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MESSAGE 8 · MATTHEW 17:1–13
Glory: Listen to Him
Big Idea: The glory of Jesus Christ is revealed, confirming the majesty of the beloved Son whose word we must hear and whose suffering accomplishes God’s redemptive purpose.
Jesus reveals His majesty on the road He has already announced: suffering, death, and resurrection. (Matthew 16:21–28)
READ THE TEXT
MATTHEW 17:1–13 | NASB95
1 Six days later Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John his brother, and led them up on a high mountain by themselves.
2 And He was transfigured before them; and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light.
3 And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him.
4 Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, I will make three tabernacles here, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice out of the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!”
6 When the disciples heard this, they fell face down to the ground and were terrified.
7 And Jesus came to them and touched them and said, “Get up, and do not be afraid.”
8 And lifting up their eyes, they saw no one except Jesus Himself alone.
9 As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, “Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man has risen from the dead.”
10 And His disciples asked Him, “Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”
11 And He answered and said, “Elijah is coming and will restore all things;
12 but I say to you that Elijah already came, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they wished. So also the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands.”
13 Then the disciples understood that He had spoken to them about John the Baptist.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.Lockman.org
Teaching Outline
- The Son’s Glory Is Revealed. — Matthew 17:1–3
- The Son’s Authority Is Declared. — Matthew 17:4–8
- The Son’s Redemptive Mission Continues. — Matthew 17:9–13
What We Covered
I. The Son’s Glory Is Revealed. — Matthew 17:1–3
Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up the mountain. Jesus manifests His eternal glory. He does not become divine here. The scene previews future kingdom glory; it is not the Second Coming itself. Moses and Elijah speak with Jesus. Luke identifies their subject as His departure at Jerusalem (Luke 9:30–31).
The disciples see the majesty of the Son they already follow.
II. The Son’s Authority Is Declared. — Matthew 17:4–8
Peter proposes three tabernacles. Mark records their fear and uncertainty (Matthew 17:4; Mark 9:6). The Father identifies Jesus as His beloved Son and commands the disciples to listen to Him. Jesus touches and reassures them. They see Jesus alone.
The Father identifies His Son and commands His disciples to listen to Him.
III. The Son’s Redemptive Mission Continues. — Matthew 17:9–13
Jesus ties their testimony to His resurrection (Matthew 17:9). The disciples understand that Jesus speaks about John the Baptist as Elijah already come (Matthew 17:10–13). John fulfills the Elijah role; further future fulfillment remains disputed. The glorious Son continues toward suffering. The cross is essential to redemption (Matthew 17:12; 20:28; 26:28).
The glory Peter witnessed did not replace the suffering Jesus had announced. It revealed the majesty of the Savior who would accomplish redemption through that suffering.
Reflection & Response
- Where does Jesus’ word challenge what I want?
- How does His revealed glory strengthen my trust in His redemptive suffering?
- What concrete step will I take to hear, trust, and follow Him?
Hear His word. Trust His redemptive suffering. Follow Him.
Choose the resource you need
Use the participant handout during class. Review the completed notes afterward.
DIG DEEPER
DIG DEEPER 01
Moses Died. Elijah Was Taken. Both Appeared in Glory.
Luke 9:30–31 | Matthew 17:1–8