Understanding Jesus’ death and resurrection 17:22-23 (cf. Mark 9:30-32; Luke 9:43-45)Jesus next gave His disciples His second clear announcement of His passion (cf. Matthew 16:21-24). The reference to it in Matthew 17:12 was only a passing one. He had alluded to it in veiled terms before He articulated it clearly (cf. Matthew 9:15; Matthew 10:38; Matthew 12:40). read more
The disciples’ response shows that they understood and did not like to hear what lay ahead. They grasped Jesus’ death but did not yet understand His resurrection. It was not until after Jesus arose from the dead that they understood the Resurrection. Had they understood His resurrection now they would not have been sorrowful. read more
The Transfiguration1-8. The Transfiguration (Mark 9:2; Luke 9:28).St. Leo rightly apprehended the historical situation when he said that in the Transfiguration the principal object aimed at was that in the hearts of the disciples the scandal of the cross might be removed, and that throughout the terrible and humiliating events which were shortly to happen they might be sustained by the remembrance of the revelation which they had been vouchsafed.The Transfiguration revealed Christ in His divine... read more
(23) They were exceeding sorry.—St. Mark (Mark 9:32) and St. Luke (Luke 9:45) add that “they understood not the saying; it was hid from them, that they should not perceive it;” and that “they were afraid to ask Him.” Their sorrow was vague and dim, and they shrank from that which might make it more definite. read more
The Use of Religious Excitement Matthew 17:4 Although there is no necessity to give much heed to the words of one, who, when he spoke them, was so startled and confused, that he knew not what he said, yet I suppose, in truth, St. Peter was right in the former part of his saying, and wrong in the latter. 1. Why did God bestow upon us the power of religious emotion? It is certain that no power, no faculty of the soul was given in vain. Each has its proper use and end; its proper exercise, its... read more
Chapter 14Last Words at Capernaum - Matthew 17:22-27; Matthew 18:1-35THE TEMPLE TRIBUTE {Matthew 17:22-27}THE way southward lies through Galilee; but the time of Galilee’s visitation is now over, so Jesus avoids public attention as much as possible, and gives Himself up to the instruction of His disciples, especially to impressing upon their minds the new lesson of the Cross, which they find it so very hard to realise, or even to understand. A brief stay in Capernaum was to be expected; and... read more
5. The Coming Glory; the Helpless Disciples and the Power of the King. The Tribute Money. CHAPTER 17 1. The Transfiguration. (Matthew 17:1-13 .) 2. The Helpless Disciples and the Power of the King. (Matthew 17:14-21 .) 3. The Second Announcement of His Death and Resurrection. (Matthew 17:22-23 .) 4. The Tribute Money.( Matthew 17:24-27 .) The first part of this chapter gives us the record of the transfiguration of our Lord Jesus Christ. The portion before us is one of the richest in the... read more
Only six days intervened before the three disciples witnessed the transfiguration of the Lord Jesus. Luke says, "about eight days after these things," for no doubt he counts the day the Lord spoke, and the day of the transfiguration, while Matthew counts only the intervening days. We are not told what mountain was the scene of this wondrous event, but the high mountain apart reminds us of the majestic greatness of the coming kingdom, high above and apart from the institutions of men. He alone... read more
FIRST STATEMENT OF HIS DEATH In the first of these chapters there are several revelations, from one of which we take the title of the lesson. We need not dwell on the first section (Matthew 16:1-4 ), in which Jesus once more rebukes the Pharisees and Sadducees. Nor need we dwell on the second section which is self-explanatory (Matthew 16:5-12 ). But at the third (Matthew 16:13-16 ) we reach something of much importance. Of course, Jesus knew what men said of Him, but the question of... read more
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Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Matthew 17:14-27
3. Instruction about the King’s principles 17:14-27Jesus’ instruction of His disciples in view of the King’s coming death and resurrection and the kingdom’s postponement continued. Jesus had taught them about His person (Matthew 16:13-17) and His program (Matthew 16:18 to Matthew 17:13). He now taught them principles that clarified His work and His person further. read more