HCBC Sunday School - “Friends” Class
Is Jesus Fully God? (Matthew 17:1-13)

1) First Thoughts
a. We only know part of who our neighbors are, and that is the part they allow us to see. As we study the encounter on the mountain, we will come to see for ourselves that Jesus Christ alone deserves our reverence and devotion.
2) Understand the Context (Matthew 17:1 – 18:35)
a. Jesus continues His preparation for the cross and teaches His disciples and us about who He is (transfiguration), His death and resurrection, kingdom citizenship (as a child), and the need to forgive one another.
3) Explore the Text
a. Presence (17:1-6)
I. In the course of your life, you can have an uninterrupted time to soak in what Jesus wants to reveal to you about His glory, i.e., a mountain-top experience.
ii. As the Son of God, Jesus shares fully in God’s glory.
iii. Discuss the misunderstanding of Peter.
iv. Verse 6 – Reverence and fear are appropriate responses to the reality of God’s glory. “Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; …” ~ II Corinthians 5:11
b. Purpose (17:7-9)
i. The purpose of the encounter on the mountain was to prepare them. In due time, their testimony would confirm who Jesus was and what He had come to do, i.e., the gospel. “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” ~ John 17:3
c. Perspective (17:10-13)
I. See their important step toward spiritual maturity in Him. With the insights we are given, we are able to affirm more confidently that Jesus is the Messiah who reveals God’s glory to all people everywhere.
ii. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. ~ II Peter 3:18
4) Memory Verse: While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. ~ Matthew 17:5