The Transfiguration

One beautiful morning, Jesus gathered His friends together. He looked at Peter, James, and John with a warm smile. 'Come with Me today,' Jesus said gently. 'I need three special friends to travel with Me.' Peter eagerly nodded. James and John looked at each other with curious eyes. They were happy that Jesus wanted them to come along. The three friends followed Jesus along the dusty road, not knowing where they were going. Jesus led His three friends upward, upward, upward, climbing a very high mountain. The road was steep and rocky. Peter's foot slipped on the loose stones. James stopped to catch his breath. John helped pull him up. They climbed higher and higher. Large brown rocks dotted the hillside. Tall pine trees swayed in the cool mountain wind. Finally, the three friends could only see the blue sky above their heads. At last, they reached the highest point! Peter, James, and John looked around in wonder. They could see very, very far into the distance. Small villages lay in the distant valley below. Rivers glittered like silver ribbons. Soft white clouds floated gently below them. Jesus sat on a flat stone to rest. The three friends also sat down, happily resting their tired legs. At such a high place, the air was fresh and clean. Suddenly, Jesus began to shine with dazzling light! His face was brighter than the sun. Peter, James, and John had never seen such wonderful light. Golden specks of light seemed to dance around Jesus like little stars. His eyes sparkled like diamonds. His whole body seemed filled with warm and bright light. The three friends stared in amazement. Their teacher looked as if He belonged to heaven. Peter, James, and John could hardly believe their eyes. Not only was Jesus' face glowing, but His clothing had also changed! His simple robe was now white as fresh snow, white as white clouds, white as light itself. The dazzling white cloth seemed to surround Him like a gentle mist. It was so bright it almost hurt to look at. The three friends blinked and blinked again. As the three friends watched, two mysterious visitors appeared beside Jesus. One was a tall man with a long beard, holding a shepherd's staff. The other was a hairy man, wearing a rough cloak of camel hair. Moses and Elijah! They had lived long, long ago, yet here they were talking with Jesus like old friends. The air around them seemed to shimmer. Moses and Elijah spoke with Jesus about extremely important matters. They talked about Jesus' upcoming journey to Jerusalem, the difficult days ahead, and how He would help so many people. Jesus listened carefully and nodded. Moses and Elijah looked at Jesus with deep affection and reverence. The three friends watched quietly, though they didn't fully understand everything, they knew this was something very, very special. Peter was extremely excited! He wanted to do something to commemorate this amazing moment. Looking at Moses, Elijah, and Jesus standing together in such glorious light, Peter suddenly shouted: 'Lord! What a wonderful place this is! Let us set up three small tents, one for You, one for Moses, one for Elijah!' Peter was pleased with his idea, thinking it was the best plan. He began looking around for branches to build. Suddenly, a huge bright cloud appeared from nowhere! It descended from the clear blue sky, soft and shining, like moonlight. The cloud grew larger and larger until it covered everything. Peter, James, and John couldn't see anything except the bright shining cloud. The air was warm and gentle, like a soft blanket. They felt safe yet unable to move. A voice came from within the bright cloud! It was deep and powerful, like thunder yet extremely gentle. 'This is My beloved Son,' the voice said. 'I am extremely proud of Him. I love Him very much. You must listen to everything He says.' The voice filled the entire mountain. Peter, James, and John all trembled. They had never heard such a powerful, such a loving, such a completely wonderful voice. The three friends were very afraid! They fell face down to the ground, pressing their faces into the dirt. They trembled all over. The voice was so loud and powerful. The light was so intense. Everything made them feel afraid, it was too overwhelming. They didn't dare look up. Their hearts were beating fast. What was happening? Then Peter, James, and John felt a gentle hand on their shoulders. They looked up and saw Jesus standing there. His face was no longer so bright, and His clothing had returned to its normal appearance. 'Do not be afraid,' Jesus said softly. His voice was calm and loving, like a cup of warm milk. 'Get up now. Do not be afraid anymore.' The three friends slowly raised their heads. Just hearing Jesus' gentle voice made them feel much better. When Peter, James, and John finally looked around, they could find no trace of Moses or Elijah. The bright cloud had disappeared, and the dazzling light had dimmed. Only Jesus remained with them on the mountaintop. Moses and Elijah had disappeared as mysteriously as they had appeared. The three friends looked at each other in amazement. They quietly treasured this special moment in their hearts, knowing it was a memory they could never forget. It was time to go down the mountain. Jesus stood up and began walking along the path they had climbed. Peter, James, and John quietly followed behind. Their legs were tired, but their hearts were full. The sun was beginning to set, dyeing the sky orange and pink. Shadows stretched long across the road. The three friends didn't say much. They were still reflecting on everything they had seen and heard that day. Together they walked along the mountain path toward home.