
The upper part of The Transfiguration (1520) by Raphael, depicting Christ miraculously discoursing with Moses and Elijah. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
What? Jesus is making his disciples climb a mountain?
I hope it wasn’t a hot day. I don’t like climbing mountains on hot days.
Oh. He only took three of his disciples? Were the other ones out of shape? I bet that mountain was too high and steep for them and they couldn’t make it.
So who did Jesus take?
I am listening to the story. I’m just trying to help you along.
***
Jesus took Peter, James, and John up the mountain with him.
And when they were alone He was transfigured before them.
***
Did He become all crippled and ugly looking?
Well, isn’t disfigured the same as transfigured?
Okay, I’ll listen.
***
Jesus face shone like the sun and his clothes became as white as light.
And then Moses and Elijah appeared and they were talking with Jesus.
***
Hey, I thought this was a story about Jesus. How did Moses and Elijah get into it?
I am listening.
***
Peter, James, and John were frightened and didn’t know what to do so Peter said, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters – one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
***
Do you think they could put up a shelter for me too? I bet it’s hot up there on that mountain.
***
While Peter was still speaking a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”
***
Now I’m really in trouble. It was bad enough when you were telling me to listen, but now God is.
***
When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified.
***
Were they having trouble listening too?
***
Jesus came and touched the disciples. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.”
The disciples looked around and saw no one except Jesus.
***
Is this like the Twilight Zone or something?
***
As Jesus and the disciples were coming back down the mountain Jesus told them not to tell anyone what they’d seen until Jesus had been raised from the dead.
The disciples weren’t sure what Jesus meant, but they didn’t tell anyone for a long time.
***
This was really a strange story. Jesus didn’t heal anybody, and He didn’t help anyone catch a bunch of fish.
Hey, maybe Moses and Elijah went to get a bunch of fish and they’ll be back with dinner.