Matthew 17:1-13

International Children’s Bible

Jesus with Moses and Elijah

17 Six days later, Jesus took Peter, James, and John the brother of James up on a high mountain. They were all alone there. ² While they watched, Jesus was changed. His face became bright like the sun. And his clothes became white as light. ³ Then two men were there, talking with him. The men were Moses and Elijah.^[a]

⁴ Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you want, I will put three tents here—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

⁵ While Peter was talking, a bright cloud covered them. A voice came from the cloud. The voice said, “This is my Son and I love him. I am very pleased with him. Obey him!”

⁶ The followers with Jesus heard the voice. They were so frightened that they fell to the ground. ⁷ But Jesus went to them and touched them. He said, “Stand up. Don’t be afraid.” ⁸ When the followers looked up, they saw Jesus was now alone.

⁹ When Jesus and the followers were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Don’t tell anyone about the things you saw on the mountain. Wait until the Son of Man has been raised from death. Then you may tell.”

¹⁰ The followers asked Jesus, “Why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first, before the Christ comes?”

¹¹ Jesus answered, “They are right to say that Elijah is coming. And it is true that Elijah will make everything the way it should be. ¹² But I tell you, Elijah has already come. People did not know who he was. They did to him everything they wanted to do. It will be the same with the Son of Man. Those same people will make the Son of Man suffer.” ¹³ Then the followers understood that Jesus was talking about John the Baptist.