Matthew 17:1-8: Bringing Together Glory and the Cross, pt. 3

...Similarly, but from a slightly different angle, Christ’s glory follows his words on suffering; the kingdom has begun to come with power (16:28). Suffering is remembered even in glory (“listen to him”), but it is glory that ultimately follows suffering, and it is that glory which we are given a foretaste of. Jesus Christ, the beloved Son of God, will receive the greatest glory in the end (Philippians 2:6-11), and that glory will be the fruit of the cross, the “foolish” wisdom of God that frustrates the “wisdom” of men (1 Corinthians 1:18). Only through suffering and death will the resurrection occur, and only in this way will the greatest glory be achieved. That is, the fullness of who God is will be most completely revealed in the Victory of God over death, achieved by passing through death. It is this crucial center to the history of redemption that is hidden in Matthew’s transfiguration account. Former events and characters in the Story are recalled in order to highlight the centrality and supremacy of Jesus Christ, who is one with the Father in love and purpose, and whose victory over death and final glory with the Father is achieved only through death...