The Conversation

The Mount of Transfiguration stands as a pivotal moment in the Gospels, offering a profound glimpse into the divine nature of Jesus Christ and the continuity between the Old and New Testaments. This event, witnessed by Peter, James, and John, features the appearance of Moses and Elijah alongside Jesus, sparking contemplation about the significance of these figures and their dialogue regarding Jesus’ impending ‘departure’.

The Divine Gathering
Moses: Represents the Law. Led the Israelites out of Egypt. Mediated the Old Covenant.	Moses’s presence symbolizes the Law. As the giver of the Law, Moses embodies the foundation upon which God’s covenant with Israel was built. His appearance affirms that Jesus did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17). This continuity demonstrates that God’s plan for humanity has been unfolding since the beginning.
Elijah: Represents the Prophets. A powerful prophet who confronted idolatry. Expected to return before the Messiah.	Elijah’s presence symbolizes the Prophets. Elijah, known for his fiery zeal and miraculous ministry, represents the prophetic tradition that foretold the coming of the Messiah. His appearance alongside Jesus signifies that Jesus is the fulfillment of those prophecies, the one whom the prophets spoke of.
The Conversation: Jesus’ Departure

The Gospels record that Moses and Elijah spoke with Jesus about his ‘departure,’ which Luke specifies as his exodus (Luke 9:31). This was not merely a casual conversation; it was a discussion about the central event in God’s plan for salvation: Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.

This conversation holds immense significance:

• Fulfillment of Prophecy: Jesus’ suffering and death were foretold in the Old Testament. This conversation affirms that Jesus was consciously walking towards the fulfillment of these prophecies.
• Redemption: Jesus’ death was not a defeat but a victory over sin and death. The ‘departure’ was the means by which he would redeem humanity.
• Preparation: The conversation served as a divine affirmation and preparation for Jesus as he faced the immense weight of his impending sacrifice.

Jesus: The Kinsman Redeemer

The concept of the Kinsman Redeemer is crucial to understanding Jesus’ role. In the Old Testament, the kinsman redeemer was a relative who had the responsibility to redeem or rescue a family member from slavery, debt, or other dire circumstances. To qualify as the kinsman redeemer, a person had to meet specific criteria:

• Be a relative: Jesus became related to humanity through his incarnation.
• Be able to pay the price of redemption: Jesus, being fully God and fully man, was able to pay the ultimate price for sin through his sinless life and atoning death.
• Be willing to redeem: Jesus willingly laid down his life for humanity, demonstrating his love and commitment to our redemption.

The presence of Moses and Elijah on the Mount of Transfiguration underscores these points:

• Fulfillment of the Law: Jesus perfectly fulfilled the Law, demonstrating his sinless nature and ability to be the perfect sacrifice.
• Accuracy of Prophecies: Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection fulfilled numerous prophecies, confirming his identity as the Messiah and the Kinsman Redeemer.

Conclusion

The Mount of Transfiguration provides a powerful revelation of Jesus’ divine glory and his central role in God’s plan of redemption. The presence of Moses and Elijah underscores the continuity between the Old and New Testaments, highlighting Jesus as the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. Their conversation about Jesus’ ‘departure’ emphasizes the significance of his crucifixion and resurrection as the means by which he redeems humanity, fulfilling his role as the ultimate Kinsman Redeemer. This event calls us to recognize Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, and to embrace the salvation he offers.

Doug Slay