Matthew 17:3
“And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.”
Context:This verse is part of the account commonly known as the Transfiguration, which is found in Matthew 17:1-8. It describes a significant event in the life of Jesus, where His appearance was temporarily changed in the presence of three of His disciples: Peter, James, and John.
To gain a better understanding of Matthew 17:3, it’s helpful to examine the broader context of the Transfiguration narrative. The event takes place shortly after Peter’s confession that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:16). Jesus had just revealed to His disciples that He would suffer, be killed, and be raised to life again (Matthew 16:21). This revelation was troubling to the disciples, so Jesus took Peter, James, and John up to a high mountain to pray (Matthew 17:1).
During their time of prayer on the mountain, Jesus’ appearance was transformed or transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as light (Matthew 17:2). This supernatural transformation revealed the glory and divine nature of Jesus to the disciples. It was a glimpse of His heavenly glory, a foretaste of the resurrection and the coming kingdom of God.
In verse 3, Moses and Elijah, two prominent figures from the Old Testament, appear and begin conversing with Jesus. Moses represents the Law, as he was the one who received the Ten Commandments and led the Israelites out of Egypt. Elijah represents the prophets, as he was a powerful prophet in Israel’s history. The presence of Moses and Elijah emphasizes the continuity between the Law, the Prophets, and the person and work of Jesus.
The conversation between Jesus, Moses, and Elijah is not explicitly mentioned in this verse, but Luke 9:30-31 sheds some light on it. Luke’s account states that Moses and Elijah were speaking with Jesus about His upcoming departure, which He was about to accomplish in Jerusalem. This departure refers to Jesus’ death and subsequent resurrection, which would take place in Jerusalem.
The presence of Moses and Elijah at the Transfiguration underscores Jesus’ fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. It signifies the continuity between the Old Testament and the New Testament, demonstrating that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah who brings the fulfillment of God’s promises.
The Transfiguration also serves as an affirmation of Jesus’ identity as the Son of God. A voice from a bright cloud, identified as the voice of God the Father, declares, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him” (Matthew 17:5). This declaration emphasizes the authority and deity of Jesus and instructs the disciples to listen to Him.
In summary, Matthew 17:3 is part of the account of the Transfiguration, where Moses and Elijah appear and converse with Jesus. This event highlights Jesus’ divine glory, His fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets, and God’s affirmation of Jesus as His beloved Son. It serves as a pivotal moment in the disciples’ understanding of Jesus’ identity and mission.
