We can look at this passage in two ways (at least). One is to look at the theological significance, the other is to view it from the perspective of the three disciples.
Looking at it theologically it is highly significant in what it tells us about who Jesus is, His relationship to the Father, and His relationship to the Old Testament scriptures (and no doubt much more besides).
First, He is transformed, or transfigured, and took on a brilliant white appearance, showing that something special is happening. Then Elijah and Moses appear with Him, and they are talking to Jesus. Moses and Elijah represent the Law and the Prophets from the OT. This shows that Jesus is indeed the messiah spoken of in the OT, and that who He is and all that He does is consistent with the OT revelation.
Next a cloud appears and a voice from heaven affirms that Jesus is God's Son, and that we should listen to Him. This affirms the deity of Christ, and His relationship to the Father.
Now consider how the disciples were feeling. Probably pretty confused by what Jesus had said to them, the issues we considered in the last day or two. They needed some encouragement, some affirmation that Jesus really was the messiah. So Jesus takes the three closest disciples with Him up the mountain. Note also that the revelation takes things further. We all go through times when we are confused about what God is doing in our lives, or about how or where our lives are going. When we go through these times we will often find that afterwards we will have an increased revelation of who Christ is.
Peter, as always, opens his big mouth. Later, when Jesus spoke about rising from the dead it continues to go right over their heads. So they ask Jesus a question that they knew something about, namely that Elijah was supposed to come. Jesus' answer indicates that John the Baptist was the Elijah figure.
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