2025.07.13. Sermon Notes. Transfigured, Triumphant, and Taxed – MATTHEW 17.1-27
Following the Son from Mountaintop to the Valley and Marketplace.
William Akehurst, HSWC
SCRIPTURES: Matthew 17:1-27, John 17:24, Luke 1:17
BIG IDEA: Jesus reveals His Divine glory, His power over darkness, and His humility in submission—even to earthly/worldly systems/ government.
Opening Prayer,
Heavenly FATHER,
We come before YOU today with open hearts and expectant spirits.
As we open YOUR Word, we ask that YOU would open our eyes to behold the GLORY OF JESUS, YOUR BELOVED SON.
Speak to us from the mountaintop.
Strengthen us in the valley.
Sustain us in the everyday trials and decisions we face.
Reveal more of CHRIST to us—HIS Power, HIS Humility, and HIS Majesty.
May we hear HIM, trust HIM, and follow HIM more fully.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
I. TRANSFIGURED ON THE MOUNTAIN (VV. 1–13)
Jesus Transfigured on the Mount (SEE ALSO Mark 9:1–13; Luke 9:27–36; 2 Pet. 1:16–18)
1 Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; 2 and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. 3 And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. 4 Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
5 While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” 6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. 7 But Jesus came and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.” 8 When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.
9 Now as they came down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, “Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead.”
10 And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”
11 Jesus answered and said to them, “Indeed, Elijah is coming first and will restore all things. 12 But I say to you that Elijah has come already, and they did not know him but did to him whatever they wished. Likewise the Son of Man is also about to suffer at their hands.” 13 Then the disciples understood that He spoke to them of John the Baptist.
KEY THOUGHT: The GLORY and Identity of JESUS revealed.
1. The Mountaintop Revelation (vs 1-4)
“He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.” (v.2)
• Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a mountain…a place of revelation.
• He is transfigured before them…His divine nature unveiled, His divine GLORY revealed. GLORY!
• John 17:24 “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.”
NOTE: Remember when Moses came down from the Mountain with the 10 commandments, having been in the presence of the GLORY OF GOD, his face shown so brightly that the people veiled his face.
2. Moses and Elijah appear (vs 3)
“And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him.”
• Moses and Elijah: These two Old Testament persons appeared and spoke with the transfigured Jesus. Moses had lived some 1400 years before; Elijah some 900 years before; yet they were alive and in some sort of resurrected, glorified state.
• These two men from the Old Testament appeared because they represent the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah). The sum of Old Testament revelation came to meet with Jesus at the Mount of Transfiguration.
• Moses (representing the Law) and Elijah (representing the Prophets) appear, showing Jesus as the fulfillment of both.
• Additionally, Moses and Elijah represent those who are caught up to God. Moses represents those who die and go to glory, and Elijah represents those who are caught up to heaven without death (as in the rapture)
• Peter’s selfish thought. Vs 4. “Lord it is good for us to be here”
He didn’t have a clue what was happening and reacted full of his own understanding.
3. The Father's Voice (v. 5)
“This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!”
• A divine confirmation of Jesus' identity and authority.
• This is My Son – LISTEN to Him
Hear Him! If we should listen to anyone, we should listen to Jesus. One would think that a voice from heaven would say, “Listen to me!” But the Father said, “Hear Him!” Everything points us to Jesus.
4. The Disciples' Fear and Comfort 6-8
• Reaction: Holy Fear
• They fall on their faces in fear, but Jesus touches them and says, “Do not be afraid.”
5. Elijah comes first 9-13
” Indeed, Elijah is coming first and will restore all things… I say to you that Elijah has already come”
• Referring to John the Baptist
“But I say to you that Elijah has come already” Yet there was also a sense in which Jesus could rightly say “Elijah has come already.” Elijah had arrived in the work of John the Baptist, who ministered in Elijah’s spirit and power
• Luke 1:17 He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
Compare the life/work of Elijah and John the Baptist.
• Elijah was full of zeal for God; so was John the Baptist.
• Elijah boldly rebuked sin in high places; as did John the Baptist.
• Elijah called sinners and compromisers to a decision of repentance; as did John the Baptist.
• Elijah attracted many people in his ministry; as did John the Baptist.
• Elijah attracted the attention and fury of a king and his wife; as did John the Baptist.
• Elijah fled to the wilderness; John the Baptist lived there.
• Elijah lived in a corrupt time and was used to restore failing spiritual life; the same was true of John the Baptist.
6. Tell no one vs 9
“Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead”:
• Wisdom: Jesus told the disciples to not speak of the transfiguration until after His resurrection.
• The resurrection of Jesus was the final confirmation of His ministry and glory; until then, reports of the transfiguration would be more likely to test the faith of those who did not see it rather than strengthen their faith.
• Revelation always leads to transformation but also requires obedience (v.9 – tell no one until the Son of Man is risen).
APPLICATION:
• When have you experienced a “mountain top” moment with God?
• Have you seen Jesus for who He truly is…Lord of Glory?
• Are you listening to Him above all other voices?
• How can you carry that vision back into everyday life?
REFLECTION:
• Jesus is more than a teacher-He is God in the flesh.
• In moments of confusion or fear, listen to Jesus (“Hear Him”).
• Spiritual transformation begins with seeing Christ clearly.
POINT: Have you allowed yourself to “see” Jesus in His glory; or are you only seeing Him through the lens of your situations?
II. TRIUMPHANT IN THE VALLEY (VV. 14–21)
The Authority of JESUS over Darkness
The difficult demon
A Boy Is Healed (SEE ALSO Mark 9:14–29; Luke 9:37–42)
14 And when they had come to the multitude, a man came to Him, kneeling down to Him and saying, 15 “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and suffers severely; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water. 16 So I brought him to Your disciples, but they could not cure him.”
17 Then Jesus answered and said, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him here to Me.” 18 And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour.
19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?”
20 So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. 21 However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”
KEY THOUGHT: Victory over darkness comes through faith.
• The difficult demon. The disciples were unable to heal a demon-possessed boy.
• Jesus rebukes the lack of faith and casts out the demon.
• He emphasizes the need for faith, prayer, and fasting.
1. The Desperate Father (v. 15)
• A demon-possessed boy whom the disciples couldn’t heal.
• Shows the brokenness of the world and the need for real power—not just religious association.
2. Jesus Rebukes the Demon (v. 18)
• Instant deliverance reveals Christ’s authority over the powers of darkness.
3. The Disciples’ Failure (vv. 19–20)
"Because of your unbelief… if you have faith as a mustard seed…" (20–21)
• They had the form but lacked the faith.
• Even a mustard seed of faith can move mountains—when placed in the power of God.
4. Prayer and Fasting (v. 21)
21 However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”
• Real power is fueled by a real relationship with God through prayer and discipline.
NOTE: This verse, Matthew 17:21, is omitted in some modern-day translations. Scholars believe that it may have been copied from Mark 9:29 where Jesus says something similar:
Mark 9:29 So He said to them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.”
POINT: Prayer and Fasting demonstrates:
• Our dependence on GOD
• Our understanding (respect) of the strength of the demonic/spirit world.
• Our desire to fight and sacrifice for the sake of deliverance.
POINT:
• Faith isn't about size but about focus…God does the heavy lifting.
• Prayer and fasting aren’t religious rituals; they are spiritual lifelines.
• God’s power flows through prepared vessels…not performance.
APPLICATION:
• Are you walking in spiritual power or powerless religion or religious activity?
• Are prayer and fasting part of your life? Where does prayer fit in your daily walk?
• Are there “mountains” in your life that need mustard-seed faith?
• What practical steps can you take this week to grow your faith?
SPURGEON: Little faith can accomplish great things; but great faith can accomplish even greater things. What matters most is what our faith is in, the object of our faith. “The eye cannot see itself. Did you ever see your own eye? In a mirror you may have done so, but that was only a reflection of it. And you may, in like manner, see the evidence of your faith, but you cannot look at the faith itself. Faith looks away to itself to the object of faith, even to Christ.”
III. TAXED AND HUMBLE IN THE MARKETPLACE (vs. 22–27)
Jesus Again Predicts His Death and Resurrection (SEE ALSO Mark 9:30–32; Luke 9:43–45)
22 Now while they were staying in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men, 23 and they will kill Him, and the third day He will be raised up.” And they were exceedingly sorrowful.
1. Jesus Predicts His Death (vv. 22–23)
• The Son of Man is about to be betrayed
• Jesus foretells His suffering and death—glory must pass through suffering (the cross).
• A second prophecy of the Cross. Glory (vv.1-13) must pass through suffering.
• And the third day He will be raised up: Jesus rarely told His disciples about His coming death without also telling of His coming resurrection. We know that the disciples didn’t really comprehend the glorious triumph of the resurrection, because they were exceedingly sorrowful.
Peter and His Master Pay Their Taxes 24-27
24 When they had come to Capernaum, those who received the temple tax came to Peter and said, “Does your Teacher not pay the temple tax?”
25 He said, “Yes.”
And when he had come into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take customs or taxes, from their sons or from strangers?”
26 Peter said to Him, “From strangers.”
Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. 27 Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and you.”
KEY THOUGHT: The humility of the King to identify with us.
1. The Temple Tax (vv. 24–26)
“Does your Teacher not pay the temple tax?”
• This was a normal tax or fee applied to every Jewish man. Faithful Jewish men paid this obligation; others sought to escape the responsibility.
“Then the sons are free” (v 26)
• Though He is the Son of God and exempt, Jesus pays it—not to offend.
• The temple tax collectors question Peter—Jesus addresses the issue with wisdom.
2. A Miracle in a Fish (v. 27)
“Cast a hook”
• Peter was a professional fisherman, one who would use nets. While it doesn’t say so, he may have felt embarrassed if someone saw him using a hook to catch a single fish.
“...find a piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and you.”
• Even in paying taxes, Jesus provides miraculously and supernaturally…a coin from a fish’s mouth.
APPLICATION:
• Jesus submitted to human systems out of humility.
• Jesus models humility—He doesn’t demand rights, He yields for the sake of others.
• True sonship doesn't mean exemption from responsibility—it means trusting God in every situation.
• God can meet our needs in miraculous ways—even through the unexpected.
POINT: Are there ways God is asking you to humble yourself today?
Are we living humbly, wisely, and responsibly before others?
Do I insist on my “rights,” or am I willing to yield for the sake of my witness?
Am I trusting God to provide—even in ordinary things like taxes and bills?
TRUTH REVEALED:
Scene: Glory on the Mountain vv1-13
• Truth about JESUS - Jesus is God revealed. JESUS revealed in Glory
• Truth for us: Hear Him; Draw Near
• Spend daily time in HIS WORD and presence. “Hear Him!”
POINT: LISTEN to Jesus through His Word and prayer.
Scene: Power in the Valley vv14-21
• Truth about JESUS - Jesus is the answer to the world's deepest problems. He has Power over evil.
• Truth for us: Walk by faith, not form.
• JESUS triumphs through faith
• Cultivate faith through prayer and fasting
POINT: TRUST Him in the face of a personal challenge.
Scene: Marketplace vv22-27 Humility in the Mundane
• Truth about JESUS - Jesus walks with us in the ordinary, Humble Provider
• Truth for us: Trust and obey daily
• JESUS pays the tax
• Walk humbly and trust GOD to provide, even in the small things.
POINT: ACT in humility and faith even in the mundane.
POINT: Jesus is not just glorious on the mountain—He is powerful in the valley and present in the everyday details of life.
HE is:
• The GLORIFIED SON — worthy of worship
• The VICTORIOUS LORD — worthy of our faith
• The HUMBLE KING — worthy of imitation
APPLICATION:
• Hear and obey the voice of Jesus.
• Cultivate a lifestyle of faith, prayer, and fasting.
• Walk humbly, trust God, and serve others.
KEY VERSE (Memory Verse)
Matthew 17:5 – “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!”
Let’s Pray together,
Heavenly FATHER,
We thank YOU for revealing the glory of YOUR SON, JESUS CHRIST.
YOU have shown us today that HE is not only glorious on the mountain,
but powerful in the valley, and humble in everyday life.
LORD, help us to see JESUS clearly—to behold HIS majesty,
to listen to HIS voice, and to follow HIM with full devotion.
Strengthen our faith where we are weak.
Teach us to walk in the power of prayer, fasting, and trust.
Let us not be content with religious forms, but fill us with spiritual substance.
FATHER, as JESUS humbled Himself—even to pay the tax—
may we also walk humbly, wisely, and in love,
choosing peace over pride, and witness over rights.
Provide for our needs, LORD—even in unexpected ways.
Transform us by YOUR presence.
Empower us by YOUR SPIRIT.
And lead us as we walk in obedience—both on the mountaintop and in the valley.
In the powerful and precious name of JESUS we pray, Amen.
BENEDICTION:
Now may the LORD JESUS CHRIST
WHO revealed HIS Glory on the mountain,
WHO triumphed through faith in the valley,
And WHO walked humbly even to the cross—
Go with you as you walk this week.
May you hear HIS Voice,
Follow HIS Steps,
And reflect HIS Glory in all you do.
In the name of the FATHER, SON, and HOLY SPIRIT,
Amen.
Hymns:
• #47 “Fairest Lord Jesus”
• #220 “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”
• #211 “Jesus Is Tenderly Calling You Home”
Closing Prayer:
LORD JESUS, open our eyes to see YOUR glory, grow our faith to trust in YOUR power, and humble our hearts to follow YOUR example. Help us walk with YOU from the mountaintop through the valley and even in the everyday things of life. In JESUS’ Name we pray, Amen.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Pastor Bill
