The Transfiguration
Six days after Peter's confession, Jesus takes Peter, James and John up a high mountain, and is transfigured in front of them — his face shining like the sun, his clothes a white the accounts strain to describe. Moses and Elijah appear and talk with him; Luke adds that they spoke of his departure, to be accomplished at Jerusalem.
Peter offers to build three shelters, and Mark notes drily that he did not know what to say because they were terrified. A cloud covers them and a voice repeats what was said at the baptism, with an instruction added: listen to him.
Then it is over, and there is no one but Jesus. Coming down, he tells them to say nothing until after the resurrection — a condition they discuss among themselves, not understanding what rising from the dead could mean.
Where in scripture
[1] After six days, Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain by themselves. [2] He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his garments became as white as the light. [3] Behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them talking with him. [4] Peter answered, and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you want, let’s make three tents here: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” [5] While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them. Behold, a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to him.” [6] When the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces, and were very afraid. …
Matthew 17:1–13 — opening verses
[2] After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John, and brought them up onto a high mountain privately by themselves, and he was changed into another form in front of them. [3] His clothing became glistening, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them. [4] Elijah and Moses appeared to them, and they were talking with Jesus. [5] Peter answered Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let’s make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” [6] For he didn’t know what to say, for they were very afraid. [7] A cloud came, overshadowing them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” [8] Suddenly looking around, they saw no one with them any more, except Jesus only. …
Mark 9:2–13 — opening verses
[16] For we did not follow cunningly devised fables, when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. [17] For he received from God the Father honor and glory, when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” [18] We heard this voice come out of heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain.
2 Peter 1:16–18
Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, a public-domain translation.
