The Transfiguration

Children's Sermon: The Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-9)

(Mix a quarter cup warm water with 1 teaspoon of glow in the dark paint. Mix until the paint is fully incorporated. Fill the Ziploc bag one-third full of baby oil. Seal the bag tightly.)

In today’s Bible lesson, something happened that is called “transfiguration.” Transfiguration means a complete change of appearance to be more beautiful. We’re going to use this bag to help us learn about transfiguration. (Show kids the bag of oil.)

The Bible tells us that one day Jesus took three of His disciples, Peter, James, and John, and went up on a mountain to pray. 

As Jesus prayed, His face was changed and His clothes became a dazzling white. (Open the bag and pour the paint into it. Seal the bag tightly again.)

Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking to Jesus. Peter and the others had fallen asleep and when they woke up, they saw Jesus and the other two talking. (Mix the paint and oil.) They were amazed at that wonderful sight! 

(Turn off the lights. And turn on the blacklight flashlight to show the paint in the bag.) What an experience! Do you know what caused the face of Jesus to be changed and His clothes to become dazzling white? It was because they were in the presence of God! 

(Turn the lights on and the flashlight off.) The Apostle Paul said in a letter he wrote to the church at Corinth, "For God, who said, 'Let there be light in the darkness,' has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ."

You and I have many wonderful experiences in our daily walk with Jesus. Others can see that we have the love of Jesus in our heart by seeing his reflection shining bright in us!

Dear God, we thank You for the joy we experience in Jesus Christ. Help us reflect that joy in our bright, shining faces. In Jesus' name, amen.