The answer is: Elisha

Elisha was the one who didn't appear. Elijah is written as Elias in the KJV New Testament. Matt 17

The Transfiguration is one of the most mystical and awe-inspiring events in the New Testament! It's like a heavenly sneak peek where Jesus gets a makeover and glows bright, and guess who drops by? None other than Moses and Elijah! They represent the Law and the Prophets, really highlighting the essence of the Hebrew Scriptures. But wait—where’s Elisha in the spotlight?

Elisha was a significant prophet too, and his absence here is intriguing. Remember, he carried on Elijah's work and performed many miraculous deeds, echoing Elijah’s powerful legacy. His name means "God is salvation," so even if he's not present, he still symbolizes that divine connection.

Fun fact: some Biblical scholars make a strong case for the idea that Jesus’ conversation with Moses and Elijah was all about His upcoming journey toward the Cross. And here's a curious little tidbit—Christian traditions often connect the figures in significant events. For instance, in Jewish tradition, the hope of one like Elijah returning happened during Passover, showing how deep these prophets’ meaning intertwines with anticipation for the Messiah.

So, while Elijah gets the glory at the Transfiguration, perhaps Elisha’s mission lives on; he underscores that succession in God’s plan can happen in one's visibility and belonging. When studying these narratives, every character sheds light in different ways, enriching the understanding of our spiritual paths together!