Three of the Gospels, Matthew, Mark, and Luke, tell us of the experience of Christ Jesus known as the transfiguration. Each record is preceded by the Master's statement that some of the people standing near him would not experience death until they should see God's kingdom come. Perhaps he was speaking of Peter, James, and John whom after six days he took with him into a high mountain. Here he was transfigured and heaven's glory was revealed.
Webster gives these meanings of "transfigure": "1. To change the form or appearance of; to metamorphose. ... 2. To exalt, glorify, illumine, in appearance or character; to idealize; irradiate." Mark's description of the change which came over Jesus in the presence of the disciples is especially vivid. He says: "He was transfigured before them. And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them." Mark 9:2, 3; And Luke says, "The fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering." Luke goes on to relate that with the Master "were Moses and Elias: who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem." The account ends with the statement that a voice from heaven said, "This is my beloved Son: hear him."Luke 9:29-31, 35;
Many lessons may be learned from this awe-inspiring experience, particularly in the light of Christian Science, which interprets the Scriptures and explains the metaphysical meaning of the teachings and deeds of Jesus. Mary Baker Eddy defines "Elias" in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" as: "Prophecy; spiritual evidence opposed to material sense; Christian Science, with which can be discerned the spiritual fact of whatever the material senses behold; the basis of immortality. 'Elias truly shall first come and restore all things.' (Matthew xvii. II.)"Science and Health, p. 585;
