Matthew 17:1-13

International Standard Version

Jesus’ Appearance is Changed^(A)

17 Six days later, Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother John and led them up a high mountain by themselves. ² His appearance was changed in front of them, his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. ³ Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Jesus.^[a]

⁴ Then Peter told Jesus, “Lord, it’s good that we’re here! If you want, I’ll set up three shelters^[b]—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” ⁵ He was still speaking when a bright cloud suddenly overshadowed them.

A voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love. I am pleased with him. Keep on listening to him!”

⁶ When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified.

⁷ But Jesus came up to them and touched them, saying, “Get up, and stop being afraid.” ⁸ When they raised their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus all by himself.

⁹ On their way down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Don’t tell anyone about this vision until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

¹⁰ So the disciples asked him, “Why, then, do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”

¹¹ He answered them, “Elijah is indeed coming and will restore all things. ¹² But I tell you that Elijah has already come, yet people^[c] did not recognize him and treated him just as they pleased. In the same way, the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands.” ¹³ Then the disciples understood that he had been speaking to them about John the Baptist.