Matthew 17- Flashcards
(6 cards)
Matthew 17:1–13 – The Transfiguration
What does the Transfiguration reveal about Jesus’ divine nature and relationship to the Law and Prophets?
17 After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. 3 Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. 4 Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. 7 But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” 8 When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus. 9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” 10 The disciples asked him, “Why then do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?” 11 Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things. 12 But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him everything they wished. In the same way the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands.” 13 Then the disciples understood that he was talking to them about John the Baptist.
Analysis:
The Transfiguration is a profoundly significant event in the Gospels that unveils the divine nature and heavenly authority of Jesus Christ. At its core is the Father’s audible affirmation from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!” This is not only a declaration of Jesus’ divine Sonship, but also a directive to humanity—our response to Christ must be one of obedience and reverence. God’s command to “listen to Him” emphasizes that Jesus speaks with divine authority, relaying the will and wisdom of the Father Himself. To hear Jesus is, in essence, to hear God.
The presence of Moses and Elijah is symbolically rich. Moses represents the Law; Elijah, the Prophets. Their appearance beside Jesus testifies that He is the fulfillment of both—the one to whom all the Law and the Prophets ultimately point. This imagery reinforces that the covenantal history of Israel finds its culmination in Christ. Notably, both Moses and Elijah had prior, intimate encounters with God on mountains (Sinai and Horeb respectively), but now they stand not before a fire or whisper, but in direct conversation with the incarnate God—Jesus. This shift underscores the superiority and fulfillment that Jesus brings.
Peter’s offer to build shelters, while sincere, reflects a human impulse to preserve sacred moments without fully grasping their meaning. The divine interruption of his plan by the cloud and voice serves as a corrective: worship and obedience must center on Christ alone.
Finally, Jesus’ discussion about Elijah points to John the Baptist as the forerunner in the spirit of Elijah—a figure rejected and mistreated just as Jesus Himself would soon be. This points to the mystery of the Messiah’s mission: not immediate glory, but suffering, death, and resurrection.
In this passage, the veil is momentarily pulled back, revealing the true nature of Christ, connecting Him directly to Israel’s sacred history, and affirming His role as the divine Son to whom we must listen. The Transfiguration becomes a foretaste of the resurrection glory and a call to discipleship rooted in divine revelation.
Matthew 17:14–21 – The Power of Faith
What does this passage teach about faith and its role in healing and spiritual power?
14 When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him. 15 “Lord, have mercy on my son,” he said. “He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. 16 I brought him to your disciples, but they could not heal him.” 17 “You unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.” 18 Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed at that moment. 19 Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” 20 He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” [21]
Analysis:
This passage centers on the essential power of faith—not just as belief, but as the active trust and conviction that moves spiritual realities. The disciples’ inability to heal the boy reveals a deeper spiritual problem: a lack of true faith. Jesus’ strong words—“You unbelieving and perverse generation”—aren’t just about the crowd, but also indirectly about His own disciples, who had not yet fully understood or embraced the kind of persistent, whole-hearted faith that the Kingdom of God demands.
The man’s cry for mercy on behalf of his son is heartfelt and desperate, a clear example of how suffering drives us to Jesus. Yet it is Jesus’ response that redirects the focus away from mere healing to the underlying issue of belief. When He heals the boy, it is immediate and complete—showing that divine authority responds directly to faith in the Son of God, not formulas or mechanical rituals.
The disciples, confused and humbled, ask Jesus why they failed. His answer is direct and piercing: “Because you have so little faith.” This cuts to the heart of Christian life. Faith is not merely about optimism or positive thinking—it’s the supernatural trust in the living God. Jesus illustrates its power by saying that even mustard seed-sized faith—the smallest imaginable—can move mountains. This metaphor is meant to awaken in believers a recognition that God’s power is not limited by human constraints, but is activated through genuine, abiding belief.
Your reflection rightly connects this teaching to everyday life. Faith must be the cornerstone of our existence—it must fill our thoughts, shape our words, and dwell deeply in our hearts. Believing in Jesus means believing in someone we have not seen in the flesh, yet trusting Him more deeply than anything we can see. This kind of faith doesn’t ignore pain, jealousy, fear, or struggle—it overcomes them. It is nurtured by reading Scripture, understanding Christ’s words, and walking daily in trust.
Your note that God is a tireless listener who is always examining the posture of our hearts is a crucial reminder. Our prayers are not ignored; rather, they are measured against our faith, our sincerity, and our alignment with God’s will. Faith is what invites miracles. Faith is what drives demons out. Faith is what gives us spiritual authority. And faith is what ultimately draws us closer to the living God who never sleeps nor slumbers.
In short, the passage teaches that faith is not optional—it is the very air of the Christian life. Without it, we are powerless. With it, nothing is impossible.
Matthew 18:1–5 – Becoming Like Children
What does Jesus teach about greatness in the Kingdom of Heaven?
18 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. 3 And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.”
Analysis:
In this passage, Jesus delivers a radical answer to a question rooted in pride: “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Instead of listing qualities like power, intelligence, or success, He places a child before the disciples—a living example of the posture God desires from His people. The child is not just a metaphor for innocence or cuteness; Jesus is highlighting humility, dependence, and teachability.
When Jesus calls us to “become like little children,” He is urging us to take in everything Scripture reveals with the same eagerness and receptivity that a child shows in the world around them. Children observe, absorb, and trust. Likewise, we must open our minds and hearts to the teachings of Jesus, particularly in the Gospels, with a readiness to learn, be changed, and fully embrace His truth.
You rightly note that children are naturally humble. They do not boast in themselves—they simply exist in trust and dependence, often seeking approval and guidance from others. That’s what Jesus is pointing us toward: an inward transformation marked by humility, not comparison. We are not called to compete for position or recognition in God’s Kingdom, but to take the “lowly position”—to step off the throne of pride and self-importance, and instead honor the One who truly reigns.
True humility, as you describe, is not weakness—it is strength under control. It reflects deep confidence, not in ourselves, but in God’s greatness. Bragging about ourselves distances us from this Kingdom mindset; instead, our lives should point upward, boasting in the Lord alone. Jesus even reminds us that God sees everything—like a Father watching attentively through a telescope—so our inner posture matters just as much as our outward actions.
Moreover, Jesus emphasizes that welcoming someone with the heart of a child—humble, lowly, unpretentious—is the same as welcoming Him. Why? Because humility isn’t just something Jesus taught; it is who He was and is. Though He ruled over all kingdoms and had power beyond comprehension, He willingly humbled Himself. He let Himself be mocked, beaten, and crucified by the very beings He and the Father created. His humility was not symbolic—it was sacrificial.
Therefore, this passage is more than a moral lesson. It’s a mirror—reflecting how far we may be from true humility, and a call—to let go of pride, status, and self-focus, and take on the childlike heart that not only enters the Kingdom of Heaven but lives in its fullness. Humility isn’t optional for followers of Christ—it is essential, because it was essential to Christ Himself.
Matthew 18:6–9 – The Seriousness of Causing Others to Stumble
What does Jesus teach about influencing others and how we should treat sin in our lives?
6 “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. 7 Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come! 8 If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell.”
Analysis:
This passage is a powerful and sobering warning from Jesus about both influencing others toward sin and tolerating sin within ourselves. Jesus speaks directly to the weight of responsibility that comes with being part of the Christian community, especially in how our actions affect others—particularly “these little ones,” which includes both literal children and vulnerable believers growing in faith.
To cause a fellow believer to stumble—to derail their journey toward Christ—is portrayed here as one of the gravest offenses in God’s eyes. Jesus makes it clear that setting a poor spiritual example or encouraging sin (either directly or indirectly) places you under severe judgment. The metaphor of a millstone tied around the neck and being drowned underscores the deadly seriousness of misrepresenting Christ or becoming a stumbling block. You are not just accountable for your walk—you are also accountable for the example you set, because your life becomes a living testimony that either reflects Christ or distorts Him.
Your insight is also crucial: Jesus does not condemn temptation itself—He knows the world is filled with temptations and spiritual warfare. Rather, He condemns the source of that temptation when it leads others astray. This implies a deeper theological truth: while temptation will always exist, the real danger lies in becoming a vessel for it. Jesus’ words likely include not just people, but also the spiritual forces behind them—suggesting judgment is ultimately aimed at Satan and his agents—but that doesn’t remove our personal responsibility.
In verses 8–9, Jesus turns the focus inward. His commands to “cut off” or “gouge out” parts of the body are metaphorical but intensely serious. He is telling us that sin must not be taken lightly or managed passively. Anything that causes us to stumble—whether a habit, a relationship, a digital influence, or even a way of thinking—must be confronted and removed without hesitation. Spiritual growth requires a continual process of self-examination and sacrifice, and the Holy Spirit will empower you to identify what does not belong.
Being comfortable in sin is one of the most dangerous places a believer can be. It dulls spiritual sensitivity and slows down your pursuit of God. As you grow in the Spirit, you’ll become more aware of what damages that pursuit. At that point, your response must be swift and decisive: cut it off. This is not about harsh self-punishment—it’s about aligning yourself with the holiness of God, out of love and reverence for Him.
Ultimately, this passage calls for holy vigilance. It challenges you to be a faithful example to others and a faithful steward of your own soul. Jesus is not calling for superficial obedience—He’s calling for radical transformation, humility, and spiritual discipline. With God’s grace, you are not alone in this cutting away—He will help you remove what harms and strengthen what draws you closer to Him.
Matthew 18:15–17
Prompt: How should we handle a fellow believer’s sin, according to Jesus?
“15If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.16But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’17If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.”
Analysis (Deepened):
This passage is a clear and practical teaching from Jesus, unclouded by parable or metaphor. It lays out a loving, restorative process for confronting sin within the community of believers. Jesus emphasizes direct, private confrontation as the first step—not for the sake of judgment, but for reconciliation. This principle contrasts sharply with modern tendencies to publicize others’ moral failings, particularly through social media. While the desire for justice or accountability may motivate such exposure, Jesus calls us to first seek resolution personally and discreetly, showing grace and humility.
The process escalates only if necessary: from private correction to involving trusted witnesses, and eventually to the church community. Each stage respects the dignity of the person involved while ensuring that sin is not ignored or excused. However, the end goal remains the same throughout—to help the sinner turn back, not to shame or alienate them.
This model also warns against hypocrisy. Before addressing someone else’s sin, we must examine our own lives—“removing the plank from our own eye”—so that our correction comes from a place of compassion, not condemnation. We’re not called to simply point out wrongs, but to actively aid our brothers and sisters in overcoming sin. Correction, in Jesus’ model, is a ministry of restoration, not punishment.
Finally, the instruction to treat someone as a “pagan or tax collector” if they remain unrepentant is not a call to hatred or rejection. Jesus Himself ministered to tax collectors and outsiders with love and truth. Thus, even this last step should not end in bitterness, but be marked by prayerful hope for eventual repentance and reconciliation.
Jesus Himself say that “13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’[a] For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” This was when he was confronted by the Pharisees for eating with tax collectors. This ultimately means that if someone is continuously staying in their sin, be like Jesus and pursue their righteous much more than you would have when they started their sinful tendencies.
This teaching underscores the importance of accountability, grace, and community discipline, reminding us that truth must always be spoken in love—and that love often requires courageous honesty paired with deep humility.
READ THIS FOR MORE INFO, copy and paste into search bar.
https://experimentaltheology.blogspot.com/2012/05/treat-them-as-pagan-or-tax-collector.html
Matthew 18:21–35 – Parable of the Unmerciful Servant
Prompt: What does Jesus teach about forgiveness through this parable?
21Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”
22Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”
23“Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.
24As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him.
25Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.
26“At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’
27The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.
28“But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded.
29“His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’
30“But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt.
31When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened.
32“Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to.
33Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’
34In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.
35“This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
Analysis (Deepened):
This parable, sparked by Peter’s question about the limits of forgiveness, illustrates just how boundless and essential forgiveness is in the life of a believer. Jesus multiplies Peter’s suggestion of “seven times” into “seventy-seven times,” symbolizing an unending, generous posture toward mercy.
In the story, Jesus introduces a servant with an enormous debt—ten thousand bags of gold, an unpayable sum representing the vast moral and spiritual debt each of us owes to God. The master’s response is extraordinary: he not only grants more time, but he completely cancels the debt out of compassion. This radical forgiveness mirrors the mercy God shows us through Christ. Jesus is pointing to the kind of divine grace that pardons what we could never repay on our own.
However, the parable then shifts dramatically. The forgiven servant immediately becomes a creditor, demanding repayment from a fellow servant who owes a mere fraction of what he himself had owed. Even when the second servant pleads using the exact same words the first had just spoken, he shows no mercy. This hypocritical hardness of heart reveals the disconnect between receiving forgiveness and extending it. His refusal to forgive, despite being forgiven, becomes his downfall.
The master’s response to this injustice is fierce and just. He hands the unmerciful servant over to be tortured, a picture of divine judgment for those who fail to live out the forgiveness they’ve been shown. Jesus underscores this with a chilling truth in verse 35: unless we forgive others from the heart, we risk forfeiting the mercy of God. This echoes the earlier warning in Matthew 6:14–15—our own forgiveness is tied to how we forgive.
Importantly, Jesus emphasizes forgiving from the heart. This is not superficial forgiveness—it’s not merely saying “I forgive you” while harboring bitterness. True forgiveness involves a transformation of the heart. It may require prayer, spiritual discipline, and even fasting to fully release the offense and be healed. Forgiveness is a process, but it is a divine calling. If God has forgiven us immeasurably, we are commanded to do the same—no matter how difficult.
This parable is not just a moral lesson—it’s a warning and a guide. It reveals the heart of the Father and calls us to embody His mercy in every relationship. We are stewards of the grace we’ve received. And if we truly grasp the weight of our own forgiveness, we cannot help but extend that same grace to others.
