February 15, 2026
You can find the order of worship and songs here.
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Matthew's account of Jesus' transfiguration begins with an unusually specific chronological reference. "And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them…" (Matthew 17:1ff.) That is, Matthew wants us to understand Jesus' tranfiguration, and the disciples' reaction to it, in light of Jesus' instruction to them from six days before. For six days before Jesus "began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things…be killed, and on the third day be raised." And Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." (Matthew 16:21, 24)
That is, six days after Jesus told his disciples about his approaching death on the cross, and six days after Jesus called his disciples to take up their cross and follow Jesus to death, Jesus was transfigured before the disciples and clothed in heavenly glory. For one brief moment we are permitted a glimpse into the the profound truth. The One who was talking towards a humiliating death was in fact the Lord of Glory! Jesus' face "shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him."
Why these two? Opinions vary. But who can deny it was so very fitting? Moses served the LORD faithfully and was intimately familiar with the glory of the LORD during his lifetime, and no less so in his death. Every orthodox Jew would have quickly and without reservation affirmed Moses was in the presence of the LORD. Elijah, too, was intimately familiar with God's glory in life, and being taken up into heaven alive, was confessed by the Jews to be in the LORD's presence. And altough unbelieving Jews questioned Jesus' origin and destiny, the presence of Moses and Elijah at Jesus' transfiguration give a powerful testimony about where Jesus has come from and where he is going. Jesus came from the place of glory and is returning to his glory.
Peter's reaction to Jesus' transfiguration is therefore both understandable and regrettable. "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." Peter wanted to stay up on the glorious mountain. Is the cross really necessary? Of course, only six days before Peter had tried to stop Jesus from going to the cross. "Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you." (Matthew 16:22) Even though Jesus had rebuked him, Peter was still not convinced the cross was necessary for Jesus. Peter was certain that Jesus didn't really mean it when he siad, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross…" Peter wanted glory without the cross.
But Jesus' path back to glory is through suffering. For Jesus will not be glorified unless he is glorified as the Savior of sinners. Jesus went willingly to the cross for he refused to live while his people perished. No wonder, then, that the Father said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." Yes! Listen to Jesus who calls your name. Listen to Jesus who promises you life and glory.
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Growth Resources
In February we are reading "Abolition of Man" by C.S. Lewis. See also 12 for 26.
This week's Shorter Catechism lesson: Qs. 82–84.
Announcements
2/15 (Lord's Day): Sunday school lesson on Union with Christ. Also 2/22.
2/11 (Wednesday 6 PM): 1 Timothy Zoom Study. Meeting ID: 884 9003 6844. Passcode: 5sUpUi
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This Week's Prayers
Please email your prayer request by Thursday to include it in the list for the upcoming week — info@gracefallbrook.church