Epiphany
The Transfiguration of Our Lord
January 25, 2026
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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Commentary
Commentary on Matthew 17:1-9 - Working Preacher from Luther Seminary Working Preacher
Reads the mountain scene as a glimpse of resurrection glory set right after the first passion prediction.
Matthew 17:1-9 - Center for Excellence in Preaching Center for Excellence in Preaching
Reformed preaching commentary noting Peter prefers the glory to the call to suffering.
Matthew 17 Commentary: The Transfiguration Enduring Word · David Guzik
Verse by verse evangelical commentary on the whole chapter by David Guzik.
Matthew 17 Commentary | Precept Austin Precept Austin
In depth study notes gathering cross references and word helps for the passage.
Matthew 17:1 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentaries (Barnes, Gill, Meyer) assembled verse by verse.
Glory and Theophany, Last Sunday in Epiphany (A) Sermons That Work · Episcopal Church
Episcopal sermon linking Moses, Elijah, and the divine voice.
Background & Word Study
Matthew (Enter the Bible) Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary background on the structure and themes of Matthew's Gospel.
Book of Matthew Overview, Chapters 1-13 BibleProject
Animated overview of the first half of Matthew for literary context.
Matthew 17:1 Interlinear BibleHub
Greek text with parsing and Strong's numbers for the transfiguration scene.
Messiah (BibleProject theme video) BibleProject
Traces the anointed king motif that the voice from the cloud confirms.
The Church Fathers
Sermons & Reflections
Questions preachers ask
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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