The Transfiguration
Jesus is transformed on a mountain, His face shining like the sun. Moses and Elijah appear, and God the Father speaks.
Matthew 17:1-13, Mark 9:2-13, Luke 9:28-36
Take the Matthew 17 Quiz
Test your knowledge of this chapter
Explore Matthew Chapters
Study all chapters of Matthew
The Story
After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.
Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.
Peter said to Jesus, 'Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.'
While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!'
When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. 'Get up,' he said. 'Don't be afraid.'
When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.
As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, 'Don't tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.'
For one moment, the veil was pulled back and the disciples saw Jesus in His glory. Moses represented the Law, Elijah the Prophets—both testified to Christ. The Father's voice confirmed what the disciples needed to hear: 'This is my Son... Listen to him!' Not Moses, not Elijah—Jesus alone. After the cloud lifted, 'they saw no one except Jesus.' He is enough.
Jesus Shines Bright
Kids Version
Jesus took three of His closest friends—Peter, James, and John—up a high mountain to pray.
While they were there, something INCREDIBLE happened!
Jesus started to CHANGE! His face began to SHINE—as bright as the SUN! His clothes turned dazzling WHITE, brighter than anything they'd ever seen!
Then two men appeared, talking with Jesus. It was MOSES and ELIJAH! Two of the most important people from the Old Testament!
Peter didn't know what to say. 'Lord! This is amazing! Should I build three tents—one for You, one for Moses, one for Elijah?'
While Peter was still talking, a bright cloud covered them all. Then a VOICE came from the cloud—GOD'S voice!
'This is My Son, whom I love. I am SO pleased with Him. LISTEN TO HIM!'
The disciples fell flat on their faces, terrified!
Jesus came and touched them gently. 'Get up. Don't be afraid.'
They looked up. Moses and Elijah were gone. Only Jesus was there.
As they walked back down the mountain, Jesus told them, 'Don't tell anyone what you saw until after I rise from the dead.'
This amazing moment showed the disciples who Jesus really was—the glorious Son of God! Moses gave the Law. Elijah was a great prophet. But God said to listen to JESUS. He's the one who matters most.
Sometimes we see glimpses of how amazing Jesus truly is. One day in heaven, we'll see His glory forever!
Ready to test your knowledge?
See how well you know this story from Matthew.
Characters in This Story
Settings & Locations
Scripture — Matthew 17:1-13 (KJV)
1And after six days Jesus taketh Peter , James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart ,
2And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.
3And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.
4Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
5While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.
6And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.
7And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid.
8And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only.
9And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead.
10And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come?
11And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things.
12But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them.
13Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.
Memory Verse
“And after six days Jesus taketh Peter , James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart ,”
— Matthew 17:1 (KJV)
Test Your Knowledge
How well do you know the story of “The Transfiguration”? Take the quiz to find out.
More from Ministry of Jesus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the story of “The Transfiguration” in the Bible?
Jesus is transformed on a mountain, His face shining like the sun. Moses and Elijah appear, and God the Father speaks. This story is found in Matthew 17:1-13, Mark 9:2-13, Luke 9:28-36.
Where is “The Transfiguration” found in the Bible?
“The Transfiguration” is found in Matthew 17:1-13, Mark 9:2-13, Luke 9:28-36, in the book of Matthew.
What can children learn from “The Transfiguration”?
This story teaches children about Jesus' glory, Listen to Jesus, Moses and the Prophets fulfilled. Jesus took three disciples up a mountain, and suddenly He started GLOWING! His face shone like the sun. Moses and Elijah appeared, and God's voice spoke from a cloud!