The Transforming Power of Faith: Commentary on Matthew 17

Executive Summary ✨

Matthew 17 presents us with two pivotal events: the Transfiguration of Christ and the healing of a demon-possessed boy. The Transfiguration offers a glimpse of Christ’s divine glory, foreshadowing His resurrection and kingdom, and confirming the witness of the Law and the Prophets through Moses and Elijah. This celestial event strengthens the faith of Peter, James, and John, preparing them for the trials ahead. Simultaneously, the disciples’ inability to heal the boy highlights the crucial role of faith, prayer, and fasting in overcoming spiritual obstacles. The chapter underscores the power of unwavering faith, the glory of Christ’s divinity, and the importance of spiritual discipline in the life of a believer. We are reminded that true faith can move mountains and conquer the darkness, a lesson pertinent to our daily struggles even today. The **transforming power of faith**, demonstrated throughout this chapter, is a beacon of hope and a call to deeper devotion.

Matthew 17 is a profound chapter that delves into the heart of faith, revelation, and spiritual warfare. It illustrates the glory of Christ unveiled and the weakness of faith untested. As Coptic Orthodox Christians, we approach this passage with reverence, seeking the wisdom of the Holy Fathers and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to illuminate its depths. Understanding the **transforming power of faith** in Matthew 17 will enrich our spiritual lives.

Commentary on Matthew 17

Matthew 17:1

Καὶ μεθ’ ἡμέρας ἓξ παραλαμβάνει ὁ Ἰησοῦς τὸν Πέτρον καὶ Ἰάκωβον καὶ Ἰωάννην τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἀναφέρει αὐτοὺς εἰς ὄρος ὑψηλὸν κατ’ ἰδίαν

And after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves.

Christ, in His divine wisdom, chooses Peter, James, and John, three of His closest disciples, to witness the Transfiguration. The “six days” following Peter’s confession of Christ as the Messiah (Matthew 16:16) likely represent a period of anticipation and preparation. The high mountain, traditionally believed to be Mount Tabor, symbolizes a place of spiritual elevation and communion with God. This isolation is crucial; witnessing such profound divine revelation requires a setting apart from the distractions of the world.

Practical Application: We too must seek moments of isolation and spiritual elevation, away from the noise and chaos of daily life, to encounter the divine presence and deepen our relationship with Christ. Consider a quiet prayer time using virtual servers for storing prayer materials and resources.

Matthew 17:2

καὶ μετεμορφώθη ἔμπροσθεν αὐτῶν, καὶ ἔλαμψεν τὸ πρόσωπον αὐτοῦ ὡς ὁ ἥλιος, τὰ δὲ ἱμάτια αὐτοῦ ἐγένετο λευκὰ ὡς τὸ φῶς.

And He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.

The Transfiguration is a pivotal event, a theophany revealing Christ’s divine glory hidden beneath His humanity. His face shone like the sun, a reflection of the uncreated light of the Godhead, and His garments became brilliantly white, symbolizing purity and holiness. This is not merely a change in appearance but a manifestation of His true nature, giving the disciples a foretaste of the glory of the resurrected Christ and the kingdom to come. The brilliance suggests the unapproachable light of God, a concept explored in Coptic hymnology.

Patristic Insight: St. Ephrem the Syrian writes, “He revealed a little of His glory, so that when He was crucified, they would know that He was crucified by His own will, for the salvation of the world” (Commentary on the Diatessaron 16.5). This glory is a testament to His voluntary sacrifice.

Practical Application: The Transfiguration reminds us that Christ’s glory is always present, though often veiled by the ordinariness of daily life. We are called to look beyond the surface and seek the divine within, cultivating a vision that pierces through the mundane to see the light of Christ.

Matthew 17:3

καὶ ἰδοὺ ὤφθησαν αὐτοῖς Μωϋσῆς καὶ Ἠλίας μετ’ αὐτοῦ συλλαλοῦντες.

And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him.

The appearance of Moses and Elijah is highly significant. Moses, representing the Law, and Elijah, representing the Prophets, both testify to Christ’s identity and mission. They are not merely historical figures but witnesses to the fulfillment of God’s plan in Christ. Moses, who died without entering the Promised Land, and Elijah, who ascended into heaven in a fiery chariot, both find their ultimate fulfillment in Christ. This reinforces the continuity between the Old and New Testaments, demonstrating that Christ is the culmination of all that was promised.

Connection to Deuterocanonicals: The Book of Wisdom (Wisdom 3:1-9) speaks of the righteous souls being tested and receiving glory, a concept echoed in the Transfiguration. Moses and Elijah, having endured trials, are now glorified.

Practical Application: The presence of Moses and Elijah reminds us that Christ is the fulfillment of the Scriptures. We should diligently study the Old Testament to understand the prophecies and types that foreshadow His coming and mission.

Matthew 17:4

Ἀποκριθεὶς δὲ ὁ Πέτρος εἶπεν τῷ Ἰησοῦ· Κύριε, καλόν ἐστιν ἡμᾶς ὧδε εἶναι· εἰ θέλεις, ποιήσω ὧδε τρεῖς σκηνάς, σοὶ μίαν καὶ Μωϋσεῖ μίαν καὶ Ἠλίᾳ μίαν.

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.”

Peter’s response is impulsive and reveals his incomplete understanding of the event. He wants to prolong the moment of glory and create a permanent dwelling, a symbolic act of trying to contain the infinite within human constructs. His desire to build three tabernacles equalizes Christ with Moses and Elijah, failing to grasp Christ’s unique divinity. This moment illustrates the human tendency to cling to comfortable experiences and avoid the challenges of discipleship.

Patristic Insight: St. Cyril of Alexandria comments, “Peter, being yet carnal-minded, desired to remain in the glory of the Lord, and not descend to the labors of the world” (Commentary on Matthew). Peter’s desire reflects our own temptation to avoid hardship.

Practical Application: We should be wary of seeking only the mountaintop experiences of faith. True discipleship involves descending from the mountain and engaging in the struggles and challenges of daily life, empowered by the memory of Christ’s glory.

Matthew 17:5

Ἔτι αὐτοῦ λαλοῦντος ἰδοὺ νεφέλη φωτεινὴ ἐπεσκίασεν αὐτούς, καὶ ἰδοὺ φωνὴ ἐκ τῆς νεφέλης λέγουσα· Οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ υἱός μου ὁ ἀγαπητός, ἐν ᾧ εὐδόκησα· αὐτοῦ ἀκούετε.

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!”

The bright cloud, a symbol of God’s presence (Shekinah glory), overshadows them, and the voice of God affirms Christ’s divine sonship. This is a direct divine intervention, correcting Peter’s misguided notion of equality. The command “Hear Him!” emphasizes Christ’s authority as the ultimate revelation of God, surpassing the Law and the Prophets. This divine declaration underscores the importance of obedience to Christ’s teachings.

Practical Application: We must prioritize listening to Christ’s voice above all others. This means studying the Scriptures, praying for understanding, and submitting our will to His. “Hear Him!” is a call to unwavering allegiance.

Matthew 17:6-8

Καὶ ἀκούσαντες οἱ μαθηταὶ ἔπεσαν ἐπὶ πρόσωπον αὐτῶν καὶ ἐφοβήθησαν σφόδρα. Καὶ προσῆλθεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς καὶ ἁψάμενος αὐτῶν εἶπεν· Ἐγέρθητε καὶ μὴ φοβεῖσθε. Ἐπάραντες δὲ τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτῶν οὐδένα εἶδον εἰ μὴ τὸν Ἰησοῦν μόνον.

And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. But Jesus came and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.” When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.

The disciples’ fear is a natural reaction to the overwhelming manifestation of God’s glory. Jesus’ touch and words, “Arise, and do not be afraid,” offer comfort and reassurance. When they look up, they see only Jesus, signifying that He is the sole focus of their faith. Moses and Elijah have vanished, leaving only Christ, the ultimate mediator between God and humanity. The fear is replaced by the singular presence of Christ, a reminder that He is the source of peace and courage.

Practical Application: In moments of fear and uncertainty, we should turn to Christ, trusting in His presence and power to calm our anxieties and guide us through the storms of life. Remember His words, “Do not be afraid,” and fix your eyes on Him alone.

Matthew 17:9

Καὶ καταβαινόντων αὐτῶν ἐκ τοῦ ὄρους ἐνετείλατο αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς λέγων· Μηδενὶ εἴπητε τὸ ὅραμα ἕως οὗ ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἐκ νεκρῶν ἀναστῇ.

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.”

Jesus instructs the disciples to keep the vision secret until after His resurrection. This is crucial for several reasons. Premature disclosure could lead to misunderstandings and premature attempts to establish His kingdom. The full significance of the Transfiguration can only be understood in light of the Resurrection. The Resurrection is the ultimate validation of Christ’s divinity and the foundation of Christian faith.

Practical Application: There are times when God reveals things to us that we are not yet ready to share. We must learn to discern the timing of God and wait for His direction before proclaiming our experiences to others.

Matthew 17:10-13

Καὶ ἐπηρώτησαν αὐτὸν οἱ μαθηταὶ λέγοντες· Τί οὖν οἱ γραμματεῖς λέγουσιν ὅτι Ἠλίαν δεῖ ἐλθεῖν πρῶτον; Ὁ δὲ Ἰησοῦς ἀποκριθεὶς εἶπεν· Ἠλίας μὲν ἔρχεται καὶ ἀποκαταστήσει πάντα· λέγω δὲ ὑμῖν ὅτι Ἠλίας ἤδη ἦλθεν, καὶ οὐκ ἐπέγνωσαν αὐτόν, ἀλλὰ ἐποίησαν ἐν αὐτῷ ὅσα ἠθέλησαν. οὕτως καὶ ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου μέλλει πάσχειν ὑπ’ αὐτῶν. Τότε συνῆκαν οἱ μαθηταὶ ὅτι περὶ Ἰωάννου τοῦ Βαπτιστοῦ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς.

And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” Jesus answered and said to them, “Indeed, Elijah is coming first and will restore all things. 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.” Then the disciples understood that He spoke to them of John the Baptist.

The disciples’ question reflects a common Jewish belief that Elijah must return before the Messiah. Jesus clarifies that John the Baptist fulfilled the prophetic role of Elijah, preparing the way for the Messiah. However, John was rejected and persecuted, foreshadowing Christ’s own suffering. This passage highlights the spiritual blindness of those who fail to recognize God’s messengers and the tragic consequences of rejecting divine truth.

Practical Application: We must be open to recognizing God’s messengers and heeding their warnings, even when they challenge our preconceived notions. We should learn from the mistakes of those who rejected John the Baptist and Christ, and embrace the truth with humility and obedience.

Matthew 17:14-18

Καὶ ἐλθόντων πρὸς τὸν ὄχλον προσῆλθεν αὐτῷ ἄνθρωπος γονυπετῶν αὐτὸν καὶ λέγων· Κύριε, ἐλέησόν μου τὸν υἱόν, ὅτι σεληνιάζεται καὶ κακῶς πάσχει· πολλάκις γὰρ πίπτει εἰς τὸ πῦρ καὶ πολλάκις εἰς τὸ ὕδωρ. Καὶ προσήνεγκα αὐτὸν τοῖς μαθηταῖς σου, καὶ οὐκ ἠδυνήθησαν αὐτὸν θεραπεῦσαι. Ἀποκριθεὶς δὲ ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν· Ὦ γενεὰ ἄπιστος καὶ διεστραμμένη, ἕως πότε μεθ’ ὑμῶν ἔσομαι; ἕως πότε ἀνέξομαι ὑμῶν; φέρετέ μοι αὐτὸν ὧδε. Καὶ ἐπετίμησεν αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰησοῦς, καὶ ἐξῆλθεν ἀπ’ αὐτοῦ τὸ δαιμόνιον, καὶ ἐθεραπεύθη ὁ παῖς ἀπὸ τῆς ὥρας ἐκείνης.

And when they had come to the crowd, a man came to Him, kneeling down to Him and saying, “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. So I brought him to Your disciples, but they could not cure him.” 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.” And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour.

The scene shifts abruptly from the mountaintop glory to the desperate plea of a father for his afflicted son. The disciples’ failure to heal the boy exposes their lack of faith and powerlessness in the face of demonic influence. Jesus’ rebuke, “O faithless and perverse generation,” underscores the pervasive spiritual weakness of the people. The father’s desperation is juxtaposed with the disciples’ ineffectiveness, highlighting the critical need for unwavering faith in the Lord. Jesus’ authority over the demon demonstrates His ultimate power and compassion.

Practical Application: The father’s persistent plea reminds us to never give up on prayer, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. We should approach God with humility and unwavering faith, trusting in His power to heal and deliver.

Matthew 17:19-20

Τότε προσελθόντες οἱ μαθηταὶ τῷ Ἰησοῦ κατ’ ἰδίαν εἶπον· Διὰ τί ἡμεῖς οὐκ ἠδυνήθημεν ἐκβαλεῖν αὐτό; Ὁ δὲ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· Διὰ τὴν ἀπιστίαν ὑμῶν· ἀμὴν γὰρ λέγω ὑμῖν, ἐὰν ἔχητε πίστιν ὡς κόκκον σινάπεως, ἐρεῖτε τῷ ὄρει τούτῳ· Μετάβα ἔνθεν ἐκεῖ, καὶ μεταβήσεται· καὶ οὐδὲν ἀδυνατήσει ὑμῖν.

Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” 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.

The disciples’ private inquiry reveals their confusion and disappointment. Jesus attributes their failure to a lack of faith. He uses the imagery of a mustard seed, a tiny seed that grows into a large plant, to illustrate the potential power of even the smallest amount of genuine faith. The hyperbolic statement about moving mountains emphasizes that with God, nothing is impossible for those who believe. It’s not about the *size* of the faith, but the *object* of that faith – God Himself.

Patristic Insight: St. John Chrysostom explains, “He does not mean that they should remove mountains literally, but that they should accomplish things that are difficult and seemingly impossible” (Homilies on Matthew 57.2).

Practical Application: We often underestimate the power of faith, focusing on our limitations rather than God’s limitless potential. We must cultivate a deep and unwavering faith in God, trusting that He can accomplish the impossible through us.

Matthew 17:21

[Οὗτος δὲ ὁ γένος οὐκ ἐκπορεύεται εἰ μὴ ἐν προσευχῇ καὶ νηστείᾳ.]

[However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.]

This verse, though absent in some manuscripts, is a valuable addition that sheds light on the spiritual disciplines necessary to overcome demonic forces. Prayer and fasting are essential tools for strengthening our faith and deepening our dependence on God. They create a spiritual environment that weakens the power of the enemy and allows God to work through us more effectively. Fasting is a tradition upheld in the Coptic Orthodox Church through lenten seasons and other periods.

Practical Application: We should incorporate prayer and fasting into our regular spiritual practices, recognizing their power to cleanse our hearts, strengthen our faith, and overcome spiritual obstacles. Fasting should be accompanied by increased prayer and acts of charity.

Matthew 17:22-23

Συστρεφομένων δὲ αὐτῶν ἐν τῇ Γαλιλαίᾳ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς· Μέλλει ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου παραδίδοσθαι εἰς χεῖρας ἀνθρώπων, καὶ ἀποκτενοῦσιν αὐτόν, καὶ τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ ἐγερθήσεται. καὶ ἐλυπήθησαν σφόδρα.

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, and they will kill Him, and the third day He will be raised up.” And they were exceedingly sorrowful.

Jesus, once again, foretells His suffering, death, and resurrection. This prophecy serves as a reminder of the ultimate sacrifice He will make for the redemption of humanity. The disciples’ sorrow reveals their love for Jesus and their inability to fully grasp the significance of His impending death and resurrection. It shows a contrast between the joy of the Transfiguration and the reality of the suffering to come.

Practical Application: We should remember that suffering is an integral part of the Christian life. Just as Christ suffered for us, we too are called to embrace the cross and follow Him, trusting that His resurrection will ultimately triumph over death and darkness.

Matthew 17:24-27

Ἐλθόντων δὲ αὐτῶν εἰς Καφαρναοὺμ προσῆλθον οἱ τὰ δίδραχμα λαμβάνοντες τῷ Πέτρῳ καὶ εἶπον· Ὁ διδάσκαλος ὑμῶν οὐ τελεῖ τὰ δίδραχμα; λέγει· Ναί. Καὶ ὅτε εἰσῆλθεν εἰς τὴν οἰκίαν, προέφθασεν αὐτὸν ὁ Ἰησοῦς λέγων· Τί σοι δοκεῖ, Σίμων; οἱ βασιλεῖς τῆς γῆς ἀπὸ τίνων λαμβάνουσιν τέλη ἢ κῆνσον; ἀπὸ τῶν υἱῶν αὐτῶν ἢ ἀπὸ τῶν ἀλλοτρίων; Εἰπόντος δὲ αὐτοῦ· Ἀπὸ τῶν ἀλλοτρίων, εἶπεν αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰησοῦς· Ἄρα γε ἐλεύθεροί εἰσιν οἱ υἱοί. ἵνα δὲ μὴ σκανδαλίσωμεν αὐτούς, πορευθεὶς εἰς τὴν θάλασσαν βάλε ἄγκιστρον καὶ τὸν ἀναβάντα πρῶτον ἰχθὺν ἆρον, καὶ ἀνοίξας τὸ στόμα αὐτοῦ εὑρήσεις στατῆρα· ἐκεῖνον λαβὼν δὸς αὐτοῖς ἀντὶ ἐμοῦ καὶ σοῦ.

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?” 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 own children or from strangers?” Peter said, “From strangers.” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. 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.”

This episode concerning the temple tax demonstrates Christ’s divine knowledge and His willingness to submit to earthly authority, even though as the Son of God, He is exempt. The coin in the fish’s mouth is a miraculous provision, showcasing Christ’s power over creation. His instruction to pay the tax “lest we offend them” reveals His sensitivity to the potential for causing unnecessary stumbling blocks for others. This action emphasizes living in harmony with the surrounding community.

Practical Application: We should be mindful of our actions and avoid causing offense to others, even when we are in the right. We must strive to live peaceably with all men, and where possible, submit to earthly authorities while remaining faithful to God.

Key Reflections on Faith and Transformation 💡

Matthew 17 contains crucial lessons about the nature of faith, the revelation of Christ’s glory, and the importance of spiritual discipline. Reflect on these points:

• The Transfiguration reveals Christ’s divine glory: It provides a glimpse of His true nature and the kingdom to come. This vision sustains us in times of difficulty.
• Faith is essential for overcoming spiritual obstacles: The disciples’ inability to heal the boy underscores the power of unwavering faith in Christ.
• Prayer and fasting are vital spiritual disciplines: They strengthen our connection with God and empower us to resist demonic influence.
• Christ is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets: Moses and Elijah bear witness to His identity and mission.
• Obedience to Christ’s teachings is paramount: We must “hear Him” and follow His commands.
• We should be mindful of our actions and avoid causing offense: We are called to live peaceably with all men.

FAQ ❓

Let’s explore some frequently asked questions about Matthew 17:

• Q: Why did Jesus command the disciples to keep the Transfiguration a secret?

  A: Jesus instructed them to wait until after His resurrection so that the full significance of the event could be understood in light of His victory over death. Premature disclosure could have led to misinterpretations and hindered His mission.

• Q: What does the mustard seed analogy teach us about faith?

  A: The mustard seed illustrates that even a small amount of genuine faith can accomplish great things through God’s power. It’s not the size of the faith, but the object of that faith—God Himself—that matters.

• Q: Why were the disciples unable to heal the demon-possessed boy?

  A: Jesus attributed their failure to a lack of faith and the need for prayer and fasting. Their reliance on their own abilities rather than on God’s power hindered their effectiveness.

• Q: What is the significance of Christ paying the temple tax?

  A: While as the Son of God, He was exempt, Christ paid the tax to avoid causing offense and to demonstrate His submission to earthly authority. This action highlights the importance of living peaceably and not creating unnecessary stumbling blocks for others.

Conclusion

Matthew 17 offers a powerful reminder of the **transforming power of faith**. From the radiant glory of the Transfiguration to the desperate plea for healing, this chapter underscores the centrality of faith in experiencing God’s presence and overcoming life’s challenges. We are called to cultivate a deep and unwavering faith in Christ, trusting that He can accomplish the impossible through us. Just as the disciples were strengthened by the vision on the mountaintop and challenged by their inability to heal, we too must embrace both the joys and trials of discipleship. Let us heed the call to “hear Him,” submitting our lives to His teachings and seeking His power through prayer and fasting. May we, like the father of the afflicted boy, approach Christ with unwavering faith, trusting in His mercy and power to transform our lives and the lives of those around us. The glory revealed on the mountain and the healing power demonstrated in the valley are both within our reach through faith.

Tags

Transfiguration, Healing, Faith, Prayer, Fasting, Moses, Elijah, Divine Glory, Miracles, Spiritual Warfare

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Explore the **transforming power of faith** in Matthew 17: commentary on the Transfiguration, healing the possessed boy, & lessons for modern life. Uncover the power of belief!