The Transfiguration
Matthew 17, verse 1. Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; Matthew 17, verse 2. and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. Matthew 17, verse 3. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. Matthew 17, verse 4. Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” Matthew 17, verse 5. While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” Matthew 17, verse 6. And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. Matthew 17, verse 7. But Jesus came and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.” Matthew 17, verse 8. When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. Matthew 17, verse 9. Now as they came down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, “Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead.” Matthew 17, verse 10. And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” Matthew 17, verse 11. Jesus answered and said to them, “Indeed, Elijah is coming first and will restore all things. Matthew 17, verse 12. But I say to you that Elijah has come already, and they did not know him but did to him whatever they wished. Likewise the Son of Man is also about to suffer at their hands.” Matthew 17, verse 13. Then the disciples understood that He spoke to them of John the Baptist.
The Disciples Lack Faith
Matthew 17, verse 14. And when they had come to the multitude, a man came to Him, kneeling down to Him and saying, Matthew 17, verse 15. “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and suffers severely; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water. Matthew 17, verse 16. So I brought him to Your disciples, but they could not cure him.” Matthew 17, verse 17. Then Jesus answered and said, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him here to Me.” Matthew 17, verse 18. And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour. Matthew 17, verse 19. Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” Matthew 17, verse 20. So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. Matthew 17, verse 21. However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”
Jesus' Suffering
Matthew 17, verse 22. Now while they were staying in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men, Matthew 17, verse 23. and they will kill Him, and the third day He will be raised up.” And they were exceedingly sorrowful.
Jesus Pays the Temple Tax
Matthew 17, verse 24. When they had come to Capernaum, those who received the temple tax came to Peter and said, “Does your Teacher not pay the temple tax?” Matthew 17, verse 25. He said, “Yes.” And when he had come into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take customs or taxes, from their sons or from strangers?” Matthew 17, verse 26. Peter said to Him, “From strangers.” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. Matthew 17, verse 27. Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and you.”