February 15th, Sermon & Ministry Resources
"A Glimpse of Glory" (Matthew 17:1-9)
Lectionary Readings — Transfiguration Sunday — February 15th, 2026
Exodus 24:12-18; Psalm 2 or 99; 2 Peter 1:16-21; Matthew 17:1-9
Call to Worship (based on Matthew 17:1-9)
Leader: Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a high mountain,
People: And there He was transfigured before them.
Leader: His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as light.
People: We come to see the glory of our Lord!
Leader: Moses and Elijah appeared, speaking with Jesus,
People: The Law and the Prophets testify to Christ!
Leader: A bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice said:
People: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him!”
Leader: The disciples fell facedown, terrified,
People: But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up. Don’t be afraid.”
Leader: When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus alone.
People: Jesus only! He is enough!
Leader: Come, let us worship the transfigured Christ,
People: The radiant Son of God who is worthy of all our praise!
All: Let us listen to Him and worship Him alone!
Opening Prayer (based on 2 Peter 1:16-21)
Let us pray:
Eternal God, whose glory was revealed on the holy mountain,
We gather this morning not as followers of cleverly invented stories, but as those who have heard the testimony of eyewitnesses to Your majesty. We thank You for Peter, James, and John, who saw Your Son transfigured in brilliant light, who heard Your voice from the Majestic Glory proclaim, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
We praise You that their witness has been passed down to us, that we might know with certainty the divine nature and coming power of our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank You for making this testimony more certain still through Your prophetic word, which shines like a lamp in a dark place, illuminating our path until the day dawns and the morning star rises in our hearts.
As we worship today on this mountaintop of the Christian year, open our eyes to see Your glory revealed in Christ. Help us to hear Your voice affirming Your beloved Son. By Your Holy Spirit, enable us to trust completely in the Scriptures You have given us, knowing that no prophecy came by human will, but holy men spoke as they were carried along by Your Spirit.
May our worship this day prepare us for the journey ahead, that we might descend from this mountain with renewed faith, strengthened hope, and deeper love for Christ, in whose name we pray.
Amen
[NOTE to Paid subscribers — scroll down for the full manuscript sermon]
Sermon Outline: "A GLIMPSE OF GLORY"
Based on Matthew 17:1-9
INTRODUCTION:
On a high mountain, Jesus pulled back the veil and gave three disciples a preview of His divine glory. This mountaintop experience transformed how they understood who Jesus really is and strengthened them for the trials ahead. What they saw, heard, and learned on that mountain still speaks to us today.
I. BEHOLD THE GLORY REVEALED (vv. 1-3)
A. The Privileged Witnesses
Jesus took Peter, James, and John (v. 1)
A select group for a sacred moment
The inner circle who would need this memory
B. The Powerful Transformation
His face shone like the sun (v. 2)
His clothes became white as light (v. 2)
The glory normally veiled was now visible
C. The Prophetic Confirmation
Moses and Elijah appeared (v. 3)
The Law and the Prophets testified to Christ
All Scripture points to Jesus
II. BELIEVE THE VOICE DECLARED (vv. 4-5)
A. Peter’s Impulsive Suggestion
“I will make three dwellings” (v. 4)
Wanting to preserve the moment
Missing the point of the vision
B. The Father’s Authoritative Pronouncement
A bright cloud overshadowed them (v. 5)
“This is my Son, the Beloved” (v. 5)
God’s unmistakable affirmation of Christ’s identity
C. The Critical Command
“Listen to Him!” (v. 5)
Not Moses, not Elijah, not tradition
Jesus alone has the Father’s final word
III. BANISH THE FEAR DISPLACED (vv. 6-9)
A. The Disciples’ Terror
They fell facedown in fear (v. 6)
Overwhelmed by God’s presence
The natural response to divine glory
B. Jesus’ Tender Touch
He came and touched them (v. 7)
“Get up and do not be afraid” (v. 7)
Grace meets our fear with comfort
C. The Singular Focus
They saw no one except Jesus (v. 8)
The vision fades, but Jesus remains
He is all we need
D. The Strategic Silence
“Tell no one until after the resurrection” (v. 9)
The cross must come before the crown
The full story requires the empty tomb
Conclusion:
The Transfiguration was not just a supernatural spectacle—it was a divine revelation of who Jesus truly is. The disciples beheld His glory, heard the Father’s voice, and received His comforting reassurance. Today, we are called to see Jesus in His true identity as God’s beloved Son, to listen to His words above all others, and to walk forward without fear because He is with us. When life takes us down from the mountaintop into the valley, we carry this truth: Jesus is enough.
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