The Transfiguration

Jesus traveled to Mount Hermon with his twelve apostles on August 12, 29 CE. They sojourned at the base of the mountain for two days in spiritual preparation for the events soon to follow. Jesus chose to bring only Peter, James, and John with him as he ascended Mount Hermon. They arrived before noon on Monday, August 15, and around three o'clock, Jesus left the three apostles, telling them that he was going to go off by himself to commune with the heavenly Father and his messengers. When he returned, they ate a small supper together and the three apostles fell asleep, only to be awoken by a strange sound. They then saw Jesus talking with two beings who were glowing with celestial light. They spoke in a strange language. Peter had the idea that the two beings were Moses and Elijah. But in truth, these beings were Gabrial and Father Melchizedek. When the vision faded, Peter told Jesus that he would like for them all to stay and that they could put up tents for Jesus and his associates. But even as he spoke, a silvery cloud came and surrounded them all. And then they heard a voice saying: "This is my beloved Son; give heed to him." The cloud vanished, and Jesus and the three apostles were alone again on the mountain. Jesus reached down and touched the three and told them not to be afraid. And soon after midnight, they started down the mountain together. On the way down, Jesus told them that they were not to tell anyone about their experience on the mountain until after he had risen from the dead.