The Beginning:
Jesus took Peter, James, and John away from the crowds and led them up a high mountain. Luke notes that Jesus went there to pray, setting a solemn context for what the disciples were about to witness.
The Middle:
Jesus was transfigured before them: His appearance changed, His face shone, and His clothing became dazzling white. Moses and Elijah appeared and spoke with Him, with Luke describing their conversation as relating to Jesus’ “departure” (His coming death and fulfillment of God’s plan). Overwhelmed, Peter offered to make three shelters, not fully understanding what the moment signified. Then a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice declared Jesus to be God’s beloved Son, commanding the disciples to listen to Him.
The End:
The disciples fell facedown in fear, and Jesus came to them, touched them, and told them not to be afraid. When they looked up, Moses and Elijah were gone, and they saw only Jesus. As they descended the mountain, Jesus instructed them to keep silent about what they had seen until after the Son of Man was raised from the dead.
The Transfiguration reveals Jesus’ divine glory while affirming His mission to suffer and be raised, showing that the path to redemption is not separate from the cross. The appearance of Moses and Elijah highlights continuity with the Law and the Prophets, presenting Jesus as their fulfillment rather than their rival. The Father’s voice identifies Jesus uniquely as the beloved Son and directs faithful attention to Him, underscoring His authority and the necessity of hearing and obeying His words. The event strengthens the disciples’ witness, preparing them for the coming scandal of Jesus’ suffering by giving a true glimpse of who He is.
The “bright cloud” and divine voice echo Old Testament scenes where God’s presence is revealed in a cloud (often called the Shekinah in later Jewish description), such as at Sinai and the tabernacle. This imagery would signal to Jewish hearers that the disciples are encountering God’s revealed presence, now centered on Jesus.
“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” — Matthew 17:5
Answer the questions below. When you choose an option, you will see the result and an explanation.
1. Which three disciples did Jesus take with Him up the high mountain?
2. What did the voice from the bright cloud command the disciples to do?