17. Notes_Gospel of Matthew_NABRE Chapter 17

Read Chapter 17: The Gospel According to Matthew

മത്തായി അദ്ധ്യായം- 17 P. O. C ബൈബിള്‍

Notes - Matthew Chapter 17

Matthew Chapter 17: The Transfiguration, Coming of Elijah, Healing of a Boy, and Predictions

1. The Transfiguration of Jesus (Matthew 17:1-8):

   - After six days, Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a high mountain.

   - There, Jesus was transfigured before them, his face shining like the sun, and his clothes becoming as white as light.

   - Moses and Elijah appeared, conversing with Jesus.

   - Over them, a bright cloud cast a shadow, and a voice from the cloud declared, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him."

   - The disciples, awestruck, fell prostrate, but Jesus comforted them, and when they looked up, only Jesus remained.

2. The Coming of Elijah (Matthew 17:9-13):

   - As they descended the mountain, Jesus instructed them not to share the vision until after his resurrection.

   - Disciples questioned why the scribes say Elijah must come first.

   - Jesus explained that Elijah indeed comes to restore all things, but they did not recognize John the Baptist as Elijah.

   - The disciples then understood Jesus was referring to John the Baptist.

3. Healing of a Boy with a Demon (Matthew 17:14-21):

   - A man approached Jesus in a crowd, seeking pity for his son who suffered severely from being a lunatic.

   - The disciples couldn't cure the boy, and Jesus rebuked the faithless generation.

   - Jesus cast out the demon, curing the boy, and explained that their inability was due to their little faith.

   - He emphasized the power of faith, even as small as a mustard seed, enabling them to move mountains.

4. The Second Prediction of the Passion (Matthew 17:22-23):

   - In Galilee, Jesus predicted his betrayal, death, and resurrection after three days.

   - The disciples, overwhelmed with grief, struggled to comprehend the impending events.

5. Payment of the Temple Tax (Matthew 17:24-27):

   - In Capernaum, collectors questioned Peter about Jesus paying the temple tax.

   - Jesus, aware of the situation, explained their exemption as "sons" of the kingdom.

   - To avoid offense, Jesus instructed Peter to catch a fish, finding a coin worth twice the temple tax, paying for both himself and Jesus.

The events in this chapter highlight Jesus' divine nature, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, the importance of faith, and predictions of Jesus' passion and resurrection.

•There are many Old Testament prophesies about the Passion of the Christ which is fulfilled in Jesus.

•Apart from the Old Testament prophesies, Jesus Himself predicted his passion three times.

•Importance of Predictions: Jesus foretelling His passion shows His divine knowledge and submission to God's plan.

•Disciples' Lack of Understanding: The disciples struggled to comprehend the gravity of Jesus' predictions, emphasizing their human limitations.

•Teachable Moments: Each prediction is followed by a teaching moment from Jesus about discipleship, humility, and the true nature of God's kingdom.

1. First Prediction: Matthew 16:21-23

Location: Caesarea Philippi

Preceding Event: Peter's Confession that Jesus is the Christ (Messiah), the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:13-20).

Details of Prediction: Jesus foretells His suffering, death, and resurrection.

"From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised."

Disciples' Response: Then Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, “God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you.”

 Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.”

2. Second Prediction: Matthew 17:22-23

Location: Galilee

Preceding Event: Healing of a Boy with a Demon - Matthew 17:14-21

Details of Prediction: Similar to the first prediction, Jesus emphasizes His impending betrayal, death, and resurrection.

"The Son of Man is to be handed over to men, and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day."

Disciples' Response: The disciples were overwhelmed with grief.

3. Third Prediction: Matthew 20:17-19

Location: On the way to Jerusalem

Preceding Event: As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve [disciples] aside by themselves, and said to them on the way.

Details of Prediction: Jesus provides specific details about His upcoming passion, including betrayal to the chief priests and scribes, condemnation to death, and delivery to the Gentiles to be mocked, scourged, and crucified, with resurrection on the third day.

Disciples' Response: The mother of James and John requests positions of honor for her sons, and the other disciples become indignant. Jesus uses this as an opportunity to teach about true greatness and service.