At least three reasons come to mind:
When He was transfigured, Jesus appeared in His heavenly glory, speaking with Moses and Elijah, who were long dead...physically. Herein is proof (for those willing to accept it) that the soul lives on after the body dies (Luke 20:38).
Moses and Elijah represent the Law and the Prophets respectively. In speaking with them of the coming accomplishment "of His decease" (Luke 9:31), Jesus is representative of the Gospel in harmony with the Law and the Prophets (rather than opposed to them, as many take the gospel to be).
When you take into account all who were present (Jesus, Moses, Elijah and the apostles), you also see every "foundational stone" upon which Christ would build His church (Ephesians 2).
The Transfiguration was arguably of greater benefit to those who would hear and read of it later than the three apostles who actually witnessed it. Clearly, Peter in particular didn't understand its significance at the time (Luke 9:33). [Speaking of Peter, a question to ponder: If The Bible isn'ttrue, why does it present its heroes "warts and all"? Wouldn't a fictional account be more "idealized?"]
It should also be pointed out that there's a glaring omission in the answer above, wherein it states that Jesus instructed the apostles to "tell no one." This simply is not true.
Matthew 17:9 - Now as they came down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, "Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead."
This is not the only instance of a temporary prohibitionplaced on the apostles until after the resurrection; specifically, after the Holy Spirit came upon them on the Day of Pentecost. Afterward, nothing was to be withheld from their teaching and preaching of Christ.
Matthew 10:27 - "Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops."
[Quotes from NKJV]
Jesus was accompanied by his disciples Peter, James, and John on the Mount of Transfiguration.
Mark 9:9 says that, as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged the disciples that they tell no one what they had seen. The significance of his command is that, by keeping this command, no one could have told Mark or any other Gospel author of the transfiguration. Yet Mark claims to describe the transfiguration experience in detail.
The disciples of Jesus in order of their significance in his ministry were Peter, James, and John. These three disciples were often chosen by Jesus to witness important events such as the Transfiguration and the raising of Jairus' daughter.
Jesus took a few disciples to a mountain call Mount of Transfiguration. Where the two prophets of old prophet Elijah and prophet Moses were seen by the disciples.
Jesus chose to take Peter, John, and James with him during certain significant events in his ministry because they were considered his closest and most trusted disciples. These three disciples were present during key moments such as the Transfiguration and the raising of Jairus' daughter, indicating their importance in Jesus' inner circle.
A:Jesus took Peter, James and John up into a high mountain, where his appearance changed, and they saw him talking to two strangers. Somehow, the disciples knew without question that the strangers talking to Jesus were Moses and Elijah. However, the Transfiguration certainly does not seem to have explained anything that the disciples understood or removed any confusion they might have felt. Read literally, the sole reason for this journey was to let the three disciples see Jesus talking to Moses and Elijah, yet they learnt nothing from the experience and were even instructed to tell no one. In spite of this life-changing event, and its absolute proof that Jesus was the Messiah, Peter went on to deny Jesus. If the Transfiguration ever happened, it must be that he was less sure of who the strangers were than is suggested in the gospel story. Why the disciples even thought the men were Moses and Elijah is not stated.
Peter, James and John (Mark 5:37).
I don't know about them being referred to as "the circle", but the three disciples of the twelve that Jesus took with him to certain places, like the Mountain of Transfiguration, Garden of Gethsemane, etc. were Simon Peter, James, and John. (Matthew 17)
A:Jesus took Peter, James and John up into a high mountain, where his appearance changed, and they saw him talking to two strangers. Somehow, the disciples knew without question that the strangers talking to Jesus were Moses and Elijah. Why the disciples even thought the men were Moses and Elijah is not stated.
Jesus' closest disciples witnessed his miracles, teachings, crucifixion, and resurrection. They were with him throughout his ministry, witnessing his profound wisdom, healing powers, and the fulfillment of prophecies. Their experiences with Jesus shaped their faith and empowered them to spread his teachings after his death.
To show the three disciples that Jesus is the son of God, and to hear God's voice from heaven saying, " This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him." *Matthew 17.5)
Chapel of the Transfiguration was created in 1925.