How could Moses and Elijah, being dead, appear and talk with Jesus? What did they talk about? Matthew 17:1–9; Mark 9:2–10; Luke 9:28–36
The Bible says a bit about what happened, but we don’t know much about the who and why. Jesus, being led of the Spirit, took three disciples with him to witness his discussion with Moses and Elijah. We should not be surprised if Peter got the wrong idea. With further thought, we might gain some insight about what was accomplished and why.
Jesus in Radiant Glory
Jesus has just revealed to his disciples that he would soon die and be raised from the dead. Now, Peter, James, and John see Jesus aglow with unapproachable light. Moses and Elijah appear, perhaps responding to Jesus’ greeting them by name. We aren’t told how Peter knew their identities, but he was sufficiently impressed to think shrines should be built for each person.
A booming voice from the clouds said, “This is my dearly loved son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to him.” Terrified, the disciples fell facedown on the ground. God spoke the same affirming words at baptism, at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. Now, that ministry is on the verge of being completed.
We can be sure the transformation experience was important, or the Spirit would not have led Jesus to the mountain. That God again said, “This is my dearly loved son, in whom I am well pleased,” speaks to Jesus’ relentless obedience to the direction of the Spirit and his commitment even unto death. Nevertheless, Jesus needed help.
Moses and Elijah
Of all great people of faith who might have appeared with Jesus that day, Moses showed up, not Noah, Abraham, or David. Surely, the prophet Isaiah with his wonderful portrayals of the coming Messiah should have been there, but no. We have Elijah. With other choices that we might think equally important, if not more so, we should ask why these two men had something most crucial to say to Jesus.
In their appearance, we should note that their form was real, but not necessarily in the physical sense. How angels can appear and disappear, be mistaken for physical beings, and eat food is a reality that has no scientific explanation. While it’s the kind of stuff that makes great science fiction, this event was far from being a fantasy. Of all the great men of faith, these two men had essential words about the days ahead. At the temptations and the passionate prayers at Gethsemane, angels came to strengthen Jesus. Here, we have two people who have died but now have something words to encourage Jesus for the days ahead.
The Crucial Discussion
Moses brought the Law that defined sin and disobedience. Nobody could fulfill all its provisions, and no sacrifice was sufficient to cover people’s guilt and change their hearts. Moses would confirm that Jesus was destined to accomplish all that the Law had been unable to do.
Elijah was the great prophet who did mighty miracles, called Israel to repentance, and foretold the coming of the Messiah, whose voice had continued through the mouth of John the baptizer. Elijah would remind Jesus of all the prophetic words that would be fulfilled at the cross when “it was finished.”
Jesus knew the mission, but the flesh and emotional side of his being needed help. The pain and suffering—all that was necessary. He already knew that. But knowing and doing are two different things. What Jesus received in transfiguration and discussion with Moses and Elijah allowed him to go down from the mountaintop with great confidence, when he would again be among doubting disciples and unbelievers.
What We Can Learn
The Transfiguration is more than just an historical event. We are helped in our relationship with the Lord as we gain better understanding of God’s perfect plan and how it was being fulfilled.
- Jesus is the answer. Everything in the Old Testament—the Law, the Prophets, and the Promises of God—point to Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life.
- Suffering validates the prize. Just as Jesus had to suffer before being glorified, paying the price, we too must endure trials before entering God’s Kingdom with righteousness greater than the Pharisees and teachers of the Law.
- We must listen to Jesus’ words, which are spirit and life. God’s command to Peter, James, and John was: “Listen to him.” Above everything else in Scripture, we should pay special attention to Jesus’ words and seek to understand what he meant.
- We get a glimpse of eternal glory. We don’t know what our bodies will be like, but we do know we’ll be like Jesus, transfigured into his likeness.
If we choose to be like Jesus, following the direction of God’s presence who is with us and within us, we will fulfill his plan for our lives and won’t seek satisfaction of fleshly desires. One day, we too will say, “It is finished.”
After Jesus told the disciples about his need to die … Simon Peter and the two brothers, James and John … saw his whole appearance change. His face shone bright as the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and talked with him. — Matthew 17:1–3 The Discussion Bible
For many more open-ended discussion questions for almost every verse in the Bible, check out The Discussion Bible
$9.95 Ebook
$19.95
New Testament
$26.95
Old Testament
Volume 1
