The gospel report includes the actual transfiguration of Jesus and the conversation between him and the two men from heaven. The symbolism in the account suggests that the significance of this event is less in its historicity than in its theological meaning. Both Moses and Elijah, the glorified men who represent the law and the prophets respectively, also had encounters with God on mountains. While he is in a glorified state, the men speak with Jesus of his imminent ‘exodus’. Thus Jesus’ death was not a tragic mistake, something that he was unable to avoid. Rather, it was known beforehand by those who represented the entire religious tradition of Israel. It will take the actual unfolding of the events of Jesus’ death for the disciples to understand its meaning.