Matthew 17:1-13

Devotionals, Articles, and Bible Study Resources on Matthew 17:1-13

1After six days Jesus took with Him Peter, James, and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.
2There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.
3Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared before them, talking with Jesus.
4Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If You wish, I will put up three shelters — one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
5While Peter was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!”
6When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown in terror.
7Then Jesus came over and touched them. “Get up,” He said. “Do not be afraid.”
8And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.
9As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Do not tell anyone about this vision until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”
10The disciples asked Him, “Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”
11Jesus replied, “Elijah does indeed come, and he will restore all things.
12But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him whatever they wished. In the same way, the Son of Man will suffer at their hands.”
13Then the disciples understood that He was speaking to them about John the Baptist.
— Matthew 17:1-13

Related Resources from Heartlight

It Is Good To Be Here!
Illustration of Matthew 17:2-8 NLT

Illustration of Matthew 17:2-8 NLT -- While these followers watched him, Jesus was changed. His face became bright like the sun. And his clothes became white as light. Then two men were there, talking with Jesus. The men were Moses and Elijah. Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good that we are here. If you want, I will put three tents here—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." While Peter was talking, a bright cloud came over them. A voice came from the cloud. The voice said, "This (Jesus) is my Son and I love him. I am very pleased with him. Obey him!" The followers with Jesus heard this voice. They were very afraid, so they fell to the ground. But Jesus came to the followers and touched them. Jesus said, "Stand up. Don't be afraid." The followers looked up, and they saw Jesus was now alone.

Elijah Has Come
Illustration of Matthew 17:10-13 NLT

Illustration of Matthew 17:10-13 NLT -- The followers asked Jesus, "Why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first {before the Christ comes}?" Jesus answered, "They are right to say that Elijah is coming. And it is true that Elijah will make all things the way they should be. But I tell you, Elijah has already come. People did not know who he was. People did to him all the {bad} things they wanted to do. It is the same with the Son of Man. Those same people will make the Son of Man suffer." Then the followers understood that Jesus meant that John the Baptizer was really Elijah.

A bright cloud enveloped them, and a...
Illustration of Matthew 17:5

Illustration of Matthew 17:5 -- A bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!"

Alone Together
Illustration of Matthew 17:1 NLT

Illustration of Matthew 17:1 NLT -- Six days later, Jesus took Peter, James, and John the brother of James and went up on a high mountain. They were all alone there.

Heavenly affirmation
Illustration of Matthew 17:5

Inspirational illustration of Matthew 17:5 -- A bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!"

The Key to Telling
Illustration of Matthew 17:9 NLT

Illustration of Matthew 17:9 NLT -- Jesus and the followers were walking down the mountain. Jesus commanded the followers, "Don't tell any person about the things you saw on the mountain. Wait until the Son of Man has been raised from death. Then you can tell people about what you saw."

Cross References for Matthew 17:1-13

Cross References Provided by Open Bible

The Berean Standard Bible

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