And we are indeed a people who need this reminder. We are so prone to judge by appearances. When we see weakness, we assume defeat. When we see suffering, we assume God is absent. But the Transfiguration teaches us that humiliation does not nullify glory. The cross will not revoke Christ’s kingship. The One who will be lifted up in shame is the same One whose face shines like the sun.

If James had not been murdered, then the church would not have prayed fervently for Peter to live. Not only did God welcome his child, James, into His eternal peace and presence at his death, but he also used James' death to sanctify the church.