Matthew 17:1-23
Key verse 17:5 “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!’”
1. Describe what happened when Jesus took his three top disciples to a high mountain (1-3). What does this reveal about Jesus (Revelation 1:13-16)? Why is this important to his disciples and to us?
2. What did the voice declare about Jesus? (5; Matthew 3:17) What is significant about the command “listen to him”? What impact did this have on Peter (2 Peter 1:16-18)?
3. Why did Jesus tell his disciples to keep this as a secret? (9) Why did the disciples ask about Elijah (10; Malachi 4:5)? What did Jesus teach about Elijah and his own suffering (11-13; 22-23)?
4. What was going on at the foot of the mountain when Jesus arrived (14-16)? Why did Jesus rebuke his generation (17a)? What did he teach his disciples about faith by healing the boy (17b-20)?
5. Why is it important to listen to Jesus and put his words into practice?