The disciples had been following Jesus for some time. They had seen the mighty miracles that he performed and they were commissioned by Jesus. When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. - Luke 9:1 NIV
They had been given the power and authority to preach the kingdom of God, but they didn't realize exactly what that meant. In Jesus' response to Peter's confession, that he was the Christ, Jesus promised that they would see the kingdom of God. ' I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God." - Luke 9:27 NIV
And sure enough, about eight days later, according to Luke, Jesus took Peter, John, and James up onto a mountain to pray. While the three disciples were sleeping, Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. (Luke 9:30-32) When the disciples woke up, they saw the three men with Jesus and Peter's immediate response was to blurt out, "Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." (He did not know what he was saying.) (Luke 9:33)
He didn't know what he was saying. His view of the kingdom of God was very limited. He didn't yet see that the kingdom of God was Jesus and Jesus alone. It was not Moses or Elijah or any of the other patriarchs, kings, judges, or prophets that preceded him. Only Jesus could usher in the kingdom of God. As Peter was speaking, something similar to what happened when Jesus was baptized occurred: While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. A voice came from the cloud, saying, "This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him." When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves, and told no one at that time what they had seen. - Luke 9:34-36 NIV
They may have missed Jesus' baptism, but they didn't miss this. Now they have seen, they have heard. They have glimpsed the kingdom of God.
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