For he received from God the Father honor and glory, when words such as these were borne to him by the magnificent glory: ‘This is my son, my beloved, whom I myself have approved’

(2 Peter 1:16-18)

“[Jesus] was transfigured before them, and his face shone as the sun, and his outer garments became brilliant as the light.” Thus the three apostles had confirmed to them that Jesus’ coming in Kingdom power would indeed be glorious. Then a “bright cloud” formed and a voice came out of it, saying: “This is my Son, the beloved, whom I have approved; listen to him.”​—Matthew 17:1-5.

Peter, James and John saw Jesus Christ glorified before their very eyes, and they heard God’s own voice sounding forth from the bright cloud or the “magnificent glory.” This voice acknowledged Jesus as being the beloved Son. The acknowledgment and the brilliant appearance that was then granted him were truly a bestowal of honor and glory on Jesus.