How does Matthew 17:3 affirm Jesus' fulfillment of the Law and Prophets? “Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared before them, talking with Jesus.” Why Moses and Elijah? • Moses embodies the Law—the first five books delivered through him. • Elijah stands out as the premier prophet and a representative of the Prophets as a whole. • Their joint appearance forms a living résumé of the entire Old Testament witness: “the Law and the Prophets.” • Both men were associated with mountaintop revelations (Exodus 19; 1 Kings 19), linking their past encounters with God to this climactic revelation of God’s Son. Signal of Fulfillment • They are not debating Jesus; they are conversing with Him, acknowledging His authority. • By placing the Law-giver and the chief prophet beside Jesus, Scripture shows that everything they wrote and foretold converges in Him. • The Father’s voice moments later—“This is My beloved Son…listen to Him” (Matthew 17:5)—directs attention away from the former messengers to the One who completes their message. • The encounter happens “suddenly,” underscoring divine initiative; fulfillment is God’s agenda, not human effort. Scripture Echoes • Matthew 5:17–18—“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them.” • Luke 9:31—Moses and Elijah “spoke about His departure, which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem,” confirming that the cross and resurrection are the capstone of fulfillment. • Luke 24:27, 44—Jesus explains “all the Scriptures” concerning Himself, “beginning with Moses and all the Prophets.” • Deuteronomy 18:15—Moses foretold a prophet like himself; the Transfiguration shows that Prophet has arrived. • Hebrews 1:1–2—God “spoke in times past” through prophets, “but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son.” Practical Takeaways • Scripture’s unity: the Old Testament and New Testament form a single storyline centered on Christ. • Confidence in Jesus’ authority: if Moses and Elijah yield to Him, so should we. • Assurance of completed redemption: the Law’s demands and the Prophets’ hopes converge in Jesus, leaving no unfinished business in God’s plan of salvation. |
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