The Transfiguration of Jesus

Jesus took Peter, James, and John up onto a mountain to pray.  As these disciples watched in awe, Jesus transfigured (changed appearance).  His face shone like the sun and his clothes became as white as the light. Even more incredible, Jesus was joined by the long-dead Moses and Elijah.  From a cloud that enveloped them all, the voice of the Lord affirms that this is his Son and they should listen to Him.

Bible verses used in this episode:

• Matthew 17:1-13
• Exodus 34:29-35
• Malachi 3:1 and 4:5
• Mark 9:11-13
• 2 Peter 1:16-21

Outline:

1. Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-3)
2. The Significance of this event (Matthew 17:4-5) 
3. How this relates to the teachings of the time (Matthew 17:6-13)

Tips for teaching:

• Show children a “red letter” version of the bible.  Read aloud and have them listen to words Jesus said. Decrease the volume of your voice as you read so that children will have to listen very carefully.
• Tell the story in an interactive way by scooping 3 scoops of icecream into a glass (1 scoop each for Jesus, Moses and Elijah).  As you talk about the cloud descending on the mountain pour cola over the icecream and watch it fizz and buble up.  Children can repeat the story by then making their own. Eat and enjoy together.
• For a craft paint a picture of Jesus using glow-in-the-dark paint.
• Adults can explore the text together. They can use their own bibles or the teacher can pre-print Exodus 24:9-18 and 34:29-35 in one column and Matthew 17:1-13 in another. Students can circle similarities between the stories in Exodus and Matthew. Discuss why Matthew might be using the background of the giving of the law to tell the story of the transfiguration.  How does this relate to our understanding of Jesus today?
• Play an audible version of Matthew 17:1-13 in class so students can listen.  Those who use audible apps on their phones can share with the class how to use these.
• Discussion questions for adults: How do we listen to Jesus today? What prevents us or hinders us listening to Jesus clearly? What other voices in our world today can mask or down out the voice of Jesus?

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson:  The Transfiguration

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org