Jesus was nearing the close of his earthly ministry. The ordeal of the cross was not far away. All along Jesus believed he was to die on the cross, but as the time drew near he seemed to want further assurance from God that he was doing his will. So he took Peter, James, and John and went up on the slope of Mount Hermon, and the transfiguration was God’s answer of assurance. Luke (9:28-29) says that they went up into the mountain to pray and as he was praying his face did shine and his garments became white as the light.

Then Moses and Elijah appeared and talked of Jesus. A cloud overshadowed them and God’s voice was heard from the cloud. "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear him." All his life Jesus had lived in harmony with God’s will; now at this very important time,…