Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters – one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.) (Mark 9:5-6)
We find today’s Word in the account of the Transfiguration of our Lord Jesus, when he took Peter, James, and John (His inner circle), up on a mountain. While there, Jesus is transfigured as His personal appearance was instantly changed into a heavenly and glorified form, giving Peter, James, John, and us, a glimpse of His divine glory and nature. Then all of a sudden, appearing with transfigured Jesus is Moses and Elijah. Why?
In order to begin to plumb the depths of this profound moment in the life of Jesus, we need to understand a little something about both of these great saints of God. Moses represents the Law and Elijah represents the Prophets. Now, when we read they are “talking with Jesus,” we are to understand this majestic moment on that mountain as a picture of the greater Moses and Elijah in Jesus, who fulfills both the Old Testament Law and the prophetic promises.
Peter is overwhelmed by this experience and once again, speaks before thinking, this time out of fear, as he suggests building three shelters (or booths used for the celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles), one for Moses, Elijah, and Jesus. The implication in the mind of Peter is that he sees all three on the same level and desires to prolong the experience. But then a voice comes from heaven to set things straight:
Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” (Mark 9:7)
Any confusion in comparing these three figures was suddenly corrected by God the Father from heaven. Both the Law and the Prophets were to be understood as pointing to Jesus and finding their fulfillment in Him. And we know that the three disciples eventually understood the truth of the transfiguration, that Jesus is the One and Only, as we read in what Peter wrote:
We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain. (2 Peter 1:16-18).
The Transfiguration of Jesus demonstrated both audibly and visibly that Jesus is the Son of God. And as the Son of God, He is the fulfillment of both the Law and the Prophets. If we desire to live a life of meaning, significance, and purpose, we must listen to Jesus. Is this the confession of your life? Are you listening to the Voice of Truth . . . the One and Only?
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 