The Transfiguration

Six days after a previous discourse, Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother and led them up into a high mountain apart (Matthew 17:1). While there, Jesus was transfigured before them. The text states his face did shine as the sun and his clothing was white as the light (Matthew 17:2). Moses and Elijah appeared to the group and were seen talking with Jesus, though the text does not say what was discussed (Matthew 17:3).

Peter suggested to Jesus that it was good for them to be there and offered to make three tabernacles: one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah (Matthew 17:4). While Peter was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed the participants. A voice out of the cloud said, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!" (Matthew 17:5). Upon hearing this, the disciples fell on their faces and were sore afraid (Matthew 17:6). Jesus came and touched them, telling them to arise and not be afraid. When the disciples lifted up their eyes, they saw no man except Jesus only (Matthew 17:8).

As they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged the disciples to tell the vision to no man until the Son of man be risen again from the dead (Matthew 17:9). The disciples then asked why the scribes said that Elijah must come first. Jesus answered that Elijah truly shall first come and restore all things, but noted that Elijah had come already and the people did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they wished (Matthew 17:11-12). The disciples understood that he spoke to them of John the Baptist (Matthew 17:13).