Matthew 17 Commentary
Who is Jesus? The Pharisees and Sadducees have their own answer influenced by unbelief. The people have all sorts of ideas: Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. The disciples’ view is represented by Peter’s confession. That is chapter 16.
Now in chapter 17, the LORD Jesus reveals His own identity. He does it by going up the mountain. There he is transfigured and we hear the voice from Heaven – the same voice and message as at His Baptism. “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”
You wouldn’t be shocked if this is the same mountain that Moses and Elijah climbed and experienced the physical presence of the El-Shaddai God! 1 Kings 19 verse 8.
Moses and Elijah talk with the LORD Jesus. The Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah) agree on the same path of Salvation. They all lead to the same point. History comes together and explains the roadmap – the fulfillment of all that is written.
Interestingly, both Moses and Elijah are known to have never experienced death! Could it be because the El-Shaddai God wants them to bear witness on this mountain in this chapter and possibly at some point in the future? Who knows?
Regardless, the symbolism is clear: The Old Testament (the Law and the Prophets) isn’t a static or dead pointer to the New Testament. It is a living testimony! It continues to reveal the identity of the LORD Jesus to the reverent reader.
The light on His face is a reference to the fact that Jesus is the light of this world – not the sun! When everything is done, the sun won’t be needed at all! Revelation 22 verse 5.
The cloud would point to yet another special manifestation of the presence of the LORD that we all know.
Peter is right. The voice has said it. Jesus is the Son of God. This title bears significance in the process of salvation. The LORD wasn’t pleased with the first son, Adam. The story is different now. Listen to Him.
For now, the disciples must keep quiet. How would ‘dull’ minds process all of this? Even before they get down the mountain, they have questions. “Why then do the teachers of the Law say that Elijah must come first?”
Not too long ago, the LORD Jesus described His disciples as ‘dull’. Now their faith is shockingly so little that they fail to rebuke the demon away out of the boy. And these are our heroes!
The Christian walk cannot be any easier! We know it. How we need help at every point!
Yes, faith; but forget the mountain LORD, just give me enough to have a meal every day!
For the second time, the LORD Jesus announces his death and resurrection. We would guess all of this information is so confusing! The height of the mountain and now the grave! Never mind the rising back to life! Of course, it is all there in the Law and the Prophets, something ably represented by the living Moses and the living Elijah! But who can understand all of this? Probably we are also dull! Only the Spirit sheds light on these things!
Pay tax so as not to cause offense. Who wouldn’t love the means employed by the LORD Jesus to pay His tax and Peter’s!
More resources visit http://www.lovingscripture.com
LOVING SCRIPTURE 