Jesus took just three men up the mountain with Him that day. He chose those twelve men from among the twelve who traveled with Him. The men chosen were Peter, James, and John. (Jesus’ disciple John was not the same as his cousin John the Baptist.)

Something unusual happened at the top of the mountain. Jesus suddenly changed. His clothes turned a pure, bright, shining white. His face became different. We don’t know for sure, but maybe His face glowed. Then two other men appeared. They were two of the great prophets from history, Moses and Elijah. These men looked shiny and glorious too. God had sent them from Heaven. They spoke with Jesus about His coming death at Jerusalem.

Peter, James, and John became very frightened. Peter was both afraid and impressed. He didn’t know what to say. Peter said to Jesus, "It is good for us to be here. Let us make three shelters. We’ll make one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." It wasn’t a good idea, but Peter was afraid. He talked without really thinking.

Then a cloud came down on top the mountain. It covered Jesus and his disciples like fog. A voice came from the cloud. The voice said, "This is my Son that I love. Hear Him."

The cloud cleared away. Moses and Elijah were gone. Only Jesus and His three friends were left. They went down the mountain together.

Jesus warned His three friends not to say anything about what had just happened. They must wait until He rose from the dead.

The disciples didn’t understand Jesus’ words. They had seen Him do many miracles. God had sent two famous men from Heaven to talk with His Son. God’s voice said that Jesus is His Son. They didn’t think the Son of God should die. Why would He need to rise from the dead? The disciples were puzzled.