Matthew 17: 1 - 13

Pastor Brian McGuffin

Scripture

Matthew 17: 1 - 13 ESV

And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. 3 And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 4 And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 5 He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. 7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” 8 And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.

9 And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead.” 10 And the disciples asked him, “Then why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?” 11 He answered, “Elijah does come, and he will restore all things. 12 But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands.” 13 Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.

Discussion Questions

1. Read the scripture verses slowly and even imagine you were there. Think about how you would react to what happened. Then answer the following questions:

a) What does transfiguration mean?

b) What happened to Jesus when he was transfigured?

c) Who was with Jesus when he was transfigured?

d) What was Peter's reaction to what he and James and John saw?

e) Who and what stopped Peter from talking?

f) How did the disciples react to what was said from the cloud?

g) What did Jesus tell them? (v. 7 - 8)

h) Jesus wanted them to keep what happened that day to themselves, but he explained what the reference to Elijah meant and what would happen. What was Jesus' explanation?

2. In the church world today, many people would say that being a Christian means believing what John 3: 16 says. (Read the verse if you're not sure you have it memorized.)

How would you define what a Christian is?

3. How important is attending church, saying a prayer before meals, giving to the church, trying your best to behave well. etc.? (Think of some more things you associate with being a Christian. Perhaps you could put these various practices on a scale of 1 to 10 in their importance.)

4. In what way(s) can you spend time with God? (You may have one special way you prefer, but think of as many ways as possible.)

5. Pastor Brian, in his sermon, encourages us to allow God to "reshape our lives, our priorities, our ambitions, and our every thought and action".

a) What would that actually require you/us to do?

b) We're not perfect; we have a sinful nature. We likely would not give our entire existence to God.

Is God forgiving and patient with us? What verses in the Bible assure you that God does forgive and is patient with us.

c) Give some examples of when you realized that God was helping you to grow in your relationship with him. What changed in your life?