18. Once when Jesus was praying in solitude, and the disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?”
19. They said in reply, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, ‘One of the ancient prophets has arisen.’”
20. Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter said in reply, “The Messiah of God.”
21. He rebuked them and directed them not to tell this to anyone.
22. He said, “The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.”
23. Then he said to all, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
24. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.
25. What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself?
26. Whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.
27. Truly I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.”
28. About eight days after he said this, he took Peter, John, and James and went up the mountain to pray.
29. While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white.