What happened on the Mount of Transfiguration? CQ Kids

Several times, Jesus had told his disciples about his death. He said he must go to Jerusalem to suffer, be killed, and then be raised on the third day. (see Matthew 16:21, 17:22,23, 26:11, Luke 18: 31-34, Luke 13:33) But they still didn’t really understand that this was going to happen or why.
Jesus took his friends, the Apostles Peter, James and John, to a high mountain to pray. Once there, Jesus’ features and clothing were “transfigured” (meaning, transformed or changed).

His face shone like the sun and his clothes turned to a dazzling white. (see Matthew 17:2) Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared, (see Matthew 17:3) talking with Jesus about his predicted death in Jerusalem. (see Luke 9:31) But the REAL Moses and Elijah had died hundreds of years before.

A bright cloud covered them and they heard God’s voice saying, “This is My beloved son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to him!” (Matthew 17:5, English Standard Version) The apostles fell on their faces, terrified! (see Matthew 17:6) Jesus told them to get up and not be afraid. When they looked up, Jesus was alone and the vision was over. Jesus told them not to tell anyone about what they had seen until after he was resurrected.

In the vision, Jesus was the main focus. As he grew up, Jesus learned and understood that he was the Messiah who had come to save the world. He learned about his mission by reading about himself in the Scriptures, often referred to by the Jewish people as “the Law and the Prophets.”

“The Law” here referred to the first five books of the Bible, written by Moses. “The Prophets” referred to the rest of the books of the Old Testament,