Why did Moses and Elijah appear with Jesus in Matthew 17:3? “Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared before them, talking with Jesus.” Identities of the Heavenly Guests • Moses – God’s chosen deliverer, mediator of the Law, author of the Torah (Exodus 3; Deuteronomy 34). • Elijah – foremost miracle-working prophet, zealous defender of true worship, taken to heaven without dying (1 Kings 17 – 2 Kings 2). Why Moses Appeared • Embodies the Law that foretold Christ (Deuteronomy 18:15-18; John 5:45-47). • His own ministry anticipated a greater Exodus that Jesus would accomplish through the cross (Luke 9:30-31, “They spoke about His departure [Greek exodos] which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem”). • Confirms continuity: the same God who delivered Israel through Moses now reveals His Son. • Displays resurrection hope—Moses died centuries earlier (Deuteronomy 34:5-6) yet stands alive in glory. Why Elijah Appeared • Represents the Prophets who pointed to Messiah (1 Kings 18; Malachi 4:5-6). • Foretold as the forerunner whose coming signals the Day of the LORD; his presence authenticates that the promised age has arrived (Matthew 11:13-14; 17:10-12). • His whirlwind translation (2 Kings 2:11) prefigures Christ’s ascension and believers’ future transformation (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). • Testifies that the prophetic word finds its fulfillment in Jesus (Luke 24:25-27). The Law and the Prophets United in Christ • “Everything must be fulfilled that is written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms” (Luke 24:44). • Their joint appearance declares that all Scripture converges on Jesus’ person and work. • God’s voice immediately follows—“This is My beloved Son…listen to Him!” (Matthew 17:5)—elevating Jesus above even these towering figures. A Preview of Kingdom Glory • The radiant scene foreshadows the Second Coming (2 Peter 1:16-18). • Disciples glimpse resurrected saints sharing Christ’s glory, strengthening their faith amid looming persecution. Assurance of Jesus’ Mission • Moses and Elijah converse about the cross (“departure”), underscoring that Calvary is not tragedy but divine plan. • Their presence validates that Jesus fulfills every covenant promise. Key Takeaways for Today • Scripture’s unity—Law and Prophets harmonize in Christ. • Certainty of resurrection—believers, like Moses and Elijah, will stand bodily with the Lord. • Confidence in Christ’s supremacy—when God says, “Listen to Him,” all other voices take a respectful second place. |
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