Topical Encyclopedia The event of the Transfiguration is a significant moment in the New Testament, where Moses, a central figure of the Old Testament, appears alongside Elijah and Jesus Christ. This event is recorded in the Synoptic Gospels, specifically in Matthew 17:1-8, Mark 9:2-8, and Luke 9:28-36. The presence of Moses at the Transfiguration holds profound theological implications, symbolizing the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets in the person of Jesus Christ.Biblical Account In the Gospel of Matthew, the account begins with Jesus taking Peter, James, and John up a high mountain by themselves. "There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light" (Matthew 17:2). At this moment, Moses and Elijah appear, conversing with Jesus. The presence of Moses, the great lawgiver, signifies the Law, while Elijah represents the Prophets. Together, they embody the entirety of the Old Testament Scriptures, which find their culmination in Christ. Theological Significance Moses' appearance at the Transfiguration underscores the continuity and fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. As the mediator of the Old Covenant, Moses' presence affirms that Jesus is the promised Messiah who fulfills the Law. In Deuteronomy 18:15, Moses prophesied, "The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers. You must listen to him." The Transfiguration event echoes this prophecy, as God the Father declares from the cloud, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!" (Matthew 17:5). Symbolism and Fulfillment The Transfiguration serves as a divine endorsement of Jesus' mission and identity. Moses' presence symbolizes the Law's fulfillment, as Jesus embodies perfect obedience and righteousness. The dazzling transformation of Jesus' appearance prefigures His resurrection glory, offering a glimpse of the Kingdom of God. The disciples' witness to this event strengthens their faith, preparing them for the trials ahead and the eventual establishment of the Church. Moses and the New Covenant The presence of Moses at the Transfiguration also highlights the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant. Hebrews 3:5-6 contrasts Moses' role as a faithful servant in God's house with Christ's role as a Son over God's house. The Transfiguration affirms that Jesus is greater than Moses, inaugurating a new era of grace and truth. The Law, given through Moses, finds its ultimate purpose in leading believers to Christ, who fulfills its righteous requirements. Conclusion The Transfiguration is a pivotal moment that reveals the divine nature of Jesus and His fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. Moses' presence alongside Elijah and Jesus signifies the unity of God's redemptive history and the supremacy of Christ as the mediator of the New Covenant. This event invites believers to listen to Jesus, the beloved Son, and to recognize Him as the culmination of God's revelation and the hope of eternal glory. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 17:3,4And, behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elias talking with him. Nave's Topical Index Mark 9:4 Luke 9:30 Library The Transfiguration The Transfiguration. On the Morrow of the Transfiguration 'In the Holy Mount' Jesus Only Elijah's Weakness, and Its Cube John's First Testimony to Jesus. The Temptation of Jesus Christ's Transfiguration Jesus at the Well of Sychar Resources Who was Moses' wife? Did Moses have more than one wife? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can we learn from the relationship of Moses and Aaron? | GotQuestions.org Why does Moses have horns in some ancient statues / sculptures? | GotQuestions.org Moses: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Iconoclasm: Destroyed by Moses Moses is a Herdsman for Jethro in the Desert of Horeb Moses with Aaron Assembles the Leaders of Israel Moses with his Wife and Sons, he Leaves Jethro to Perform his Mission in Egypt Moses: A Levite and Son of Amram Moses: Appoints Joshua As his Successor Moses: Benedictions of Last Benediction Upon the Twelve Tribes Moses: Benedictions of Upon the People Moses: Character of Called the Man of God Moses: Character of Complainings of Moses: Character of God Spoke To, As a Man to his Friend Moses: Character of Impatience of Moses: Character of Magnanimity of, Toward Eldad and Medad Moses: Character of Magnified of God Moses: Character of Meekness of Moses: Character of Obedience of Moses: Character of Respected and Feared Moses: Character of Unaspiring Moses: Commissioned As Leader of the Israelites Moses: Composes a Song for the People of Israel on Their Deliverance from Pharaoh Moses: Crosses the Red Sea; Pharaoh and his Army are Destroyed Moses: Discovered and Adopted by the Daughter of Pharaoh Moses: Has the Vision of the Burning Bush Moses: Hidden in a Small Basket Moses: His Controversy With his Wife on Account of Circumcision Moses: His Loyalty to his Race Moses: His Rod Miraculously Turned Into a Serpent, and his Hand Was Made Leprous, and Then Restored Moses: Institutes a System of Government Moses: Jealousy of Aaron and Miriam Toward Moses: Joined by his Family in the Wilderness Moses: Joins Himself to Jethro, Priest of Midian Moses: Learned in all the Wisdom of Egypt Moses: Meets Aaron in the Wilderness Moses: Mourning For, Thirty Days in the Plains of Moab Moses: Not Permitted to Enter Canaan, But Views the Land from Atop Mount Pisgah Moses: People Complain Against Moses and Aaron Moses: Present With Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration Moses: Rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Against Moses: Receives Comfort and Assurance from the Lord Moses: Rejected by Pharaoh; Hardships of the Israelites Increased Moses: Renews his Appeal to Pharaoh Moses: Reproves Aaron For: Irregularity in the offerings Moses: Reproves Aaron For: Making the Golden Calf Moses: Secures the Deliverance of the People and Leads Them out of Egypt Moses: Takes the Life of an Egyptian Taskmaster Moses: Under Divine Direction Brings Plagues Upon the Land of Egypt Mutiny: Israelites Against Moses Related Terms Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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