The Transfiguration of Christ

What Happened on the Mountain

Not long before, Jesus had asked His friends an important question: “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered bravely, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Six days later, Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a high mountain to pray. While they were there, Jesus was transfigured right in front of them. His clothes became whiter than anyone on earth could ever wash them, and His face shone like the sun.

Then two great servants of God from long ago appeared — Moses and Elijah — and they talked with Jesus. Peter was so full of joy that he said, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If You wish, let us make three shelters — one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

While Peter was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice came from the cloud.

The three friends were so amazed that they fell to the ground, afraid. But Jesus came, touched them gently, and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.” When they lifted their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus. As they walked back down, He told them not to speak about it until He had risen from the dead.

Three Witnesses on Earth, Three from Heaven

In the Bible, God’s law says that an important truth must be confirmed by three witnesses (Deuteronomy 19:15). On the holy mountain there were three witnesses from earth — Peter, James, and John — and three from heaven — Moses, Elijah, and the voice of the Father. So the glory of Jesus was confirmed both on earth and in heaven. Years later, Peter still remembered that day and wrote about it in his letter (2 Peter 1:16).

Why Moses and Elijah?

Moses stands for the Law, and Elijah stands for the Prophets. Everything the Law and the Prophets had promised, Jesus came to fulfill. Long ago, Moses had asked to see God’s face, but he was told, “No one can see My face and live” (Exodus 33:20). Now, on this holy mountain, God allowed His servants to see His glory — as much as their eyes could bear.

Buhe — How We Celebrate in Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, the feast of the Transfiguration is full of joy, and we call it Buhe. On the eve of the feast, groups of children go from house to house, singing songs that tell the story of what happened on the holy mountain.

To remember that day, shepherds make a long whip called a jeraf from sisal fibers and crack it through the air. Its loud sound reminds us of the mighty voice of God. People also light a torch called a chibo, so its bright flame reminds us of the light that shone from Christ.

At traditional church schools, the students prepare a great feast and invite everyone to share it. They do this to remember the apostles, who left their homes and families to follow Jesus — just as many of these students have left their own villages to study and serve the Church, trusting God to care for them.