Shortly before the Lord Jesus' life-giving Death, He wished to give His disciples an assurance of His Godhood and reveal to them the glory that awaits those who follow Him faithfully to the end. He took Peter, James, and John to the summit of Mount Tabor, and there He was transfigured, His face shining like the sun. The prophets Moses and Elijah also appeared, revealing that Christ is greater than the prophets and Lord of the living and the dead. Once again, as at His Baptism in the Jordan River, a voice came from heaven saying, "This is My beloved Son" (Matthew 17:5).

This was the fulfillment of the Lord's promise that "some standing here will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His Kingdom" (Matthew 16:28), for the fulness of the heavenly glory was revealed. This knowledge would strengthen the Apostles as they faced many persecutions for their preaching.