Bible Passage: Matthew 17:1-13; Mark 9:2-13; Luke 9:28-36
Main Point: Jesus showed His glory to Peter, James, and John.
Big Picture Question
Why did Jesus perform miracles?
Jesus performed miracles to glorify God, to show He is the Son of God, and to care for people.
Key Passage: Psalm 40:5
Lord my God, you have done many things — your wondrous works and our plans for us; none can compare with you. If I were to report and speak of them, they are more than can be told.
As Jesus traveled and taught, people were trying to figure Him out. Who was this man? Was He a prophet? Was He crazy? Where did He come from? Some people thought He was John the Baptist who had been raised from the dead; others thought He was Elijah or another ancient prophet. Peter recognized Jesus as God’s Messiah. (See Luke 9:19-20.)
One of the ways Jesus revealed His identity was through His miracles. Jesus performed miracles to glorify God, to show He is the Son of God, and to care for people. For three of Jesus’ disciples—Peter, James, and John—Jesus’ identity became even more clear when they witnessed His transfiguration, or change in appearance. The disciples accompanied Jesus to a mountain to pray. The location was likely Mount Hermon, which sits about 40 miles north of the Sea of Galilee.
Jesus’ appearance changed as He prayed: His face changed and His clothes became dazzling white. Moses and Elijah appeared with Him, and they talked about Jesus’ upcoming departure (His death and resurrection). Peter, James, and John had been sleeping, but they awoke to the incredible sight.
When you share with your kids, review who Moses and Elijah were. In the Old Testament, God called Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Later, Elijah was a prophet to Israel. As Moses and Elijah were leaving, a cloud covered the whole group and a voice—God the Father’s—said, “This is my Son, the Chosen One; listen to him!”
Jesus showed His glory to Peter, James, and John. Jesus said He would die, rise from the dead, and return to heaven. One day, Jesus will come back to earth in His glory to make all things new.
At the transfiguration, Peter, James, and John beheld Jesus’ glory. We look forward to the day when Jesus will return in full glory to make all things new. While we wait, God calls us to share the gospel with others so they can share in the joy of knowing Jesus, the Son of God, and seeing His glory when He returns.
Bible Story, Lesson, & Questions from Kids Video (17:27)
Click here for the activity pages and to customize your KidzChurch at home experience, or (Preschool lesson is here)
Use the Gospel Project for Kids Family App for ways to interact with the Bible content this week and to watch the Bible Story video “on the go”. (This lesson is from Volume 8, Unit 24, Session 4)
