Connect Mark 9:4 with Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah. The Scene on the Mountain “ ‘And Elijah appeared to them with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus.’ ” (Mark 9:4) Why Moses and Elijah Stand Beside Jesus • Moses embodies the Law; Elijah represents the Prophets—together summarizing all Scripture that points to the Messiah (Luke 24:27). • Both experienced mountaintop revelations of God’s glory (Exodus 34:29–35; 1 Kings 19:8–18), foreshadowing this literal revelation of Christ’s glory. • Each left earth in extraordinary ways—Moses buried by God (Deuteronomy 34:5–6), Elijah taken up alive (2 Kings 2:11)—anticipating the risen, ascended Messiah. Old Testament Prophecies Echoed in Mark 9:4 1. Deuteronomy 18:15–19—The Prophet like Moses • God promised: “ ‘The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers’ ” (v. 15). • By conversing with Moses, Jesus is identified as that greater Prophet who perfectly reveals God (John 1:18). 2. Malachi 4:5–6—Elijah as Forerunner • “ ‘Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD.’ ” • Elijah’s presence at the Transfiguration confirms that the promised forerunner has heralded the Messiah (cf. Mark 1:2–4; 9:12–13). 3. Psalm 2:6–7—The Anointed Son • The Father’s voice (Mark 9:7) repeats the psalm: “ ‘You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.’ ” • The appearance of Moses and Elijah underscores that the Law and the Prophets affirm this royal Sonship. 4. Psalm 110:1—Messiah’s Authority • “ ‘Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.’ ” • By standing with Jesus, Israel’s greatest lawgiver and prophet visually submit to the One seated at God’s right hand. 5. Isaiah 9:2; 60:1—Revealed Glory • “ ‘The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.’ ” • Jesus’ radiant face (Mark 9:3) fulfills Isaiah’s promise of divine light breaking through Israel’s darkness. 6. Daniel 7:13–14—The Son of Man in Glory • Daniel saw “ ‘One like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven.’ ” • The Transfiguration previews that enthronement, witnessed by Moses and Elijah as courtly “two witnesses” (Deuteronomy 19:15). Specific Links Between the Texts • Shining Face: Moses’ glowing face after receiving the Law (Exodus 34:29–35) prefigures Jesus’ transfigured face, showing a glory greater than the Law. • Cloud of Glory: The cloud that covered Sinai (Exodus 19:16–18) and filled the Temple (1 Kings 8:10–11) parallels the cloud enveloping the mountain (Mark 9:7), declaring Jesus as the true dwelling place of God’s presence. • Prophetic Confirmation: Elijah’s earlier mountaintop experience of the still, small voice (1 Kings 19:12) is answered here by the Father’s voice identifying the beloved Son. Implications for Understanding the Messiah • Jesus perfectly fulfills the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah). • The Transfiguration affirms His divine Sonship and prefigures His resurrection glory. • Old Testament promises converge on Jesus, validating Him as the long–awaited Messiah without dismantling the trustworthiness of any prophetic word. |
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