Tyndale Open Study NotesMatthew 17

• Peter, James, and John later went with Jesus to Gethsemane (Matthew 26:37; 2 Peter 1:16–19).

• We cannot know the exact location of this high mountain. The traditional site, Mount Tabor, is about 580 meters high (1,900 feet). It is not on the way if leaving from Caesarea Philippi (Matthew 16:13) to go to Capernaum (17:24).

  Mount Hermon is another option. It is about 2,800 meters high (9,200 feet) and located in Syria, about sixty-four kilometers (forty miles) north of Capernaum. Yet, it is improbable that “scribes” (Mark 9:14) would have gathered at the base of a mountain in non-Jewish territory. A likely location is Mount Meron, about 1,220 meters high (4,000 feet). It is located between Caesarea Philippi and Capernaum.

He was transfigured: In this moment, the inner and divine nature of Jesus, normally hidden, was now revealed. The three disciples were given a glimpse of his glory (see Exodus 34:29–35; Psalm 104:2; 2 Corinthians 3:12–18; Revelation 1:16). All of the disciples of Jesus will share in this glory one day (Matthew 13:43).

Moses represents the law, and Elijah represents the prophets. They appeared as witnesses to Christ. Their presence showed that Jesus, the Son of God, fulfills everything written in the law and the prophets (see Matthew 5:17–20; 11:2–6; 12:28).

Three shelters (Or three tabernacles): Peter probably thought the kingdom of heaven was about to arrive in full glory (compare Acts 1:6). He wanted to remember the moment by building shelters.

• A bright cloud enveloped them: In the Old Testament, a cloud often showed God’s presence with Israel during the time of Moses (see Exodus 24:15–18; 25:8; 29:45–46; 40:34–38).

• My beloved Son: This confirmed what Peter had already declared about Jesus (Matthew 16:16–17).

• The disciples were told to listen to Jesus because he is God’s Son. As a prophet, he reveals God’s will (11:27; see Deuteronomy 18:15, 18; Acts 3:22–23; 7:37).

People often react this way when they experience God's glory (for example, Isaiah 6:5; Daniel 8:17; 10:9, 15–19; Revelation 1:17).

People could not fully understand Jesus until he completed his work, especially his death and resurrection.

Elijah’s appearance made the disciples ask about the belief that Elijah must return before the Messiah comes (see Malachi 4:5–6). Jesus pointed to John the Baptist as the one who fulfilled that role. In doing so, he reminded them of the surprising truth that the Messiah must suffer, just as John, his forerunner, had also suffered (Matthew 14:3–12).

O unbelieving and perverse generation: This phrase often describes moral corruption (see Deuteronomy 32:5, 19–22). Jesus usually directed this exclamation at unbelieving Jewish crowds or leaders who refused to recognize God's presence in him (see Matthew 12:39). But here the phrase sharply criticizes his disciples for not trusting in Jesus and his power to save and heal.

• Here, the phrase so little faith means the same as no faith.

• faith the size of a mustard seed: This suggests that even a tiny amount of faith can help the disciples achieve great things (Hebrews 21:21; compare 1 Corinthians 13:2). It also suggests that if they let their faith increase (see Matthew 13:31–32), they could act with strong belief.

• "Moving mountains" is a saying that means overcoming obstacles and achieving God's goals (Isaiah 40:4; 49:11; 54:10; 1 Corinthians 13:2).

be delivered: See Matthew 20:18; 26:14–16, 45–49 to see how this prophecy came true.

• Every adult citizen of Israel had to pay the temple tax of one-half shekel. This was a coin weighing 4 grams. In the time of Jesus, priests and some rabbis did not pay this tax.

• Peter spoke on behalf of the twelve apostles (see Matthew 10:2).

As an obedient Jew, Jesus would have paid the tax every year, and he did pay it. The lesson Jesus wanted to teach was that as God's Son, he is greater than the temple (Matthew 12:5–6). By this, he showed that a decisive break with the temple was coming (see 16:18–19; 21:33–46).