One bright and sunny day, Jesus took three of His closest friends, Peter, James, and John, up a tall mountain. The mountain was high and quiet, and the air felt cool and fresh. The friends were curious and a little excited, wondering what Jesus wanted to show them.
As they reached the top, something amazing began to happen. Jesus’ face started to shine like the bright sun. His clothes became as white as sparkling snow that never gets dirty. It was like He was glowing with a wonderful, holy light that made everything around Him look bright and happy.
Suddenly, two very important men appeared beside Jesus. They were Moses and Elijah! Moses had helped God’s people long ago, and Elijah was a great prophet who loved God. They talked with Jesus about God’s special plan. Peter, James, and John were amazed and a little scared. They didn’t know what to say because it was so wonderful and strange.
Then, a bright cloud covered them all. The cloud was soft and glowing like a fluffy pillow made of light. From the cloud, a voice spoke. It was God’s voice! It said, “This is my Son. I love him. Listen to him!” The friends felt warm and safe hearing God’s voice. They knew Jesus was very special.
Peter wanted to stay on the mountain forever. He said, “Let’s build three tents—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah!” But the voice from the cloud told them to listen to Jesus, because He was God’s Son and had a very important job.
Suddenly, everything went back to normal. Jesus looked like Himself again. Moses and Elijah were gone. The friends felt happy but also thoughtful. They asked each other, “Why did Jesus look so bright? What does it mean to listen to Him?”
Jesus told them not to tell anyone yet about what they had seen. He said that one day, everyone would understand how wonderful He really is. The friends walked down the mountain, feeling excited and a little quiet inside. They knew Jesus was the Son of God, shining with God’s glory.
This special day is called the Transfiguration. It shows us that Jesus is God’s Son, full of light and love. When we listen to Jesus, we can feel His light in our hearts too!
Questions to think about
- Who went up the mountain with Jesus?
- What happened to Jesus’ face and clothes?
- Who appeared with Jesus on the mountain?
- What did God say from the cloud?
- How do you feel when you think about Jesus shining like the sun?
Message of the story
God shows us that Jesus is His beloved Son, shining with glory and love. We should always listen to Jesus and trust Him.
Bible passage
Matthew 17:1-9
Matthew 17:1-9 (ICB)
After six days, Jesus took Peter, James, and John with him and led them up a high mountain. There Jesus was changed before their eyes. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.
Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus.
Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you want, I will make 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. I am very pleased with him. 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 came down the
