This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in Mark 9:2-12, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
Jesus took three of his disciples, Peter, James, and John, up to a high mountain all by themselves. Suddenly, Jesus’ clothes started shining brighter than anything they had ever seen before! Then, out of nowhere, two important prophets from a long time ago, Elijah and Moses, appeared and started talking to Jesus.
And Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” Peter didn’t really know what to say because he was terrified.
All of a sudden, a big cloud covered them, and a voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” Then, just like that, the prophets were gone and it was just Jesus standing there.
As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus told his friends not to tell anyone what they had seen until after He rose from the dead. They were confused about what that meant, so they asked Him, “Why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?” Jesus told them that Elijah would come to fix everything first, but that the Son of Man would suffer and be treated badly.
Biblical Lessons
- Even when we’re scared or don’t understand something, we can trust that God is in control.
- Jesus will suffer for us, but He will also rise again and save us from sin.
Related Stories
Must-Read Christian Books
Knowing God
A classic that helps believers move from knowing about God to truly knowing Him in a personal and biblical way.
View on Amazon
Mere Christianity
Lewis lays out the core beliefs of the Christian faith with clarity, logic, and imagination, rooted in Scripture.
View on Amazon
Desiring God
Piper unpacks "Christian Hedonism": that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him, grounded in Scripture.
View on Amazon
Chosen by God
A clear, pastoral explanation of biblical election and God's sovereignty in salvation.
View on Amazon
Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God
Shows how God's sovereignty in salvation fuels, rather than hinders, faithful evangelism.
View on Amazon
The Reason for God
Thoughtful, biblical responses to common objections to Christianity, aimed at skeptics and believers alike.
View on Amazon
Faith Alone
Defends justification by faith alone as the heart of the biblical gospel and Reformation.
View on Amazon
The God Who Is There
Shows how the God of the Bible speaks into modern philosophical and cultural confusion.
View on Amazon
The Trellis and the Vine
A vision for church ministry centered on disciple-making rather than mere structures and programs.
View on Amazon
The Gospel for Real Life
Shows how the finished work of Christ applies to everyday struggles and assurance.
View on Amazon
Overcoming Sin and Temptation
A classic Puritan work on mortifying sin and living in the power of the Spirit.
View on Amazon
Future Grace
Argues that faith in God's future grace frees believers from the enslaving power of sin.
View on Amazon
According to Plan
An introduction to biblical theology that shows how all Scripture points to Christ.
View on Amazon
Communion with God
Explores how believers enjoy distinct fellowship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
View on Amazon
Biblical Preaching
Introduces the "big idea" approach to expository sermons, rooted in the biblical text.
View on Amazon
Christ-Centered Worship
Traces historic worship patterns and shows how to shape Christ-focused services today.
View on Amazon
Family Worship
A short, practical guide to leading your home in daily worship of God.
View on Amazon
The Peacemaker
Biblical principles for resolving conflict in a way that honors Christ and reconciles people.
View on Amazon