The Transfiguration
28 Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. 29 And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white.30 And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah, 31 who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. 32 Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, but when they became fully awake they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. 33 And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said. 34 As he was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!” 36 And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen.
Observations and Reflections
There were many prophets and those chosen by God who walked the earth and fulfilled God’s purposes and plan for this world. Elijah and Moses were two main figures that God used to rescue and save the nation of Israel. However, these men and many others, were not on the same level of Jesus Christ. It is fundamental that we understand that now that Jesus has entered the scene, He was going to not only save the nation of Israel, but the entire world.
Peter had to realize that Jesus Christ was the one and only chosen one. The true Savior of this world and therefore the only one whom they should be glorifying and worshipping. This passage sets Jesus apart from any other prophet that walked this earth. Moses and Elijah did not have the power to rescue the entire world. God was the one who enacted through them, but they by no means, deserve any glory or praise. It all belongs to Jesus Christ alone.
It is important that even in today’s world, that we are careful not to elevate our church elders, leaders and pastors. They are men and women in whom God has chosen to do His work but they are no means a way to salvation. Salvation can only be found in Jesus Christ alone and it is through His death on the cross and resurrection that we are able to find forgiveness of our sins and secure our place in eternity with Him.