE:

  • The mountain on which Jesus was transfigured is not named (some possible options include Mount Tabor or Mount Hermon).

  • Jesus healed the demon oppressed boy after coming down from the mountain where He was transfigured.

  • The conversation in verses 22-23 happened “in Galilee.”

  • The tax collectors approached Peter about the Temple tax in Capernaum.

• OUTLINE:

  • JESUS IS TRANSFIGURED (17:1-17:9):

    • Jesus took Peter, James, and John up on a mountain.

    • He was transfigured in front of them and conversed with Moses and Elijah.

    • Peter wanted to build three tabernacles to honor Jesus, Moses, and Elijah.

    • But a voice from Heaven spoke, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased, listen to Him.”

    • Jesus told the 3 Apostles to keep the events they had witnessed a secret until after His resurrection.

  • A QUESTION ABOUT ELIJAH (17:10-17:13):

    • Having just seen Elijah, the 3 Apostles asked Jesus why the scribes taught Elijah must come before the Messiah.

    • Jesus told them Elijah had already come.

    • John the Baptist came preaching with the spirit and power of Elijah.

  • A DEMON OPPRESSED BOY IS HEALED (17:14-17:21):

    • The father of a demon oppressed boy approached Jesus and asked Him to help his son.

    • He had previously asked Jesus’ disciples but they were unable to help.

    • After expressing His frustration with the faithlessness of those around Him, Jesus rebuked the demon and healed the boy “instantly.”

    • When the disciples asked Jesus why they had failed, He told them it was because of their “little faith.”

  • A PROPHESY OF DEATH AND RESURRECTION (17:22-17:23):

    • Jesus foretold He would be delivered into the hands of men, killed, and would rise from the dead on the third day.

    • The disciples were “greatly distressed” when they heard the prophecy.

  • THE MIRACULOUS TAX MONEY (17:24-17:27):

    • The tax collectors in Capernaum approached Peter and asked him if Jesus paid the Temple tax.

    • Peter told them Jesus did pay the tax.

    • Afterwards, Jesus sent Peter fishing. He told him he would find a shekel (to pay the tax) in the mouth of the first fish he caught.

• BIG PICTURE:

  • When God spoke from Heaven after the Transfiguration, He made it clear Jesus was to be the source of authority moving forward.

  • Moses and the prophets had played their part in God’s plan, but Jesus was God’s Word to mankind.

  • Moses and Elijah’s work was always meant to lead the Jews to Jesus.

• APPLICATION:

  • In chapter 17, Jesus’ disciples failed to cast out a demon because of their little faith.

  • Modern day Christians can also have moments of “little faith.”

  • We don’t always represent Jesus as well as we should.

  • Don’t evaluate Christianity based on Jesus’ imperfect followers, evaluate it on the power, character, and actions of Jesus Himself.