Chapter Seventeen

Contents: The transfiguration of Jesus Christ. The powerless disciples, unable to heal a lunatic, and the mighty Christ. Resurrection again foretold. Miracle of the tribute money.

Characters: God, Jesus, Moses, Elijah, Peter, James, John, a father and his lunatic son, John the Baptist, disciples.

Conclusion: Jesus Christ is sealed of heaven as the beloved Son of God, glorious and mighty in His person, possessed of all power in heaven and earth, the Victor over death and the grave, yet to reign in glory. Genuine faith in Him and yieldedness to His power, moves the arm of omnipotence.

Key Word: Transfiguration, v. 2. Faith, v. 20.

Strong Verses: 5, 20.

Striking Facts: The transfiguration is the answer to v. 28 of the preceding chapter. In it, we see in miniature, the elements of the coming earthly Kingdom of Christ. Jesus in His glory (v. 2); Moses standing for believers who have passed on through death (v. 3); Elijah representing those who will be translated (v. 3. Cf. 1 Thess. 4:14–7); Three disciples representing Israel in the flesh at His coming; Gentiles at foot of mountain for the living nations. It was given just following the announcement which disappointed the disciples, His rejection and death, and was for their encouragement.