Matthew 17

“But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands” (v12).  Astounded by the transfigured Jesus and the appearance of Elijah and Moses, Peter wanted to preserve this moment of glory (v4).  But Jesus explained that just as John the Baptist (a prophet like Elijah) had been killed, so Jesus’ own glory would ultimately be revealed through suffering.  

“The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men …” (v22).  Jesus upset our understanding of glory.  King of all creation, He defeated darkness, evil, and death by self-giving love.