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17 After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. 3 Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.
4 Peter
said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will
put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”
6 When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. 7 But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” 8 When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus."
It has long been kibitzed by theologians "why Moses and Elijah?" It is interesting to note that Peter immediately knew who they were, how? It is my idea that the oral traditions and stories passed down from generation to generation gave some detail. Peter wants to build some shelters to commemorate this momentous occasion, his friend shinning and glorified and talking with 2 of the all time greats.
What were they speaking about?This side of glory, I have no speculation, but I do have a feeling of what they represent-the form and structure of the church that will shortly be created.
Moses clearly is identified with the law. The Torah, the written, timeless, and unchanging word of God. The illumination of the holy character of God. The law that Jesus came to full fill-not set aside.
This word comes to us today as the Holy Scriptures. This is what Moses brought down from Sinai to the chosen people of God.
Elijah-represents the prophets-the stories, traditions, and forms that have evolved down through the ages. They evolve because the Holy Spirit of God lives in every believer-The Theology and Philosophy of Augustine and Anselm, the piety of St Francis, the missionary zeal of Graham and Livingstone, the care of Mother Teresa, and the Holy Spirit keeps creating new stories in the hearts and minds of every believer.
All this comes down to one person Jesus. He is the focal point-the voice from heaven said "listen to him." The Author and Perfecter of our faith. The faith in Christ Jesus alone. When the disciples looked around-they saw no one but Jesus. There was no need for any other. The Law and Prophets all come down to Him. Jesus being a reformer used the Old Testament model and adapts it to his new covenant church.
Big D
