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Pentecost Season · Year A

Transfiguration of the Lord

The Transfiguration, Ludovico Carracci
The Transfiguration, Ludovico Carracci, 1595Pinacoteca Nazionale, Bologna · public domain

Overview & Insights

“And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun.” (Matthew 17:2)

Matthew’s account of the transfiguration, following directly on the heels of Jesus’ first passion prediction, highlights Jesus’ (future) resurrection glory. As Peter has been prominent in the confession of Jesus as Messiah in 16:16–20, so here too he plays the key, supporting role in this narrative (emphasis on Peter in 4:18–22; 8:14–15; 14:22–32; 17:24–27; 26:69–75). Peter is the recipient of the divine words affirming Jesus as the beloved Son of God (17:5; cf. 3:17). Jesus, in this passage, clarifies his relationship to John the Baptist (see 4:12; 11:2–5, 11–19; 14:1–12). Although John is the forerunner of Jesus the Messiah, they are united in the persecution and suffering that they endure to bring God’s kingdom to this world (17:12).

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What happens on the mount of Transfiguration?

Jesus is transfigured in radiance with Moses and Elijah, and from the bright cloud the Father declares him his beloved Son; the disciples fall on their faces in awe.

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