Matthew 17:1-9 Transfiguration Pastor Ron Koehler
Grace—Tucson, AZ
February 15, 2026
JESUS IS THE GLORIOUS SON OF GOD The family noticed several cars stopped along the side of the road. It was the annual family trip, this year to Yellowstone. Figuring there must be some animal, dad pulled the car over so that they could take a look. But this time it wasn’t a wolf or an elk. Perched on a stump about 50 yards away was an enormous bird—white head, hooked beak. It was unmistakable: a bald eagle. The kids, who had not been impressed by the geysers (“too smelly”) or the canyons (“what’s next?”) were wowed! “Let me use the binoculars!” “Can I take another picture?” They sat there saying, “That’s so cool!” over and over until the eagle eventually let out a high-pitched whistle, spread its wings, and took flight, disappearing over the trees. They had seen eagles soaring on television, and they had seen close-ups in magazines and recognized the famous profile from the U.S. Postal Service logo. But this was different. To see that and hear that—well, it was “so cool!” It was so exciting because this was a real eagle in real life. Seeing that glorious bird with their own eyes made a difference. It was better than hearing about them, reading about them, or even seeing a video of them. For days, they couldn’t stop talking about its wingspan, size, power, and majesty—and the surprise of seeing it up close. This morning, I want you to imagine that you are seeing God “in real life.” It’s a hot, late summer day, and you see Jesus leaving the city and the crowds and heading up the mountainside with three of his friends. You hang back, but follow after them. When they stop, you duck behind some rocks and bushes and just watch.
You See It Sometimes you just need to get away from things, right? Jesus was the same way (it was the truly human part of him). He needs to be away from all the preaching, teaching, encouraging, healing. He needs to pray. He’s not looking to be completely alone though—not this time. Sometimes you just need a close friend or two, right? So did Jesus (it was the truly human part of him). Prayer on a mountain, high above it all with just the Bold One and the Sons of Thunder. No distractions; no interruptions. But it wasn’t just for prayer. There was something else.