Understanding Jesus’ Teaching

Matthew 17:1-13

The Big Idea

When we have questions, we can listen carefully to Jesus’ teaching and grow in understanding.

The Bible Story

The Transfiguration

Matthew 17:10–13 records what happened as Jesus, Peter, James, and John came down the mountain after the transfiguration. The disciples asked why the teachers of the law said Elijah must come first. Jesus said Elijah is coming and will restore all things, but he also said that Elijah had already come, was not recognized, and was treated as people wished. The disciples understood that Jesus was speaking about John the Baptist. This passage follows the disciples’ experience of seeing Jesus in glory, hearing God’s declaration that Jesus is his beloved Son, and receiving the command to listen to him. Matthew’s account gives this sequence without adding further explanation about the connection between Elijah and John the Baptist.

Themes

Elijah and John the Baptist Fear and reassurance God’s declaration of Jesus as his beloved Son Jesus’ revealed glory Listening to Jesus The Son of Man’s resurrection

Bible moment

The Bible moment

Look closely

What children can notice

During the descent from the mountain, Jesus speaks with Peter, James, and John as they ask about Elijah. The disciples listen thoughtfully as Jesus explains, and they understand that he is speaking about John the Baptist.

Talk together

Talk about it

What did the disciples ask Jesus about?
What did they understand from Jesus’ answer?

For families, church, and class

Use this page

Read Matthew 17:10–13 together, then invite children to retell the conversation in their own words. Emphasize listening carefully and staying with what the Bible passage says. Avoid asking children to invent explanations for the connection between Elijah and John the Baptist.

Source note