Matthew 17:3 - Behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them talking with him.
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What does "Matthew 17:3" mean?
Matthew 17:3 is a key verse in the Transfiguration account. Let's break down what it signifies:
"Behold": This word is often used in the Gospels to draw attention to something significant and unexpected. It tells the reader to pay close attention to what follows.
"Moses and Elijah appeared to them": This is the core of the verse. Moses and Elijah, two of the most important figures in the Old Testament, suddenly materialize and are visible to Peter, James, and John, who were with Jesus on the mountain.
Moses: Represents the Law. He was the lawgiver who received the Ten Commandments from God on Mount Sinai.
Elijah: Represents the Prophets. He was a powerful prophet who challenged the rulers of Israel and performed miracles. Jewish tradition also held that Elijah would return to announce the coming of the Messiah.
"talking with him": This indicates a conversation taking place between Moses, Elijah, and Jesus. The content of their conversation is not explicitly stated in Matthew's Gospel, but Luke 9:31 indicates they were discussing Jesus' upcoming departure (Greek: exodos) which refers to his death and resurrection in Jerusalem.
Overall Significance:
Fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets: The presence of Moses and Elijah shows that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets, the foundation of the Old Testament. They both point to Jesus as the Messiah.
Jesus' Divine Authority: Their appearance and conversation with Jesus affirms his divine authority and status. It's a moment of divine validation.
Foretelling of Jesus' Death and Resurrection: The conversation about Jesus' "departure" hints at the importance of his death and resurrection as part of God's plan for salvation.
Connection between Old and New Testaments: The transfiguration scene acts as a bridge between the Old and New Testaments, showing the continuity and completion of God's plan.
Witness for the Disciples: Peter, James, and John were given a special glimpse of Jesus' glory and a confirmation of his identity, which would be important for them to remember after Jesus' crucifixion.
In essence, this verse is a powerful statement about Jesus' identity, his mission, and his place in God's plan for salvation. It is a visual and dramatic illustration of the connection between the Old and New Testaments and a foreshadowing of Jesus' upcoming death and resurrection.
Matthew 17:3 - Behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them talking with him.
What does "Matthew 17:3" mean?
Matthew 17:3 is a key verse in the Transfiguration account. Let's break down what it signifies:
"Behold": This word is often used in the Gospels to draw attention to something significant and unexpected. It tells the reader to pay close attention to what follows.
"Moses and Elijah appeared to them": This is the core of the verse. Moses and Elijah, two of the most important figures in the Old Testament, suddenly materialize and are visible to Peter, James, and John, who were with Jesus on the mountain.
Moses: Represents the Law. He was the lawgiver who received the Ten Commandments from God on Mount Sinai.
Elijah: Represents the Prophets. He was a powerful prophet who challenged the rulers of Israel and performed miracles. Jewish tradition also held that Elijah would return to announce the coming of the Messiah.
"talking with him": This indicates a conversation taking place between Moses, Elijah, and Jesus. The content of their conversation is not explicitly stated in Matthew's Gospel, but Luke 9:31 indicates they were discussing Jesus' upcoming departure (Greek: exodos) which refers to his death and resurrection in Jerusalem.
Overall Significance:
Fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets: The presence of Moses and Elijah shows that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets, the foundation of the Old Testament. They both point to Jesus as the Messiah.
Jesus' Divine Authority: Their appearance and conversation with Jesus affirms his divine authority and status. It's a moment of divine validation.
Foretelling of Jesus' Death and Resurrection: The conversation about Jesus' "departure" hints at the importance of his death and resurrection as part of God's plan for salvation.
Connection between Old and New Testaments: The transfiguration scene acts as a bridge between the Old and New Testaments, showing the continuity and completion of God's plan.
Witness for the Disciples: Peter, James, and John were given a special glimpse of Jesus' glory and a confirmation of his identity, which would be important for them to remember after Jesus' crucifixion.
In essence, this verse is a powerful statement about Jesus' identity, his mission, and his place in God's plan for salvation. It is a visual and dramatic illustration of the connection between the Old and New Testaments and a foreshadowing of Jesus' upcoming death and resurrection.