Bible moment
The Bible moment
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 about making three shelters, a bright cloud overshadows them. A voice from the cloud declares that Jesus is God’s beloved Son, with whom God is well pleased, and commands the disciples to listen to him. The disciples fall facedown in fear. Jesus touches them, tells them not to be afraid, and they see no one except Jesus. As they come down, Jesus tells them to keep the vision private until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead. Later, the disciples understand that Jesus’ words about Elijah concern John the Baptist.
Look closely
What children can notice
A bright cloud overshadows the group as Jesus, Moses, Elijah, Peter, James, and John are gathered on the mountain. The unseen voice from the cloud declares Jesus to be God’s beloved Son and commands the disciples to listen to him.
Talk together
Talk about it
- What did the voice from the cloud tell the disciples to do?
- How did Jesus help the disciples when they were afraid?
For families, church, and class
Use this page
Read Matthew 17:1–13 with children, then point to the bright cloud and the unseen voice in the illustration. Invite children to notice how Matthew describes Jesus’ glory and how Jesus comforts the disciples. Avoid adding a visible speaker or details not stated in the passage.
Source note
From this passage
Matthew 17:5 · Jesus Transfigured
A bright cloud overshadows the group as Jesus, Moses, Elijah, Peter, James, and John are gathered on the mountain. The unseen voice from the cloud declares Jesus to be God’s beloved Son and commands the disciples to listen to him.
