The Lord Jesus Christ was 'transfigured' in the presence of his three close disciples Peter, James and John (see Matthew 17:1-13; Mark 9:1-12; Luke 9:28-36). Jesus took them to a high mountain where his appearance was changed, and he became 'radiant'. They were joined by Moses and Elijah, who comforted and encouraged Jesus concerning his approaching 'departure'-his death and resurrection which he would accomplish at Jerusalem. The original Greek for 'his departure' is 'his exodus'. (See EXODUS).

It is not clear whether the disciples saw a vision or whether Moses and Elijah were there in person. The voice of God from heaven told the disciples to take notice of the message of his Son. Until that time the purpose of God in the salvation of mankind had been centred on the nation of Israel, and expressed through the Law and the Prophets, here represented by Moses and Elijah. Now the glorious cloud which surrounded the presence of God, left Moses and Elijah who went away, and instead rested on Jesus and the disciples. The work of God, which had started with Israel, would now be completed in His Son Jesus Christ, and all those who had faith in him.
This vision of Christ in glory was also a representation, and a preview of the Kingdom-God's assurance to the disciples of the future when Christ will return to the earth and reign in glory.

"We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.' We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain."(2 Peter 1:16-18).