Note to the Teacher

The key phrase in this Scripture (for this lesson) is “awe and wonder.” The Icebreaker invites youth to imagine through acting. The Discussion encourages conversation about change and transformation. The Activity allows youth to explore their “inner glow” through art. Times, based on a 55-minute lesson period, can be adjusted.

Mountain Metamorphosis Theatre (15 minutes)

Pick one player to be "Jesus," another to be "Moses" and another "Elijah," and have the rest play "disciples." Change roles each round so everyone gets a chance to act out different parts.

Draw a Scene Card (see below): The player acting as "Jesus" will draw a card from the deck. Each card has a fun twist on the Transfiguration story (see attached options).

Act Out the Scene: The players acting as "Jesus," "Moses," and "Elijah" bring the scene to life based on the prompt, using funny props and costumes to enhance their characters. The disciples react with exaggerated surprise or make humorous comments about the transformation.

Add Dialogue: Encourage the actors to think of funny lines inspired by the scene and their new looks. For instance:

Peter: “Wait, Moses, did you just pull a staff out of that bag? Are you trying to part the Red Sea here too?”
Jesus: “Yep, TSA was strict, but you never know when a miracle might come in handy!”

Guess the “True Form”: After each scene, the disciples will try to guess the “true form,” or essence of each character based on their costumes or transformations in that round. Were they aiming to express “courage”? “Wisdom”? Or just some “glow-in-the-dark” fun?

Option 1:

Consider having your adults play as well and help them egg on the disciples. If you have a pile of costume items from past vacation Bible schools, consider pulling those out and using them.

Option 2:

Get extra creative with dialogue and facial expressions. Consider adding a silent Transfiguration, a mime Transfiguration, or even a “say the scene as fast as you can.”

Read Scripture (5 minutes)

Our Scripture reading today may be familiar to you. Take a breath. Ready yourself to imagine your role in the story. Exodus 34:29-35 and Luke 9:28-36

Discussion (15 minutes)

How do you see these two passages as connected?
Both Moses and Jesus were visibly transformed after being with God. Have you ever had an internal experience that changed you, even if it wasn't seen? How did it affect your connection with God or others? Have you ever had an experience that changed how you acted afterward or changed something that you believe?
How do you reconcile “mountaintop” spiritual experiences with everyday challenges? Do these moments shift your perspective on daily activities?
Moses veiled his face due to the Israelites' fear of his transformation, just as the disciples feared during Jesus’ Transfiguration. Why do you think that powerful spiritual experiences might unsettle people? How can we muster the courage to be bold in our faith (and true to ourselves when we experience a change), despite potential discomfort for others?

Activity and Discussion (20 minutes)

Take this lesson to the next level by involving students’ hands and imaginations. Ask students to reflect on having an “inner glow” and how meaningful experiences with God can illuminate their lives. Encourage them to think of symbols that represent transformation, light, or growth.

On a sheet of paper, ask each person to draw an outline of a face, a figure, or a symbol that represents them, using a black marker for emphasis. Using highlighters, they can add lines, rays, or dots radiating from their figure, highlighting areas where they feel their “inner light” is strongest. They should choose colors that feel vibrant and alive and can layer colors or add patterns for a dynamic effect. Next, they can write or draw something personal within or around their figure with a highlighter for a “secret glow.” Finally, dim the lights and let them shine a phone or flashlight on their artwork to reveal how the highlighter “glows,” emphasizing the concept of a “hidden radiance.”

Points for discussion:

Both Moses and Jesus exhibit a marked transformation after profound encounters with God: Moses' face shines after speaking with God, while Jesus is transfigured on the mountain before his disciples. These changes symbolize the profound impact of God’s presence.
After their mountaintop experiences, Moses and Jesus, along with their followers, return to lead and resume regular life with renewed purpose and insight.

TOTAL TIME: 55 Minutes

NEEDED RESOURCES:

Props for acting
Random items to add to the props (you might invite students to bring two or three props from home)
White paper
Black, brown, purple, or blue markers
Yellow highlighters
A few flashlights

Scene Cards:

Suddenly, Jesus' face starts glowing, and he's wearing ... a pair of sunglasses and a feather boa!
Moses arrives with a suitcase labeled “Wilderness Essentials” and says he needs to go through a TSA-style security check with Jesus.
Moses arrives flustered, frantically searching for his staff but instead pulls out a feather duster, a spatula, and a squeaky toy. The disciples try to assist him in unraveling the mix-up.
Elijah, dressed like a wilderness survival expert, offers Jesus and the disciples camping tips, urging everyone to construct their own "tent" with available props. The Voice, a chosen narrator, comments on each tent.
Moses and Elijah arrive as a "Glam Squad" with makeup brushes and combs, ready to give Jesus a glow-up and style advice to prepare him for the Transfiguration moment.
Elijah urges everyone to sample his wilderness snacks such as “locust and honey granola” and “wild cactus juice,” prompting the disciples to make dramatic "yuck" faces at the unusual flavors.
Elijah whispers "top secret" prophetic tips to the disciples: "always wear desert colors" and "seize the chance to disappear dramatically." The disciples, in awe, eagerly take notes.
Each disciple takes turns humorously describing Jesus' glowing appearance, saying things like, "He's as bright as my mom's new lamp!" or "It's like he swallowed a lantern!