Brilliant! Worship: February 15, 2026

Image Credit: The Transfiguration of Christ, below him various figures including the Apostles. Master of the Die Italian

After Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio or Santi) Italian 1530–60

Jesus looks brilliant! As language changes, sometimes the most basic meanings of words change and expand with the times. For generations, the English word brilliant meant simply something that shines or radiates light. The word is thought to be derived from the prized gemstone beryl, which is mentioned in both the Old Testament book of Daniel (10:6) and the book of Revelation (21:20). Jesus’ garments became “white as light,” Matthew writes (17:2), in a way that mirrors Psalm 104, where the psalmist writes of God: “You are clothed with splendor and majesty, covering Yourself with light as with a garment” (vv. 1–2). As He stands on the mountaintop with Moses and Elijah, Jesus is shining, radiant, and brilliant. An expanded meaning of the word brilliant is “perfect, amazing, and wonderful.” Jesus on the mountaintop is brilliant as He discusses how He will carry out God’s plan of our salvation with two of the best coaches ever, Moses and Elijah. Jesus does not just look brilliant—He is brilliant!