The last verse in chapter 16 is rather enigmatic and there are two main interpretations. One is that it refers to the post-resurrection reign of Jesus. The other is that it refers to the transfiguration. The fact that Matthew follows it immediately with the transfiguration does favour the latter interpretation, though I must admit I am not really convinced by this.
Jesus led Peter, James and John up the mountain. There He was transfigured and appeared as a brilliant white. Now why did thus happen? Imagine how the disciples would be feeling. They know Jesus is special, they even know that He is the Messiah, yet He has just told them that He will be handed over to His enemies and killed. (Note that they evidently did not pick up on the "rise again" bit, this would actually mean very little to them at this stage.) They would have been feeling pretty confused and possibly depressed.
What happened on the mountain was a confirmation that Jesus was indeed special, was chosen by God, was the fulfilment of the Old Testament Law and Prophets.
Peter offered to put up three shelters, one each for Jesus, Elijah and Moses. This was not the most sensible suggestion, but what else can one say in such a situation.
Then they hear the voice of God declaring His pleasure with Jesus, and that they should listen to Him. The cross was God's plan, and they would only find true life by following the way of the cross. The disciples fell down in fear, but Jesus told them to get up and not be afraid.
He also instructed the disciples to keep quiet about this until after the resurrection.
The question about Elijah was prompted by the traditional belief that Elijah had to come before the Messiah. Jesus tells them that John the Baptist had fulfilled the role of Elijah. His death also prefigured what would happen to Jesus. This is a warning against overly literal interpretation of prophetic/apocalyptic scriptures.
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