Meaning of Matthew 17:3

The appearance of Moses and Elijah conversing with Jesus on the mountain during His transfiguration signifies a pivotal moment where the Old Covenant, represented by the Lawgiver (Moses) and the greatest prophet (Elijah), bears witness to and acknowledges the divine authority and fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. This event, occurring on a high mountain, evokes imagery of divine revelation and theophany, suggesting that Jesus is the culmination of all that the Law and the Prophets pointed towards. Their presence is not arbitrary; it serves to underscore Jesus' unique identity and mission, bridging the Old and New Testaments and revealing His glory as the Son of God, a truth further ratified by the voice from heaven shortly thereafter.

Context and Background

This verse is situated within the narrative of the Transfiguration of Jesus, which takes place shortly after Peter's confession of Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:13-20). Jesus had taken Peter, James, and John up a "high mountain" (Matthew 17:1), a setting often associated with divine encounters in the Old Testament (e.g., Mount Sinai, Mount Horeb). The purpose of this event was to reveal Jesus' divine glory to His closest disciples, strengthening their faith before the impending suffering and crucifixion. The appearance of Moses and Elijah is a key element of this revelation, providing a visible link between Jesus and the foundational figures of Israel's history.

Key Themes and Messages

• Jesus as the Fulfillment: Moses represents the Law, and Elijah represents the Prophets. Their presence alongside Jesus demonstrates that He is not an innovator outside of God's established covenant, but rather the ultimate fulfillment of both the Law and the prophetic promises. They are not there to instruct Jesus, but to converse with Him, indicating His supreme authority.
• Divine Authority and Witness: Moses and Elijah, two of the most significant figures in Israel's spiritual heritage, act as witnesses to Jesus' divine nature and mission. Their appearance validates Jesus' identity as the Messiah and Son of God, confirming what Peter had just confessed.
• Continuity of God's Plan: The event highlights the continuity of God's redemptive plan from the Old Testament to the New. The Law and the Prophets are not superseded or discarded, but rather find their ultimate meaning and purpose in Jesus.

Spiritual Significance and Application

For the disciples, this vision was profoundly significant. It offered them a glimpse of Jesus' heavenly glory, reinforcing their belief in His divine identity and providing them with encouragement and assurance during times of doubt and hardship, particularly in anticipation of the cross. For believers today, the Transfiguration, including this specific encounter, serves as a powerful reminder of Jesus' divinity and His ultimate authority. It calls us to trust in Him as the fulfillment of God's promises and to place our faith not just in the historical figures of the past, but in the living Christ who transcends them.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

The Transfiguration, and the appearance of Moses and Elijah, directly connects the Old Covenant with the New. Moses received the Law on a mountain; Elijah ascended to heaven from a mountain. Jesus, on a mountain, is transfigured, displaying a glory that surpasses both. This event underscores the overarching narrative of God's salvation history, showing Jesus as the climax of His dealings with humanity. It bridges the gap between the anticipation of the Messiah in the Old Testament and the reality of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, in the New Testament.

Analogies

One analogy for this scene is a modern-day summit meeting where esteemed historical figures are brought together to acknowledge the leadership of a new, universally recognized authority. Imagine a gathering where the founders of a nation and its most influential historical leaders are seen in conversation with a universally acclaimed, benevolent, and wise contemporary leader. Their presence signifies their endorsement and the legitimacy of the new leader's reign. Another analogy could be a composer's masterpiece, where all the preceding musical phrases and themes, represented by Moses and Elijah, find their resolution and ultimate beauty in the final, glorious movement, represented by Jesus.

Relation to Other Verses

• Luke 9:30-31: Luke's Gospel also records the Transfiguration, stating that Moses and Elijah "appeared in glory and spoke of his departure (exodus) which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem." This adds the crucial detail that their conversation focused on Jesus' impending death and resurrection, linking His glorious revelation directly to His redemptive work.
• John 1:17: John contrasts the Law given through Moses with grace and truth that came through Jesus Christ, echoing the theme of Jesus as the fulfillment.
• Deuteronomy 18:15, 18: Moses prophesied about a prophet like himself whom the Lord would raise up, to whom Israel was to listen. Jesus is that prophet, and His appearance on the Mount of Transfiguration, with Moses present, powerfully affirms this.
• Malachi 4:5: The Old Testament closes with the promise of Elijah's return before the "great and dreadful day of the Lord." His presence with Jesus indicates the dawning of this new era, with Jesus as the central figure.