Moses and Elijah Speak with Jesus

Matthew 17:1-13

The Big Idea

Jesus is God’s beloved Son. We can listen to him and trust him, even when something feels overwhelming.

The Bible Story

The Transfiguration

Matthew 17:1–13 tells how Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain. Before them, Jesus is transfigured: his face shines like the sun, and his clothes become white as light. Moses and Elijah appear and speak with him. While Peter is speaking, a bright cloud overshadows them. A voice from the cloud identifies Jesus as God’s beloved Son and commands the disciples to listen to him. The disciples fall facedown in fear, but Jesus touches them and tells them not to be afraid. When they look up, they see no one except Jesus. As they come down the mountain, Jesus tells them to keep the vision private for a time, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead. The disciples also ask about Elijah and understand Jesus to be speaking about John the Baptist.

Themes

Elijah and John the Baptist Fear and reassurance God’s declaration of Jesus as his beloved Son Jesus’ revealed glory Listening to Jesus The Son of Man’s resurrection

Bible moment

The Bible moment

Look closely

What children can notice

Jesus stands radiantly on the mountain while Moses and Elijah appear and speak with him. Peter, James, and John observe the remarkable scene.

Talk together

Talk about it

What did the disciples see on the mountain?
How did Jesus help them when they were afraid?

For families, church, and class

Use this page

Use this page with Matthew 17:1–13 in family devotions, Sunday school, church classrooms, or homeschool lessons. Invite children to notice the repeated focus on Jesus: his radiant appearance, the voice from the cloud, and the command to listen to him. Keep the presentation reverent and avoid adding details Scripture does not provide.

Source note