Matthew 17:10 meaning
Following the Transfiguration, the disciples expressed confusion regarding Elijah's role and Jesus’s impending death. They were puzzled because the Jewish belief held that Elijah must come before the arrival of the Messiah, a notion derived from Malachi. This expectation created a disconnect for the disciples, who found themselves grappling with the apparent contradiction between their expectations of a triumphant Messiah and the reality of His rejection and suffering.
In this context, the disciples' question highlights their limited understanding of Jesus’s mission. They were struggling to reconcile the prophecies with the tragic news of Jesus' upcoming suffering and death as conveyed earlier. Their doubts reveal a deeper difficulty in accepting that the path to redemption involved such suffering and rejection. This moment not only showcases their grappling faith but also emphasizes the growing need for deeper spiritual insight and reliance on Jesus, the true Messiah, who was destined to fulfill both the redemptive and prophetic roles outlined throughout scripture: Matthew 17:10.
Ultimately, this passage serves as a reminder that even the closest followers of Jesus faced significant struggles with understanding His mission, a theme relevant to believers today as they navigate their faith amid uncertainties.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Deeper Commentary Covering this Verse:
- Matthew 17:9-13 meaning. Jesus forbids Peter, James, and John to tell anyone about what they just saw until after the Son of Man has risen from the dead. The disciples seem to think that He meant to not tell anyone until Elijah returns, and so they ask Jesus to explain how Elijah was to come before the Messiah and yet is still to come even though Jesus has arrived and is the Messiah. Jesus explains this to them.
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Proverbs 31:23-26 meaning. The virtue of the excellent wife impacts her husband. She is clothed in honor and speaks with the wisdom central to the overall message of Proverbs.
- Matthew 21:23-27 meaning. The chief priests confront Jesus in the temple and interrogate Him about His authority. They publicly ask Him a framing question hoping to entrap Him. Jesus promises to answer their question if they will answer His alternatively framed question about John the Baptist’s authority. When they decline to answer His question, Jesus declines to answer theirs.
- Matthew 11:10-15 meaning. Jesus continues His affirmation of John the Baptizer and his role as the forerunner to the Messiah. By extension Jesus is also testifying that He is that Messiah.