Big Idea: Matthew indicates that Jesus will suffer in the pattern of his predecessor, John the Baptist, but also foreshadows Jesus’ resurrection glory, which will follow his suffering.

Understanding the Text

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 …