THE MESSAGE BEHIND MOSES AND ELIJAH APPEARING TO JESUS

THE MESSAGE BEHIND MOSES AND ELIJAH APPEARING TO JESUS

Blessed be the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Welcome as we reflect together on the eternal truths of God’s Word.

There are important questions regarding the event when Moses and Elijah appeared to Jesus on the mountain while He prayed with His three disciples—Peter, John, and James:

1. How could Jesus be visited by Moses, who had died many years earlier and had been buried by God Himself (cf. Deuteronomy 34:5-6, ESV)?

2. Why did Moses and Elijah appear to Him? What significance did their presence carry?

To answer these, let us look at the Scripture:

Luke 9:28-31 (ESV):

“Now about eight days after these sayings, he took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white. And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.”

The key phrase is verse 31: “who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.”

Thus, the purpose of Moses and Elijah appearing to Jesus was to reveal God’s plan for His approaching death, resurrection, and ascension—the ultimate fulfillment of salvation.

Understanding Moses’ Role

Moses had died centuries earlier and was buried by God (Deuteronomy 34:5-6). Yet, God allowed him to appear in glory to testify prophetically about Jesus’ death.

Before Christ’s sacrifice, the spirits of the righteous were in the underworld, awaiting redemption (Luke 16:19-31, ESV; cf. 1 Peter 3:18-20, ESV). God could bring them temporarily to deliver a prophetic message. A biblical example is Samuel appearing through the medium of Endor (1 Samuel 28:7-19, ESV) to speak God’s word about Saul’s fate.

Similarly, Moses’ appearance symbolized a prophetic witness to Jesus’ death, even though he had already died. This demonstrates that God’s plan transcends life and death: He orchestrates His purposes even through those who have passed on.

After Christ’s resurrection, no one can summon the dead because Jesus took the keys of death and Hades (Revelation 1:18, ESV).

Understanding Elijah’s Role

Elijah never died but was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind (2 Kings 2:11, ESV). He fully understood heavenly realities and was sent by God to testify prophetically about Jesus’ ascension and authority in heaven.

Elijah’s presence emphasizes that Christ’s mission involved not only death (Moses) but also ascension (Elijah). His appearance provided confirmation of Jesus’ future glorification in heaven.

Theological Significance

Moses and Elijah functioned as heavenly witnesses to God’s redemptive plan:

• Moses represented Jesus’ death and the fulfillment of God’s covenant promises (Romans 5:8-10, ESV).

• Elijah represented Jesus’ ascension and exaltation to heavenly authority (Philippians 2:9-11, ESV).

This event foreshadowed Jesus’ death, resurrection, and eventual return. The dazzling brightness of His face symbolizes the glory of His resurrection and the authority He will exercise when He returns (Matthew 17:2, ESV).

Application: Are You Ready?

Just as the prophecies of His death and ascension were fulfilled, so will His return (Acts 1:9-11, ESV; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, ESV). Signs are evident, and the time is near. Christ will come to gather His saints, and those left behind will face judgment and tribulation (Matthew 24:29-31, ESV).

Have you prepared your heart?

• Have you believed in Jesus and repented of your sins (Acts 3:19, ESV)?

• Have you been baptized as He commanded (Matthew 28:19-20, ESV)?

• Have you received the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:5, ESV; Acts 2:38, ESV)?

Do not delay. Receive Jesus today, be baptized, and be filled with the Holy Spirit. The day of His coming is near.

The Lord bless you.
Maranatha!

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