PETER’S CONFESSION OF THE MESSIAH

18 While he was praying in privateaq and his disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?”

19 They answered, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, that one of the ancient prophets has come back.”A,a

20 “But you,” he asked them, “who do you say that I am?”

Peter answered, “God’s Messiah.”b

HIS DEATH AND RESURRECTION PREDICTED

21 But he strictly warned and instructed them to tell this to no one,c 22 saying,d “It is necessary that the Son of Mane suffer many thingsf and be rejectedg by the elders, chief priests, and scribes,h be killed, and be raised the third day.”i

TAKE UP YOUR CROSS

23 Then he said to them all, “If anyone wants to follow afterB me, let him deny himself,j take up his cross daily,C and follow me.k 24 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me will save it.l 25 For what does it benefit someone if he gains the whole world, and yet loses or forfeits himself?m 26 For whoever is ashamed of me and my words,n the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his gloryo and that of the Father and the holy angels.p 27 Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste deathq until they see the kingdom of God.”r

THE TRANSFIGURATION

28 About eight days after this conversation,s he took along Peter, John, and Jamest and went up on the mountain to pray.u 29 As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed,v and his clothes became dazzling white.w 30 Suddenly, two men were talking with him—Moses and Elijah. 31 They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish in Jerusalem.