The Transfiguration is a pivotal event in the New Testament, where Jesus Christ's appearance is miraculously transformed in front of his disciples Peter, James, and John. This event is recorded in three of the Gospels: Matthew 17:1-9, Mark 9:2-8, and Luke 9:28-36.
The narrative begins with Jesus taking Peter, James, and John up into a high mountain apart, which is traditionally interpreted as Mount Tabor. There, He was transfigured before them: "And his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light" (Matthew 17:2). This radiant transformation signifies the divine glory of Jesus, revealing a glimpse of His true nature as the Son of God.

During the Transfiguration, Moses and Elijah appeared alongside Jesus, talking with Him. Moses and Elijah are significant figures in the Old Testament, representing the Law and the Prophets, respectively. Their presence with Jesus during the Transfiguration symbolizes the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets through Christ.
The disciples, witnessing this extraordinary event, were amazed and somewhat frightened. Peter, often the first to speak, offered to make three tabernacles: one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah, not fully comprehending the significance of what he was witnessing. This suggests Peter's desire to honor each of the figures but also his misunderstanding of the event's true meaning.

A bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him" (Matthew 17:5). This divine declaration reaffirmed Jesus' sonship and authority, echoing the words heard at Jesus' baptism and emphasizing the importance of listening to Him.

The disciples fell on their faces, overwhelmed by fear, but Jesus came and touched them, telling them not to be afraid. When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus alone, returned to His normal appearance. As they descended the mountain, Jesus instructed them not to tell anyone of the vision until after His resurrection from the dead, which adds an element of anticipation and mystery to the narrative.

The Transfiguration is a theophany, an appearance of God, which serves multiple theological purposes. It confirms Jesus' divine status, prefigures His resurrection and glorious Second Coming, and underscores the continuity between the Old and New Testaments. This event is also a source of hope and encouragement for Christians, providing a foretaste of the glorified Christ.