GOLDEN STARS MONTESSORI ACADEMYSubject: Christian Religious Studies (CRS)
Class: JSS 3 (Junior Secondary School 3)
Topic: The Transfiguration of Jesus
Curriculum: Nigerian National Curriculum for Junior Secondary Schools
The word "Transfiguration" comes from the Greek word metamorphoo, which means "to change into another form." In the context of the life of Jesus Christ, the Transfiguration refers to a miraculous event where Jesus’ physical appearance was transformed on a high mountain, revealing His divine glory to three of His closest disciples.
This event is recorded in the Synoptic Gospels: Matthew 17:1-9, Mark 9:2-10, and Luke 9:28-36. It serves as a bridge between Jesus’ public ministry in Galilee and His journey toward the cross in Jerusalem. For JSS 3 students, understanding this topic is crucial because it confirms the identity of Jesus not just as a great teacher or prophet, but as the Son of God.
About six to eight days after Jesus had asked His disciples "Who do you say that I am?" and Peter had confessed Him as the Christ, Jesus took Peter, James, and John (His "inner circle") up to a high mountain to pray. In the Bible, mountains are often places of divine encounter (think of Moses on Mt. Sinai).
While Jesus was praying, the appearance of His face changed. It shone like the sun, and His clothes became dazzling white—whiter than any bleach on earth could make them. This was not a light shining on Him, but a glory shining from within Him. It was a brief glimpse of His heavenly nature which He had set aside to become human.
Suddenly, two great figures from the Old Testament appeared and began talking with Jesus. These were Moses and Elijah.
Their presence with Jesus signified that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. They were discussing Jesus' "exodus" (His upcoming death and resurrection in Jerusalem), showing that His sacrifice was part of God’s plan from the very beginning.
Peter, overwhelmed by the beauty and holiness of the moment, suggested building three shelters (tabernacles): one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. Peter wanted to capture the moment and stay there forever.
However, while he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them. In the Bible, a cloud often represents the "Shekinah" or the visible presence of God. A voice came from the cloud, saying:
"This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him."
This was God the Father confirming Jesus’ authority. By saying "Listen to Him," God was telling the disciples that while Moses and Elijah were great, Jesus is the ultimate authority they must follow.
To better understand why the Transfiguration matters, let us look at it through different lenses:
Activity 1: Creative Comparison (Individual) Draw a table with two columns. In the first column, list the features of Jesus' appearance before the mountain. In the second column, list the features during the Transfiguration.
Activity 2: Role Play (Group Work) Divide into groups of six. Assign roles: Jesus, Peter, James, John, Moses, and Elijah. Act out the scene on the mountain. Pay special attention to Peter’s nervous suggestion and the disciples' reaction when they heard the voice from the cloud (they fell on their faces in fear).
Activity 3: Discussion Question Why do you think Jesus told the disciples not to tell anyone what they had seen until after He had risen from the dead? (Discuss in class).
The Transfiguration is a pivotal event in the life of Jesus Christ. It took place on a high mountain in the presence of Peter, James, and John. During this event, Jesus' divine glory was revealed as His face shone like the sun and His clothes became white as light. The appearance of Moses (representing the Law) and Elijah (representing the Prophets) confirmed that Jesus is the fulfillment of all Old Testament promises.
The climax of the event was the voice of God the Father from a bright cloud, identifying Jesus as His beloved Son and commanding the disciples to listen to Him. This event served to encourage the disciples for the difficult days of the crucifixion ahead and to provide undeniable proof of Jesus' divinity.
As JSS 3 students, the lesson of the Transfiguration is clear: Jesus is the supreme authority, the Son of God, and the one whose glory gives us hope even in times of suffering.
Memory Verse: "And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light." – Matthew 17:2 (ESV)